Surrogacy Agency Audit Checklist

A structured evaluation framework for assessing surrogacy agency operations. This checklist covers escrow management, legal representation structures, surrogate screening protocols, financial transparency, and contractual safeguards.

By Rich Vaughn

Escrow and Financial Controls

Escrow is managed by an independent, bonded escrow company, not by the agency itself
Intended parents receive itemized escrow statements at regular intervals
Escrow funds are held in a dedicated trust account, not commingled with agency operating funds
The agency provides a written breakdown of all fees before contract execution
Refund policies and conditions are documented and disclosed prior to engagement

Legal Representation

The surrogate has independent legal counsel: not provided or recommended by the agency
The intended parents have separate legal counsel from the surrogate
The agency does not draft surrogacy agreements or provide legal advice
Parentage order process and timeline are documented before match

Surrogate Screening

Medical screening follows ASRM guidelines
Psychological evaluation is performed by a licensed mental health professional
Background checks are completed and documented
The surrogate has had at least one prior successful pregnancy carried to term
Screening results are shared with intended parents before match confirmation

Operational Transparency

The agency discloses its case volume, average match time, and completion rate
The agency discloses any legal actions, complaints, or regulatory findings
Communication protocols between intended parents and surrogate are defined in writing
The agency maintains professional liability insurance

Knowledge Graph

Related reference pages and tools in this system.

Core References

Clinical Models

/clinical/ivf-attrition-model

Legal and Governance

/authority

Tools

Sources

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) national reports, https://www.sart.org
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) statistics, https://www.hfea.gov.uk
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), https://www.eshre.eu

This checklist is for educational orientation. It does not constitute legal advice. Jurisdiction-specific counsel is required for surrogacy arrangements.