
General Questions
What sets An Eggceptional Match apart?
Since 2002, An Eggceptional Match has been honored to assist in the creation of families. We provide comprehensive support throughout each stage of the journey, ensuring that you are fully informed, guided, and cared for every step of the way. At AEM, our commitment extends beyond service — we treat every individual with the respect and compassion of family.
What books would An Eggceptional Match recommend?
For a curated list of helpful resources, please visit www.donatedeggs.com/books. These materials offer extra support but are not a replacement for medical care or professional counseling.
Do I have to be married to work with a Gestational Carrier or Egg Donor?
An Eggceptional Match proudly works with clients of all races, sexual orientations, ages, marital statuses, and religious beliefs. Because clinic policies and reproductive laws vary by state, we’ll connect you with a licensed reproductive attorney who understands your state’s legal requirements.
How long does it take to be matched?
Does An Eggceptional Match coordinate cycles out of state?
AEM facilitates matches between intended parents and egg donors, as well as gestational carriers (also known as surrogates), both within the United States and internationally.
Is there a dedicated emergency contact number available for 24/7 assistance?
We offer an after-hours contact number; however, in the event of a true medical emergency, we recommend contacting your fertility doctor or dialing 911 for immediate assistance.
Is financing available for intended parents?
Financing programs for IVF are available online through RESOLVE and other sources. Additionally, you may inquire about payment plans or cash payment options directly with your IVF clinic. Please note that participation may vary by clinic.
If our insurance does not cover egg or sperm retrieval, will we be required to pay out of pocket? What is the typical cost for this procedure?
Fees can vary significantly between clinics. For an accurate estimate, please reach out to your clinic directly.
Does the agency apply different fees depending on whether we pay by cash, check, or credit card?
No, your escrow estimate is tailored to your specific journey, and the method of payment will not impact the total cost.
Which expenses related to my journey are eligible for tax deductions?
We are not tax professionals – we recommend consulting with a tax expert to address your specific tax needs. A general guideline is that infertility treatments for the taxpayer, their spouse, or their dependent may be eligible for itemization. For further details, please refer to visit IRS Publication 502
Has the agency been involved in any lawsuits or legal disputes?
No.
Egg Donor Process
What steps can I expect with my egg donor journey?
AEM will be here to support you throughout the egg donation process as each journey is unique. You are welcome to review our process flow for a detailed overview here.
What type of donations are there?
Anonymous:
No identifying information is exchanged, and there is no direct contact between the parties. While complete anonymity can’t be guaranteed due to technology, we take all necessary steps to protect identities. The Donor-Conceived Persons and Families of Donor-Conceived Persons Protection Act requires that medical histories be shared, and donor-conceived individuals can access identifying info once they reach adulthood.
Semi-open/Semi-known:
Only first names are shared, and AEM may facilitate a video meeting. Once names are exchanged, complete anonymity can no longer be guaranteed.
Open:
Full demographic information is shared. This option may foster a relationship, allow for annual updates, or facilitate sharing of medical information.
How are egg donors selected?
An Eggceptional Match carefully reviews each applicant before approval. We disqualify women with medical or social histories that make them ineligible for donation. The ideal candidate is a healthy women between the ages of 19 and 33 with no history of genetic abnormalities that could be passed on to offspring.
How much will the egg donation process cost?
Several factors can influence the cost of your cycle such as egg donor location and her compensation request. Please visit our Donor Egg Program (Intended Parents) page to view the Fees and Payment Schedule or call our office directly.
What types of rules/laws are in place to protect us?
Egg donation is regulated by federal and state laws, along with ethical guidelines to protect all parties. An Eggceptional Match will refer you to a licensed attorney in your state to guide you through the process.
What if the agency cancels the cycle because of poor performance?
The agency does not make this decision as this would be determined by your fertility doctor. You will be responsible for all charges related to your cycle up until the point of cancellation. Agency fees will be based on your position in the cycle at the time of cancellation.
Does the agency adhere to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Guidelines for Oocyte Donation?
AEM strives to follow the guidelines set forth by the ASRM, however, your clinical team will be able to provide the best course of action based on the specifics of your journey.
Gestational Carrier Journey
What steps can I expect with my surrogacy journey?
AEM is here to support you throughout your surrogacy journey as we recognize that each journey is Eggceptional in its own special ways. We invite you to review our process flow for a comprehensive overview here.
Does the GC undergo a psychological screening before being placed on any prospective lists? Who performs this screening?
Our experienced GC’s have been screened, however, all testing must be completed and/or updated according to your clinic’s policies. This may be done by in-house staff at your fertility clinic or outsourced to a licensed social worker or a Ph.D. specialized in our field. First-time carriers will not be screened until they are chosen as most clinics will determine who they want to use for screening and will require screening at the time of the cycle.
Does the GC’s religious preference or cultural beliefs have an effect on choosing us as IPs?
Yes, it could as you will also need to be selected by the gestational carrier you are interested in. This is equally her journey – she will have thoughts and input regarding the relationship.
What if our gestational carrier does not become pregnant with the first embryo transfer?
It is common for the Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA) to be drafted reflecting a negotiated number of transfer attempts within a 12 to 18-month period.
If the GC is in another state, will we receive the results, especially from ultrasounds?
