Best Surrogacy Agencies in Texas (2026)

Texas is one of the largest surrogacy markets in the United States — and for good reason. The state has more active surrogates than almost anywhere else in the country, a clear statutory framework for gestational surrogacy contracts, and fertility clinics in every major city. For intended parents, that means options. For prospective surrogates, it means real competition for the best compensation packages.

Choosing the right agency from that pool is where most people get stuck. Every agency makes similar claims about support, screening, and matching. Very few let you evaluate what actually matters: who is overseeing the medical process, how fast they can match, and exactly what surrogates earn. This guide does that work for you.

We’ve compared seven of the best surrogacy agencies in Texas for 2026, evaluated for both intended parents and surrogates. Physician’s Surrogacy appears first — we’re transparent about that — and every other agency on this list has earned its place on verifiable facts.

Texas Surrogacy Law: What You Need to Know

Texas is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country, with a dedicated statutory framework that gives both intended parents and surrogates clear legal protections before a single embryo transfer takes place.

Gestational surrogacy in Texas is governed by Texas Family Code §§160.751–160.763. Here is what the law actually requires:

• The gestational agreement must be in writing and signed by all parties — including the surrogate, her spouse if she is married, and the intended parents.
• The contract must be validated by a Texas court before embryo transfer. This court validation is what makes the agreement legally enforceable and establishes parentage before birth.
• The agreement must be finalized at least 14 days before the scheduled embryo transfer date.
• At least one party — either the surrogate or the intended parents — must have resided in Texas for at least 90 days before a parentage action is filed.
• The surrogate cannot use her own eggs. Under §160.754(c), eggs must come from an intended parent or a donor, which is why Texas law only governs gestational surrogacy, not traditional surrogacy.
• Donors of eggs, sperm, or embryos are not legal parents of the resulting child under §160.702.

The statute specifically references married intended parents, but Texas courts have routinely validated gestational agreements and issued pre-birth parentage orders for unmarried couples, single intended parents, and LGBTQ+ families. In practice, Texas is considered accessible to all family types — the right reproductive attorney makes the difference.

Pre-birth parentage orders are standard in Texas, meaning the intended parents’ names go directly on the birth certificate. Post-birth adoption proceedings are typically not required.

What to Look for in a Texas Surrogacy Agency

The legal framework above sets the floor. What separates a strong agency from an average one comes down to five things.

• Medical oversight. Texas surrogacy contracts require medical screening, but they don’t specify who conducts it or how rigorously. Most agencies outsource medical decisions entirely to the IVF clinic. A small number have physician involvement built into the agency itself.
• Matching speed. Texas has the largest surrogate population in the country. Agencies with well-maintained pre-screened pools should be matching faster than the industry standard of 6–12 months.
• Pricing transparency. Texas’s lower cost of living makes it one of the more affordable states for surrogacy in the U.S. Flat-rate and guarantee programs still vary widely — always ask what’s included and when fees are charged.
• Surrogate compensation. Texas surrogates typically earn less than California surrogates due to cost-of-living differences, but compensation ranges widely across agencies. The full package — monthly allowances, milestone bonuses, escrow protections — matters as much as the headline number.
• LGBTQ+ and single parent support. Texas courts routinely issue pre-birth orders to LGBTQ+ and single intended parents, but the process requires an experienced reproductive attorney. Agencies with dedicated legal expertise for these family types are worth prioritizing.

7 Best Surrogacy Agencies in Texas

Here is a quick comparison of all seven agencies, followed by a full breakdown of each.

Surrogate pay and IP costs reflect publicly available figures. Total intended parent costs vary based on IVF needs, number of transfers, egg donor requirements, legal fees, and surrogate experience. Texas surrogates generally earn less than California counterparts due to cost-of-living adjustments.

1. Physician’s Surrogacy (Serves Texas)

Physician’s Surrogacy is the only surrogacy agency in the United States managed by practicing OB/GYNs.

That is the single most important differentiator in this comparison — because it determines who is actually accountable for the medical side of your surrogacy journey. At every other agency on this list, medical decisions default to the IVF clinic.

At Physician’s Surrogacy, board-certified obstetricians employed by the agency design the screening protocols, monitor clinical communications after every appointment, and can consult peer-to-peer with a surrogate’s managing OB when complications arise.

