Once a surrogate mother or a set of intended parents has decided to start a surrogacy journey, the first step, after extensive research, is to find a potential match to work with. There are two basic options when it comes to matching for a surrogacy journey: using a surrogacy agency or finding a match independently.

There are several pros and cons to using a surrogacy agency. Some surrogates and intended parents choose to utilize an agency, while others do not. There is no right or wrong way.

Pro: Surrogacy agencies match surrogates and intended parents.

The biggest job of a surrogacy agency is to match potential intended parents with a surrogate mother that meets their needs. This can be a difficult aspect of surrogacy, as many intended parents simply do not know where to begin to find the right match. An agency takes this process out of the parents' hands and provides them with their match.

Pro: Surrogacy agencies set appointments and share experience.

For those who are not experienced in surrogacy, having an agency there to assist both parents and surrogates with paperwork, scheduling testing, coordinating appointments for procedures and evaluations is a lifesaver. This can take much of the uncertainty and stress out of the surrogacy. Agencies are full of experience and both surrogate mothers and intended parents can capitalize on that experience.

Pro: Agencies facilitate compensation discussions.

Talking about money and compensation can make many a surrogate mother and her intended parents uncomfortable. Agencies usually will act as a third party and go between the surrogate and her intended parents, helping the compensation discussions.

Pro: Surrogacy agencies handle escrow

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When it comes to having a third party handle all the monetary transactions between a surrogate and intended parents, a surrogate agency is the perfect fit. As escrow agents, they make all reimbursements and handle payments for the surrogacy.

Con: Agencies are very expensive.

Surrogacy is expensive. Intended parents that are looking to use an agency in their surrogacy will find themselves paying thousands for the use of these services. Many intended parents cannot afford this added cost to surrogacy.

Con: Some policies are set in stone.

Some agencies have policies, such as their compensation for surrogates, set in stone. This makes it difficult to negotiate a higher or lower surrogacy compensation between the intended parents and surrogate mother. Those who do not agree with an agency's policies are likely not to work with the agency, limiting the choices during matching.

Con: Some agencies are biased.

Some agencies, whether by design or by accident, take one side in surrogacy. For instance, an agency run by a former surrogate mother might be more sympathetic to surrogates instead of intended parents. Most likely, an agency will follow the money and will side consistently with the intended parents, thereby rejecting their role as a third party.

Each surrogacy journey is different, and there is no wrong or right. In all cases, a surrogate agency is paid for by the intended parents. Surrogate mothers do not pay to be listed with an agency.