Yes, the clinic will send the results directly to you, your GC, and the agency. AEM will also ensure all parties are updated as information becomes available.
What type of legal contract is necessary to protect both myself and the gestational carrier?
Your Gestational Carrier Agreement will be tailored specifically for gestational surrogacy in the state where the birth will occur. It will include all information pertaining to finances, the birth plan, as well as all expectations of the parties participating. In Colorado, a Pre-Birth Order (PBO) will legally establish the parent(s) of the child before delivery.
What is included in a legal contract that a we would sign?
This is a very lengthy and detailed document that your attorney will draft and review with you prior to finalization and filing. It typically covers issues such as parental rights, compensation, medical procedures, health requirements, and the handling of potential complications during the pregnancy.
What happens if the GC changes her mind before or during the process? Do we have anything to protect us legally?
Since we do not arrange traditional surrogacy (where the baby has a biological link to the GC) you are more protected. Your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the GC, will be outlined in the Gestational Carrier Agreement, notarized before being filed in the birth state. Additionally, all GCs undergo thorough medical and psychological screening by your clinical team before approval for embryo transfer.
What protections are in place if the gestational carrier smokes, drinks, or gets into an abusive situation that could harm herself or the baby?
Everyone starts a surrogacy journey with the best intentions, but it’s important to address potential concerns in your Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA). Legal protection matters, but open communication and a strong relationship with your carrier are just as important to keep everyone on the same page.
Will we have to adopt our baby once its born since I did not deliver my baby?
Colorado allows for a Pre-Birth Order (PBO) to be filed between 16-20 weeks gestation. In other states, this process varies depending on the county, statute and/or the judge. Your attorney will be able to best advise you.
After birth, what is the legal process to establish parental rights? How long does it take, and how long must we stay in the GC’s state before bringing the baby home?
Laws vary by state. In Colorado, your attorney will file a pre-birth order between 16–20 weeks of pregnancy so you’re listed as the legal parent(s) on the birth certificate at birth. AEM will connect you with an attorney familiar with your state’s laws to guide you through the process.
Once your baby is discharged from the hospital, you’re free to take them home.
How much is the GC compensated, and when is payment dispersed? Does she set her own compensation, and what determines the amount?
At An Eggceptional Match, the gestational carrier sets her own compensation, and we guide her based on industry standards. Payments are made as the journey progresses and certain milestones are met. Base compensation begins after your clinic confirms two fetal heartbeats.
A third-party escrow handles all payments, following the terms outlined in your Gestational Carrier Agreement.
Can you guarantee a fixed cost for our gestational carrier journey?
No, each individual journey is different and comes with “variable expenses”. While we can’t guarantee a fixed price, we provide a detailed overview of variable expenses for your review within our fee structure.
Can the cost be lessened/reduced at all?
The cost varies based on the GC you select, her insurance coverage, travel expenses, and variable reimbursements.
Can certain items be removed from the fee list if they are deemed not needed or necessary?
The fee schedule is a comprehensive list of potential expenditures to help meet your budgetary needs. The Gestational Carrier Agreement will outline the total estimated cost, along with a detailed breakdown of all approved expenses.
Does the agency recommend an escrow service?
AEM has a close working relationship with SeedTrust escrow, however, we remain open to working with any established and reputable escrow company.
If we pay for the GC expenses does the agency provide an itemized list of expenses? Do we get this list before paying anything?
The agreed-upon fee schedule lists all variable costs to help you plan financially for your journey. The third-party escrow holder will also send you itemized statements showing any payments made from your account.
Are the fees refundable if we change our mind, or if the GC backs out of the agreement?
Fees for the agency, GC, attorneys, escrow, and others accumulate as the cycle progresses. Once disbursed, they are non-refundable.
Your Agency Fees may be transferred to another GC if you decide to choose an alternative candidate from our program prior to legal clearance. However, there may be additional fees to interview, screen, and re-match you with a new candidate.
Why is it more expensive for a 2nd or 3rd time GC, rather than a first time GC?
An experienced gestational carrier brings confidence and ease to the process, reducing stress for everyone involved. She often already understands the cycle, may have maternity clothes on hand, and could reuse a completed psychological screening—saving time and money for the intended parents. Her past success also shows she’s responsible, emotionally stable, and fully capable of meeting her commitments.
What expenses does the GC’s insurance cover, relieving us of financial responsibility? Why is it crucial for the GC to have surrogacy coverage in their policy? In what ways does this benefit us financially?
What is covered largely depends on the type of insurance the GC has. You will be responsible for any increase in premiums related to maternity benefits, including co-payments and deductibles. The insurance will only apply once an ongoing pregnancy is confirmed, with all treatments leading up to that point remaining the responsibility of the Intended Parent(s).
While a GC with her own insurance can save you money on monthly premiums throughout the pregnancy, it is rare to find policies without clear exclusions.
What type of medical coverage for the carrier does the agency provide and what are the terms?
AEM will refer you to an unbiased third-party specialist to review the insurance policy of your chosen carrier to determine policy eligibility for a surrogacy cycle. If the GC has a clear exclusion or is uninsured, the broker will assist you and your chosen GC in securing a policy to be used during the pregnancy and delivery. This coverage will not take effect until a confirmed pregnancy has been established by the clinic. You will be responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses until this milestone has been met.