By Julio Gaggia · Editor, IVF Daddies

Choosing Your IVF Clinic — What I Wish I Knew 12 Years Ago

Twelve years ago, I felt lost. I knew one couple who had built their family through surrogacy, and the online world offered little clarity. The one thing that resonated was a CNN documentary about two men welcoming a baby via surrogacy — proof that love could defy convention.

If I could go back, I’d do more due diligence. Relying on two sources and choosing the first option that crossed my path is not what I’d recommend today. After years of research, interviews, and lived experience, I’ve distilled the process into five criteria every intended parent should consider when choosing an IVF clinic.

1) The Doctor — Trust Your Gut

When you meet your doctor, you should feel both calm and inspired. Do they listen? Do they understand your path — not just biologically, but emotionally? Chemistry isn’t vanity — it’s the foundation of trust.

2) Success Rates — Numbers That Actually Matter

Every clinic advertises big numbers. The truth lies in two figures: successful transfer rate and live birth rate. Transfer means hope. Live birth means outcome. Learn to tell them apart — it can save you heartache, time, and money.

3) Experience — The Team Behind the Scenes

IVF is choreography. Yes, the doctor leads — but behind them is a team of embryologists, nurses, coordinators, and donor liaisons. Ask how many surrogacy cycles they manage each year and who actually calls you back.

4) Costs — The Full Financial Picture

Request a complete breakdown of costs — medications, donor fees, storage, add-ons. Speak with the finance team about payment plans, insurance coverage, and fertility benefits through work. Money conversations should feel empowering, not intimidating.

5) Donors — The Human Connection

If your clinic offers an in-house donor program, check how pre-screening works. Are profiles verified and current? Do you connect with the stories behind the profiles? This choice becomes part of your child’s origin story.

A Final Word

These five points are my compass — not a rulebook. Use them as anchors while also consulting professionals you trust. Every journey is unique. What matters most is that you feel seen and informed.