Physician’s Surrogacy operates out of San Diego and serves surrogates and intended parents across Texas. We arrange pre-screening and prenatal care locally — Texas surrogates never travel to California.

For intended parents:

• Flat-rate Surrogacy Guarantee Program starting at $135,000–$140,000+ – we charge no agency fees until we confirm your surrogate match.
• Average match time of one week — significantly faster than the industry standard, made possible by the largest active surrogate pool in the country.
• Preterm delivery rate 50% below the national average, a direct result of physician-designed screening.
• Optional OB-ordered antenatal testing: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), NT Sonogram, AFP Quad Screen, and Fetal Echocardiogram — not available through non-physician agencies.
• 24/7 multilingual coordinator access, including WeChat support for international intended parents.
• Texas surrogates pre-screened and monitored locally; no travel to California required.

For surrogates:

• Base compensation of $55,000–$75,000+, with Texas surrogates earning within this range based on experience and local cost-of-living.
• Monthly household allowance, maternity clothing stipend, and milestone bonuses including medical clearance, legal clearance, embryo transfer, C-section, and multiples bonuses.
• All compensation secured in escrow before the journey begins.
• The Medically Cleared Program allows Texas surrogates to complete medical and psychological clearance before matching, compressing the timeline from match to embryo transfer to as little as four weeks. A pre-pregnancy payout of $11,000 is available through this track.
• 3–6 months of post-delivery support — more than most agencies publicly offer.

The one limitation worth noting: Physician’s Surrogacy focuses exclusively on gestational surrogacy and does not offer egg donation services within the same program.

Best For

Intended parents who want physician-grade medical oversight, fast matching, and flat-rate pricing with no fees until match. Texas surrogates who want the strongest medical safety program available and competitive compensation secured through escrow before the journey begins.

2. Hatch Fertility (Serves Texas)

Hatch Fertility was founded in 1991 and is one of the most established agencies operating in Texas. Based in Los Angeles, Hatch serves Texas intended parents and actively recruits Texas surrogates. The agency offers egg donation and surrogacy in a single program, partnering with Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA) for physician oversight of the medical stages.

For intended parents:

• Over 30 years of operation, with more than 8,000 successful journeys facilitated.
• Combined egg donation and surrogacy services — a significant advantage for intended parents who need both.
• Rigorous screening accepting only the top 5% of surrogate and egg donor candidates.
• “Peace of Mind Program”: all-inclusive pricing covering unlimited egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and surrogate rematches until live birth.
• Estimated total costs: $90,000–$200,000+ depending on program and journey variables.
• Matching speed: approximately 3–10 months.

For surrogates:

• Base compensation starting at $61,100 for first-time Texas surrogates, increasing by $10,000 for each subsequent completed journey.
• Additional benefits include medical and legal clearance bonuses, lost wages coverage, childcare allowances, and multiples/C-section bonuses.
• All funds held in escrow.
• Staff composed largely of former surrogates and egg donors.

Physician oversight at Hatch comes through the PFCLA clinic partnership rather than in-house OB/GYNs employed by the agency. For intended parents who need egg donation and surrogacy coordinated in one place, Hatch’s integrated model is one of the strongest nationally available options serving Texas.

Best For

Texas intended parents who need egg donation and surrogacy in the same program, or who want the financial certainty of an unlimited-transfer guarantee package. Surrogates who value working with an agency staffed by people with personal surrogacy experience.

3. Circle Surrogacy (Serves Texas)

Circle Surrogacy was founded in 1995 by John Weltman, a lawyer and gay dad whose own children were born through surrogacy. Headquartered in Boston, Circle has served Texas intended parents and surrogates for over 30 years. The agency’s strength is its legal and financial infrastructure — in-house attorneys and a bonded escrow program that has protected funds for more than 5,000 clients.

For intended parents:

• Over 3,800 babies born through their programs across three decades.
• Journey Protection Guarantee Program at $189,500, covering agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal work, and key insurance — including unlimited embryo transfers.
• In-house legal team with specialists in cross-border and LGBTQ+ parentage, experienced with Texas court practice for unmarried and single intended parents.
• Journey Protection™ Escrow: independently managed, 100% funded upfront before the journey begins.
• Matching speed: 30 days or less for surrogates; 3–9 months for intended parents depending on preferences.

