Surrogacy Partnership: The Heart-Centered Agency Changing the Way Families Are Built

Interview by Heather Anderson

Jessica Busman knows firsthand how life-changing surrogacy can be—not just for the intended parents who finally get to hold their baby, but for the surrogates who help make it possible. After becoming a two-time surrogate herself, Jessica co-founded Surrogacy Partnership, a boutique agency that does things differently. Built on compassion, transparency, and personal connection, the agency has quietly earned a reputation for matches that stick, journeys that feel deeply supported, and relationships that last well beyond delivery day. In this interview, Jessica shares how it all began, what makes her agency unique, and what every mom should know about surrogacy—whether she’s considering it for herself or just wants to understand it better.

You were a surrogate not once but twice—and that alone would be a life-changing experience. But it didn’t stop there. Can you take us back to that chapter of your life? What called you to surrogacy in the first place, and how did those two experiences shape who you are today?

It actually started like many big things in my life—as a passing thought that popped into my head and felt like a fit. I didn’t have a long lead-up or some major event. I was just someone who loved pregnancy, had an easy time getting and staying pregnant, and it hit me one day: not everyone is this lucky.

I remember sitting at a work meeting, listening to a coworker share how he and his wife had struggled with infertility and needed IVF. That was one of those moments where it all clicked. I had never really considered that not everyone gets to make a plan and have it work. I had. So it made sense to use that privilege to help someone else.

After two incredible journeys as a surrogate, my intended mother—who happened to be an IVF doctor herself—looked me in the eye over birthday dinner and said, "You should start your own agency." That one sentence changed my life. She started referring patients to me almost immediately, and the rest just fell into place.

“Surrogates don’t do this because they have to. They do it because they can and want to.”
— Jessica Busman

Making the leap from surrogate to founder isn’t exactly common. When you launched Surrogacy Partnership, how did your own experience shape the way you built the agency? What did you want to do differently from the big, impersonal programs?

I worked with a larger agency during my own journeys, and while I had a fine experience, I knew there were things I wanted to do differently. I’m a pretty independent person, but not everyone is. Some people need more support, more information, more presence. I built our agency to be what I wish existed for others: intimate, transparent, and responsive.

Our team is available evenings, weekends, holidays—because real life doesn’t only happen during business hours. And I show up in person for major moments: transfers, screenings, births. Recently I flew across the country just to be present for a surrogate’s embryo transfer. That’s not something we charge extra for; it’s just part of how we work.

Your agency is known for its intimate, “hand-holding” approach. What does that actually look like in practice—for surrogates and for intended parents?

Every match we make is deeply personal. We don’t rush. We screen thoroughly. We ask the right questions. We listen. That care shows up in little ways—like how we facilitate early calls and prep everyone with full transparency, or how we send medical records to the clinic for approval before we even schedule a match meeting. We make sure everyone is truly ready before we move forward.

And that’s why, to this day, every single match meeting we’ve hosted has led to a successful pairing. That’s unheard of.

Without revealing too much personal detail, can you share a story or a moment that really moved you—a match that just felt magical, or a journey that reminded you why you do this work?

Yes—this just happened recently. I went with a local surrogate and intended parents to an IVF appointment. We were expecting to see development milestones like the fetal pole and yolk sac. But we saw and heard the heartbeat.

The parents, who had never gotten this far in a pregnancy before, started crying. They turned to me and said, "You’re part of our team. We need you there next time too." That’s the kind of bond that forms when you do this work the way we do. You’re not just running a business; you’re being invited into one of the most sacred, emotional chapters of someone’s life.

What do you wish more people understood about surrogates—these incredible women you get to work with?

Surrogates don’t do this because they have to. They do it because they can and want to. Most of our surrogates loved being pregnant. They had uncomplicated deliveries and a desire to help others experience that same joy. They’re the type of people who light up at the idea of giving another family the gift of parenthood.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about surrogacy you find yourself correcting again and again?

The biggest one? "How could you give your baby away?" But the baby isn’t ours to begin with. We only do gestational surrogacy, which means the surrogate has no genetic link to the child. She’s the oven—not the recipe. It’s about carrying, not creating.

Another misconception is that surrogacy is some transactional, commercial thing. When done ethically, with care and intention, it’s one of the most beautiful acts of generosity I’ve ever seen.

You said every single match meeting your agency has ever hosted has ended in a successful pairing. That’s not something most agencies can say. What’s your secret?

