Luxury Surrogacy Agency for Private Clients
An Exceptional Surrogate.
A Personally Managed Journey.
Finding the right surrogate requires more than access to qualified candidates. It requires careful selection, sound judgment and someone who will take personal responsibility for coordinating the many decisions and professionals involved.
IMA ART's principals personally oversee surrogate selection and remain directly engaged throughout medical screening, matching, legal and insurance coordination, embryo transfer, pregnancy and birth. For private clients, this means a more considered, discreet and closely managed surrogacy journey, without being left to navigate its complexities alone.
A Beverly Hills Surrogacy Agency for Private Clients
IMA ART Fertility provides highly personalized gestational surrogacy for private clients seeking a more considered approach to family building. From surrogate selection and screening through reproductive medicine, psychological support, legal coordination, insurance, embryo transfer, pregnancy and birth, we bring the many disciplines of a surrogacy journey together under one point of stewardship.
Based in Beverly Hills, IMA ART works with individuals and couples of different family structures, including heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ intended parents, as well as single intended parents. Our clients come to us from across the United States and around the world, often navigating complex medical, legal and personal considerations that require discretion, careful coordination and continuity throughout the journey.
Our approach extends beyond the conventional surrogacy agency model. IMA ART's Principals remain personally engaged with intended parents and the women who may carry their children, bringing human judgment and accountability alongside rigorous medical, psychological and legal processes. It is an intentionally personal model of Luxury Surrogacy—one built around stewardship, access and the understanding that creating the next generation deserves extraordinary care.
Principal-Led Surrogacy: Personal Screening
& Clinical Involvement
For intended parents considering a boutique, bespoke or white-glove surrogacy agency, the important distinction is what personal involvement means in practice: who evaluates the surrogate, who manages her relationship with the agency, and who is physically present when important medical milestones arise.
At IMA ART Fertility, personal involvement begins before a surrogate is introduced to prospective intended parents and continues throughout the journey. Our principals, Michelle Tang and Ron Sonnenberg, participate directly in surrogate interview and later evaluation. Michelle takes the leading role in managing the ongoing surrogate relationship and coordinating important clinical arrangements.
Surrogate Evaluation Beyond the Application
Michelle and Ron personally interview prospective surrogates, including through extensive video conversations, and compare their observations and assessments. Beyond medical records and professional screening reports, they consider how candidates communicate, respond to questions and approach the responsibilities of carrying another family's child.
IMA ART also requires a physical, in-person home assessment of every surrogate candidate it considers representing—not merely a virtual home tour. This provides firsthand insight into her living conditions, household circumstances and available support network. These details matter because much of a surrogate pregnancy takes place outside the fertility clinic, where everyday surroundings and practical support can influence the experience.
The home assessment complements IMA ART's medical record reviews, background investigations and independent psychological evaluations, which are explained in greater detail in the Surrogate Selection Process below.
A Principal Personally Managing the Surrogate Relationship
Michelle leads IMA ART's ongoing surrogate relationships. Her responsibilities extend beyond arranging appointments or relaying information between the surrogate and her fertility clinic.
She maintains direct personal communication with surrogates, coordinates important medical arrangements and accompanies them to major IVF clinic milestones in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, including medical screening, mock cycles and embryo transfers.
Where appropriate and with the surrogate's consent, Michelle can be present during ultrasound examinations and consultations with reproductive endocrinologists. This allows her to hear clinical discussions firsthand, understand what requires follow-up and help coordinate the practical arrangements surrounding treatment.
Michelle also coordinates and orders medications prescribed by the IVF clinic before and after embryo transfer, helping ensure that medication arrangements follow the clinic's instructions. Medication protocols and medical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating physicians.
Two Principals Who Personally Know the Surrogates
Ron participates alongside Michelle in interviewing prospective surrogates and meets them in person when they travel to Los Angeles for major medical appointments.
The principals compare their individual observations throughout the evaluation process, considering not only the results of formal screening but also the personal qualities, communication and judgment that become apparent through direct interaction.
Ron also generally leads IMA ART's initial consultations with intended parents, developing an understanding of their priorities and expectations before an engagement begins.
This shared involvement means surrogate evaluation is informed by the considered judgment of both principals, rather than relying exclusively on written profiles or third-party reports.
Beverly Hills Proximity. Personal Clinical Presence
IMA ART established its home in Beverly Hills deliberately, within close proximity to several of Southern California's leading IVF clinics.
By coordinating surrogate medical screening and embryo transfers through fertility clinics in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, IMA ART enables Michelle to remain physically present at important clinical milestones rather than relying exclusively on remote communication.