For surrogates:

• Surrogate compensation up to $70,000+ including base pay and additional benefits.
• Journey Protection™ Pay Promise: 100% guaranteed compensation backed by fully funded escrow — no Circle surrogate has ever been unpaid.
• Social worker assigned exclusively to each surrogate for the entire journey.
• All expenses covered: travel, meals, gas, maternity clothing, and more.
• Post-delivery benefits through the fourth trimester.
• Match guarantee of 30 days or less for approved surrogate applicants.

Circle is a non-medical agency — clinical oversight comes through the intended parents’ IVF clinic. Its strength is legal infrastructure, financial protection, and three decades of track record.

Best For

LGBTQ+ and married intended parents who want in-house legal support, a financial guarantee program, and one of the most thoroughly protected surrogate compensation structures available. Surrogates who want guaranteed pay and dedicated social work support throughout the journey.

4. American Surrogacy (Serves Texas)

American Surrogacy is a national agency that actively serves Texas intended parents and surrogates. The agency offers three program tiers designed to match different budgets and risk tolerances, from full-service programs with financial protections to a coordination-only option for families who already have a surrogate identified.

For intended parents:

• Three program options: Limited Risk Program ($202,500+) with coverage for failed transfers and rematches; Foundation Program ($187,500+) with traditional fee structure and lower upfront cost; Independent Program ($24,000+) for coordination-only when a surrogate is already identified.
• Matching speed: 1–4 months — one of the faster national agencies serving Texas.
• Every intended parent is assigned a dedicated case specialist throughout the journey.
• Compensation managed through a licensed escrow service.
• Serves single parents and LGBTQ+ families.

For surrogates:

• Surrogate base compensation in Texas starting at $55,000, with total packages including reimbursements ranging from $55,000–$110,000+.
• Covered expenses include travel, lost wages, maternity supplies, childcare, and health-related costs.
• Transparent compensation terms from the first consultation.

American Surrogacy’s three-tier structure gives intended parents more budget flexibility than most agencies. The Foundation Program’s lower upfront cost is appealing, but carries more financial exposure if the journey doesn’t proceed as expected. The Limited Risk Program offers more protection for families who want predictable costs.

Best For

Intended parents who want program flexibility and a faster-than-average national agency with Texas surrogate access. Surrogates in Texas who want clear compensation terms and a nationally established case management team.

5. Simple Surrogacy (Dallas, TX)

Simple Surrogacy is the oldest and largest surrogacy agency based in Texas, with over 22 years of operation out of Dallas. Founded and run by an all-female staff, every team member has personal experience in surrogacy — as a surrogate, egg donor, or intended parent. The agency offers gestational surrogacy services as well as per-hour fertility consulting for clients who want guidance without full program enrollment.

For intended parents:

• Over 22 years of Texas-based surrogacy experience — the longest-running agency with a local Texas presence on this list.
• Full-service program coordinating every step from surrogate matching through birth.
• Unlimited free rematching offered to intended parents if a match falls through.
• Texas-based operations mean lower agency overhead — no state income tax in Texas reduces operating costs that would otherwise be passed to clients.
• All-inclusive agency support for traditional, LGBTQ+, and single-parent families regardless of background.

For surrogates:

• Surrogate base compensation in Texas: $40,000–$50,000+ depending on experience — lower than national agencies on this list.
• Monthly expense allowance of approximately $500.
• Texas-based pre-screening: Simple Surrogacy has preferential rates with Texas fertility clinics, which lowers medical screening costs.
• Staff with firsthand surrogacy experience provides a uniquely personal support perspective.

Simple Surrogacy’s compensation range is the lowest among agencies on this list. The trade-off is a deeply Texas-rooted team with local clinic relationships and over two decades of experience in the Texas legal and medical environment. Surrogates who prioritize working with a Texas-based team over maximizing compensation may find this a strong fit.

Best For

Intended parents who want a long-established, locally rooted Texas agency with lower overhead costs. Surrogates who value working with an all-female Texas team with firsthand surrogacy experience and strong local clinic access.

6. Shared Conception (Houston + Dallas)

Shared Conception is a boutique Texas surrogacy agency founded in 2011 by Shiva Landry, who has an MBA and personal experience with infertility. The agency operates out of two Texas offices — Houston and Dallas — and focuses exclusively on gestational surrogacy. Landry is a member of both ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) and SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy). Shared Conception is structured for high-touch, personalized service at a lower agency fee than national programs.