It’s the order and integrity of the process. We only arrange match meetings after the surrogate has passed all her screenings—medical records, background checks, psychological eval. And we make sure the IVF doctor has signed off on her medical records too.

Once we know both sides are fully ready and aligned, we schedule a call where I facilitate the conversation, including some of the harder questions. By then, there’s already mutual interest and a green light from all the professionals involved.

You’re not doing this work alone. You and your husband, Chris, co-run the agency together. What’s it like working with your partner?

We each stay in our lanes—and thank goodness for that. Chris handles all the financial aspects: escrow setup, reimbursements, monthly reports. I focus on the people: guiding, supporting, and being there emotionally. We couldn’t do this without both sides. And having both of us home and present has been a gift to our two daughters, too.

Surrogacy seems emotionally complex for everyone involved. How do you hold space for all of it—the hope, the heartbreak, the waiting, the joy?

By listening. So much of my job is just being there. Letting people talk. Creating room for big feelings. There have been pregnancy losses, frustrations, misunderstandings—but we work through all of it with compassion. I take hard calls when needed, and I stay calm when things get overwhelming. I think people can feel that I genuinely care.

Whether they’re a first-time surrogate or a hopeful parent, is there a part of this journey that tends to catch people off guard once they’re in it?

The timeline. Many expect it to be quick. But even when a surrogate is medically ready, delays can happen. Bodies don’t always follow our calendars. People need to be flexible and patient. One of my own journeys took three years—that taught me everything I needed to know about perseverance.

You’ve worked in the infertility world for over a decade. What’s changed, for better or worse? And where do you hope things are headed?

Surrogacy has become more accepted, more visible, and more normalized. But we’ve also seen challenges—like changes to abortion laws making some states riskier, or international bans based on discrimination. My hope is that surrogacy continues to be seen for what it is: a generous, community-driven way of building families. But we have to keep doing it right.

Where can surrogates live in order to work with you?

Anywhere in the U.S. where surrogacy is legal and has favorable laws. It’s important to us—and to intended parents—that the surrogate lives in a state with clear protections and a pathway to parentage.

For the mom reading this who’s feeling a tug—who’s wondering, “Could I really be a surrogate?”—what are the core eligibility requirements she’d need to meet?

  • Age 21–42 (with a sweet spot in the 30s)

  • At least one previous full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy

  • Healthy BMI (usually under 30)

  • U.S. resident living in a surrogacy-friendly state

  • Financially stable and not currently on government assistance (some exceptions discussed case-by-case)

  • Able to pass medical and psychological screening (and so must anyone 18+ in the home)

Beyond checking the boxes, what makes someone a great surrogate? What is she usually feeling or thinking when she finds her way to you?

She’s someone who genuinely loved being pregnant. She’s calm, responsible, and eager to help. She might be done growing her own family, but not done using her body in service of something meaningful. She’s curious, warm, and open-hearted. And most of all, she leads with love—not with money.

While money shouldn’t be the only reason someone says yes to this, it’s still an important part of the conversation. What does compensation typically look like for first-time surrogates—and what kinds of things does that money allow them to do for their own families?

First-time surrogates in our program receive $50,000 in base compensation, plus additional benefits that cover things like the embryo transfer and early medications. Compensation begins after heartbeat confirmation, but earlier milestones are honored financially too.

Some surrogates use the funds for a home down payment. Others contribute to college funds or go back to school themselves. It varies. One surrogate told me it allowed her family to dream bigger—and that’s exactly the kind of impact we want to see.

Can you explain more about how surrogates on second or third journeys receive even higher compensation?

Yes—experienced surrogates are in high demand. Not only have they proven they can carry a surrogacy pregnancy to term, but they’ve also demonstrated commitment and care through the entire process. Some intended parents only feel comfortable with a surrogate who’s done it before, especially if they only have one embryo. So second- and third-time surrogates are compensated accordingly.

Just to clarify—do surrogates ever donate their own eggs as part of the process? Or is that a completely separate path?

Completely separate. Our surrogates are gestational carriers only. That means they have no genetic link to the baby they carry. Egg donation is an entirely different path.

What’s one thing you want every mom reading this to walk away with—whether she’s curious about becoming a surrogate, knows someone who is, or simply wants to understand this world better?

Surrogacy is beautiful. It has changed my life, and the lives of so many others. Whether you’re called to participate or simply witness it, you’re part of something bigger. Families are being built with love, support, and intention. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Ready to take the next step or explore if surrogacy is right for you?

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.

Heather Anderson