Together with IMA ART's deliberately limited number of private client engagements, this proximity supports an operating model in which the principals personally know the surrogates they represent, remain directly involved in important decisions and maintain continuity throughout the journey.
i. IMA ART Initial Surrogate Qualification
Surrogates also adhere to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines:-
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Resides in a state where surrogacy is legal, and where parental rights are protected — see our Surrogacy Law map
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Has had at least one full-term uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery
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Is raising her own child/children
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Between the ages of 21 and 42 with a healthy BMI
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Financially secure and is not on government assistance
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Not being treated for/is not on medication for depression or anxiety
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Is not a smoker
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No current use or history of drug or alcohol abuse
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Agrees to defer to the Parents’ decisions on the important pregnancy issues
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No felony convictions
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Have transportation to and from surrogacy appointments
IMA ART Fertility Surrogacy candidate questions goes into tremendous detail about a candidate’s life. We include questions related to their medical history, family, education, opinions and views on pregnancy and surrogacy.
IMA ART asks the candidate what she hopes for from the parents during the pregnancy, and how much she wants Parents involved.
We ask difficult pregnancy questions, including terminating a pregnancy due to genetic abnormalities or selective reduction. The answer to all of these questions are an integral part of a successful matching process.
ii. IMA ART Surrogate’s Medical Records
For candidates who respond favorably to all the questions in pre-screening, the next critical step is submitting their detailed pregnancy and delivery records from their OBGYN. These records specify past complications or anything important to note in the candidate’s history, such as gestational diabetes managed without medications, or an abnormal pap smear result. Her Obstetrician visit records also indicate whether she followed through with appointments and OBGYN recommendations during her own pregnancies or previous surrogate pregnancies.
In addition to the past pregnancy records, we may ask the surrogate candidate’s OBGYN for their opinion on whether their patient may be a good fit to serve as a gestational carrier (surrogate). Previous attending OBGYNs may be invited to talk about the candidate’s medical records as well as anything else the Doctor feels is pertinent. The written document is sent directly to IMA ART by the OBGYN.
All gestational carrier candidates will undergo a second medical screening by the attending IVF specialist, as well as a clinical psychological review by IMA ART’s PhD. This is done prior to the execution of the Surrogacy Agreement.
iii. Memorandum of Understanding
IMA ART asks the applicant (and her significant other if she has one) to electronically sign a Memorandum of Understanding, acknowledging that should she match with an IMA ART client, IMA ART will facilitate her surrogacy journey, although we are not her legal counsel.
At this point, the surrogate candidate can also choose to opt into our IMA ART Fertility Exclusivity Program, meaning that she would forgo working with other surrogacy agencies and exist exclusively on our surrogate roster for your selection.
iv. Surrogate Criminal Records Check
Criminal records check is completed for every gestational carrier candidate and for any adults living in her home.
v. Surrogate Reference Checks
Gestational Carrier candidates are required to provide contact details for a reference (Family, Friend or Co-Worker), who are willing to receive video calls from IMA ART.
IMA ART may make video contact with the reference and asks a number of questions concerning the candidate. IMA ART asks about her support system, her home environment, and her reasons for pursuing this opportunity. We also reach out to a professional reference, who can share more about the surrogate candidate’s responsibility, trustworthiness and stability.
vi. Curated Surrogate Profile
A surrogate profile is created by IMA ART. We also ask for an initial green light from the designated IVF clinic. (Please note this is not a guarantee she will pass medical screening, but it is an initial approval to move forward, based on the fact that there are no disqualifying medical flags in her application or medical history.)
Parents may decide if they would like to move forward with the surrogate candidate, and meet with the surrogate candidate via a video call.
vii. The Introduction on IMA ART's exclusive app
Parents are introduced to their pre-selected surrogate candidate via our exclusive IMA ART app. Read more about this first meeting in Surrogacy First Meeting: Essential Dos and Don'ts.
If one of the parties is not comfortable with the other party, IMA ART will endeavor to understand why and match Parents with a surrogate candidate that better aligns with their wants and needs.
Assuming both parties are interested in moving forward, the surrogate candidate will undergo Psychological Assessment and then Medical Screening (refer to section viii & ix. below) and parents will speak with our clinical psychologist, PhD.
The entire process from the introductory video call to embryo transfer is approximately 4-6 months. If there are already viable embryos, the process can be as short as 3 months.
viii. IMA ART Human Screening
IMA ART's evaluation extends beyond applications, records and formal screening. Our principals spend meaningful time getting to know prospective surrogates through extensive conversations and video meetings, allowing us to better understand their motivations, communication, family circumstances and expectations before considering a potential match.
Every surrogate we consider representing also undergoes an in-person assessment of her home environment. The assessment takes place at her home—not by video call—providing another layer of first-hand evaluation and a better understanding of the circumstances in which she lives.
These personal evaluations complement, rather than replace, the independent medical, psychological and background screening required before a surrogate is presented to an intended parent.
ix. Surrogate Clinical Psychologist evaluation
IMA ART Fertility’s dedicated clinical psychologist interviews the surrogate and administers either the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) or the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) assessment. The Inventory (PAI or MMPI) is the most widely employed and researched clinical assessment tool used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health disorders. This scored personality index and the interview are used to understand the surrogate candidate’s personality.
Depending on where the surrogate resides, interviews and PAI or MMPI may be done in person or through a HIPAA compliant telectronic platform.