For intended parents:

• Two Texas offices in Houston and Dallas, both near major international airports — a practical advantage for international intended parents traveling to work with a Texas surrogate.
• Published full-service agency fee of $28,000 — one of the lowest published fees among reputable agencies on this list.
• No payment required until match confirmed; fees paid in three installments across the journey.
• Non-commingled, independent escrow accounts — client funds are never pooled with agency funds or with other clients’ funds.
• Serves traditional couples, LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and international intended parents.
• Coordination-only program available for families who bring their own surrogate.

For surrogates:

• Surrogate compensation is negotiated individually and not published publicly; surrogates should request a full breakdown during consultation.
• Strict screening process — the agency is selective about surrogate candidates.
• Dedicated coordinator support from initial inquiry through delivery.

Shared Conception’s $28,000 agency fee is one of the lowest published rates among reputable agencies, but total journey costs still reach $100,000+ once surrogate compensation, legal fees, and medical expenses are factored in. The boutique model means more individual attention but a smaller active surrogate pool than national programs.

Best For

Intended parents who want a local Texas agency with lower agency fees, transparent payment terms, and personalized case management from a founder-led team. Surrogates in the Houston or Dallas area who want a boutique, relationship-driven Texas agency experience.

7. ConceiveAbilities (Serves Texas)

Founded in 1996, ConceiveAbilities is a national agency that serves Texas intended parents and surrogates through its broader U.S. network. The agency has facilitated thousands of pregnancies over nearly three decades and is known for its Matching Matters® philosophy — prioritizing compatibility between intended parents and surrogates over raw speed.

For intended parents:

• Nearly 30 years of operation.
• Combined egg donation and surrogacy in a single program.
• “All-In” fixed-fee program at approximately $197,500, covering agency fees, surrogate compensation, and key legal costs.
• Matching Matters® program focuses on long-term compatibility — surrogates and intended parents are paired on shared values and communication style alongside standard logistics.
• Matching speed: approximately 2–6 months.

For surrogates:

• Surrogate base compensation up to $75,000 for first-time carriers — among the highest published first-timer rates nationally, available to Texas surrogates as well.
• Pre-pregnancy compensation available.
• Strong surrogate support and retention — many surrogates return for second and third journeys.
• Texas surrogates have access to the full national case management team.

ConceiveAbilities’ $75,000 first-time surrogate compensation is a standout for Texas surrogates, who typically earn less through Texas-based agencies. The trade-off is longer match timelines than agencies with pre-cleared surrogate pools, and total intended parent costs among the higher end on this list.

Best For

Texas surrogates who want maximum first-time compensation and a national agency with strong retention. Intended parents who prioritize long-term surrogate compatibility and want combined egg donation services in one program.

How We Evaluated These Agencies

These seven agencies were selected based on criteria that matter for both sides of the surrogacy relationship.

• Physician and clinical oversight. The most important structural question: who is managing the medical process? A coordinator? A contracted third-party physician? In-house, board-certified OB/GYNs? This criterion separates medically rigorous programs from coordination-only services.
• Matching speed and surrogate pool quality. Texas has the largest surrogate population of any U.S. state. Agencies that actively recruit, pre-screen, and maintain a ready pool should match faster than the industry norm. One to four months is competitive; one week is exceptional.
• Financial transparency and protections. Texas surrogacy costs less than California on average, but unexpected mid-journey costs are still a real risk. Flat-rate, all-inclusive, and limited-risk programs were weighted positively. When fees are charged — before or after match — also matters.
• Surrogate compensation and escrow security. Texas surrogate base compensation ranges from $40,000 to $75,000+ across agencies on this list — a wide spread. Surrogates should evaluate not just the base number but escrow structure, payment guarantees, and post-delivery support.
• LGBTQ+ and single parent support. Texas courts routinely issue pre-birth orders to LGBTQ+ and single intended parents in practice, even though the statute references married couples. Agencies with legal teams experienced in navigating these pathways received additional weight.

No agency paid to be on this list. Physician’s Surrogacy is our parent organization — disclosed here and throughout.

The Question Every Texas Surrogate and Intended Parent Should Ask

Choosing among the best surrogacy agencies in Texas comes down to two separate questions — one for each side of the journey.

