#46 What does a surrogacy agency fee really cover?
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Episode Notes
Wondering why surrogacy agency fees are so expensive—and what they actually include?
You’re not alone. When you're already spending six figures to grow your family, a $40,000+ agency fee can feel impossible to justify—especially when you’re not sure what’s really included.
In this conversation, we unpack the real value of agency support, what services the fee does (and doesn’t) cover, and how to evaluate if it’s worth it—or if independent surrogacy might be the smarter path.
🎧 Press play to gain clarity, compare options, and protect your budget before you commit.
What You’ll Learn:
03:47 — What an agency really does for intended parents (beyond matching)
10:18 — Why surrogate screening is so crucial—and time-consuming
14:22 — Different fee structures: upfront, phased, and deferred
17:40 — The part most intended parents miss: refund policies
20:32 — What’s not included in your agency fee (and what to budget for separately)
24:56 — Why a higher fee doesn’t always mean better service
Resources Mentioned:
Insider Tips for Picking a Surrogacy Agency - Surrogacy Playbook (inside BloomBridge)
Surrogacy SmartSheet - Stay organized with your agency interviews
SMS #9 - Steal my process to picking a great agency - insider tips you don't want to miss
SMS #33 - Premium Surrogates for Extra Bucks? The Truth About Two-Tier Surrogacy Systems
Surrogacy Cost Calculator - Free on Web and BloomBridge
Key Takeaways:
Most agency fees range from $20,000 to $50,000+
Matching, screening, and coordination are covered—surrogate comp, legal, and medical are not
Fee structures and refund policies vary—read the fine print
Going independent is an option, but it’s a full-time job without support
🎧 Getting serious about your surrogacy journey? Use the BloomBridge App to compare agency costs and uncover what you’re really paying for—before you sign anything.
“Agency support can be priceless—but only if you know what you’re getting for your money.”
About the Host
Dr. Alyssa Small Layne is a board-certified OB/GYN and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, but more importantly, she's someone who truly gets the surrogacy journey. After navigating her own struggles with fibroids, infertility, and surrogacy, she founded JUNIE to make the process easier and more accessible for intended parents.
On Surrogacy Made Simple, Dr. Layne brings her medical expertise and personal experience together to break down surrogacy in a clear, honest, and supportive way—so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.
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