For intended parents: who is actually managing the medical process? For surrogates: who is responsible for your health if something goes wrong mid-pregnancy? At most agencies on this list, the honest answer to both is: the IVF clinic. At Physician’s Surrogacy, the answer is a board-certified OB/GYN employed by the agency itself.

If that distinction matters to you, talk to our team before making a decision — no commitment required.

FAQ

What is the best surrogacy agency in Texas?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for physician oversight and fast matching, Physician’s Surrogacy is the only agency managed by in-house OB/GYNs. For Texas-based roots and lower agency fees, Simple Surrogacy and Shared Conception are the longest-standing local options. For financial guarantee programs with national track records, Circle Surrogacy and American Surrogacy are both strong. Lastly, for combined egg donation and surrogacy, Hatch Fertility and ConceiveAbilities integrate both services. Use the evaluation criteria above to identify what matters most to your situation.

How much does surrogacy cost in Texas?

Total surrogacy costs in Texas typically range from $130,000 to $220,000+, depending on the agency program, surrogate compensation, IVF costs, legal fees, and the number of embryo transfer attempts. Texas is generally less expensive than California due to lower cost of living — but that advantage is most visible in surrogate compensation, not agency fees. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to surrogacy costs.

How much do surrogates get paid in Texas?

Texas surrogate base compensation ranges from approximately $40,000 to $75,000+ depending on the agency, experience level, and cost-of-living adjustments. National agencies serving Texas — Physician’s Surrogacy, Hatch, and ConceiveAbilities — typically offer higher base rates than Texas-based agencies, reflecting national compensation benchmarks. Total packages including monthly allowances, milestone bonuses, and reimbursements exceed the base figure. For a full breakdown, see our surrogate compensation page.

Is surrogacy legal in Texas?

Yes. Gestational surrogacy is permitted under Texas Family Code §§160.751–160.763. The law requires a written agreement signed by all parties, court validation of the contract before embryo transfer, and finalization at least 14 days before the scheduled transfer. At least one party must have resided in Texas for 90 days before a parentage action is filed. Pre-birth parentage orders are standard, meaning intended parents’ names go directly on the birth certificate without post-birth adoption proceedings. While the statute references married intended parents, Texas courts routinely grant pre-birth orders to single parents and LGBTQ+ couples — consult a reproductive attorney for current practice in your county.

How long does it take to match with a surrogate in Texas?

Texas has the largest surrogate population in the U.S., which means agencies with well-maintained active pools can match faster than the national average. American Surrogacy matches in 1–4 months. Circle Surrogacy guarantees surrogate matches in 30 days or less. Physician’s Surrogacy averages one week due to the size of their pre-screened pool and the Medically Cleared Program, which allows surrogates to complete clearance before matching begins. Ask any agency you’re evaluating for their current active pool size and average time from initial consultation to confirmed match.

Do I need to travel to California to work with Physician’s Surrogacy as a Texas surrogate?

No. Physician’s Surrogacy coordinates pre-screening and prenatal care locally in Texas. Medical appointments, psychological evaluations, and prenatal monitoring all happen near your home. The agency’s physician team handles coordination with your local OB and IVF clinic, with peer-to-peer OB consultation available when complications arise.

What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy in Texas?

Gestational surrogacy — the standard for all agencies on this list — uses an embryo created through IVF with genetic material from the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child, and this arrangement is explicitly protected under Texas Family Code §§160.751–160.763. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, is not covered by the statute and is treated similarly to an adoption proceeding under Texas law. For a full explanation, see our overview of gestational surrogacy.

How do I know which Texas surrogacy agency is the safest for my health as a surrogate?

Ask any agency who designed the screening protocol and who monitors your pregnancy once you’re matched. Most agencies coordinate with your IVF clinic but have no medical staff of their own. Physician’s Surrogacy is the only agency where the screening process is designed by in-house board-certified OB/GYNs — a model that has produced a preterm delivery rate 50% below the national average. For more on what physician-led screening looks like in practice, see our Physician’s Advantage page.

Julianna Nikolic

Chief Strategy Officer Julianna Nikolic leads strategic initiatives, focusing on growth, innovation, and patient-centered solutions in the reproductive sciences sector. With 26+ years of management experience and a strong entrepreneurial background, she brings deep expertise to advancing reproductive healthcare.