Evaluations in line with ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy) and APA (American Psychological Association) guidelines in terms of administration, scope and content typically take a couple of hours. The clinical psychologist will spend a few hours reviewing notes and analysing the assessment.
At the conclusion of the interview and PAI or MMPI, the clinical psychologist will make a final recommendation on whether Parents and their preferred surrogate should move forward together.
x. Surrogate Medical Screening
Following the psychological assessment, the surrogate candidate undergoes medical screening at the selected IVF Clinic. This screening will check the surrogate’s uterus to ensure she can carry the baby. The surrogate candidate will also undergo bloodwork to ensure good health in the lead-up to the embryo transfer. IMA ART will coordinate between the parties, keeping each side fully informed of the progress.
xi. Parent Psychological Preparation
Parents undergo psychological preparation for the journey. This is usually done through a video meeting with IMA ART Fertility’s clinical psychologist. Areas of discussion include the relationship with your gestational carrier and your expectations during the pregnancy.
Our Fertility Governance protocol also includes a one-hour professional joint consultation between you and your surrogate, conducted by our experienced clinical psychologist. This joint consultation talks about important psychological issues involved in forging this new and unique relationship. It endeavors to put together the various pieces of this complex puzzle and to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
xii. Insurance Plan Overview
For protection of our parents, the surrogate and the newborn, IMA ART Fertility requires 6 different types of insurance; to cover the surrogate's embryo transfer, surrogate’s pregnancy and delivery, surrogate’s accidental death insurance and insurance to cover the new-born baby. IMA ART Fertility’s insurance expert will review the policies with Parents and any necessary details will be added into the Surrogacy Agreement.
xiii. Surrogate Home Visit
A critical last pre-approval step. This may be performed by IMA ART or licensed and experienced social workers.
The home visit includes looking at the physical conditions inside and outside the home and meeting the people living with the surrogate candidate to understand whether she has a strong support network to help her throughout the pregnancy.
If home visit is performed by IMA ART, we ask many of the same questions we previously asked, and cross-check the answers for consistency.
At the conclusion of the home visit a report is written and pictures are taken.
xiv. Surrogacy Agreement Drafting & Final Execution
The Surrogacy Agreement is drafted by lawyers specializing in Reproductive Law. If Parents don’t already have a lawyer, IMA ART can refer Parents to our network of carefully curated lawyers working at the forefront of reproductive law. This lawyer represents the Parents is critical to ensuring a smooth journey and understanding of the roles and responsibilities between parent and surrogate.
This Surrogacy Agreement states that the parents shall be considered the legal parents for all purposes and that the surrogate is not the parent of the child and does not have any legal claim to or financial responsibility for the child.
Parents are advised to consider any requests they might have throughout the pregnancy and delivery in advance, as these requests will be included into the Surrogacy Agreement.
The Surrogacy Agreement is extremely detailed and articulates in clear terms each of the party’s roles and responsibilities before and during the pregnancy, as well as at birth.
IMA ART Fertility will coordinate closely with Parents and their lawyer during drafting, questions and execution.
Upon completing the draft Surrogacy Agreement, Parents' lawyer will send a copy to the lawyer representing the surrogate.
The IMA ART Surrogate Selection Process
IMA ART typically has surrogate candidates who have met our rigorous preliminary selection criteria available for introduction from the first day of a client's engagement, allowing intended parents to begin the surrogate matching process without an extended waiting period.
All women who are accepted into IMA ART’s Surrogacy Maison, meet the following critical pre-screening requirements & steps.
What Happens After Surrogate Selection
i. Embryo Transfer and Preparation
Once the Surrogacy Agreement is finalized and the surrogate has received medical clearance, the fertility clinic begins preparation for embryo transfer. This typically includes medication, bloodwork and ultrasound monitoring to prepare the uterine lining and determine the appropriate transfer date.
IMA ART remains closely engaged with the surrogate, intended parents and fertility clinic throughout this stage and through embryo transfer. Approximately 10 days after transfer, a blood test is generally performed to determine whether implantation has resulted in pregnancy.
ii. Pregnancy
Following confirmation of pregnancy, the fertility clinic typically continues monitoring the surrogate during the early weeks before transitioning her care to an obstetrician.
Throughout the pregnancy, IMA ART remains engaged with the surrogate and intended parents, helping coordinate communication, appointments and practical requirements as the journey progresses. Our involvement continues alongside the surrogate's physicians and other professionals responsible for her medical care.
iii. Perinatologist
When medically appropriate, the surrogate may also be evaluated or monitored by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, often referred to as a perinatologist. These physicians specialize in higher-risk pregnancies and provide additional assessment or care when circumstances warrant.
IMA ART coordinates with the surrogate and intended parents as additional specialists become involved, helping maintain continuity across the professional team.
iv. Ongoing Safeguarding & Background Screening
IMA ART's safeguarding responsibilities do not end once a surrogate has been approved or becomes pregnant. Circumstances can change during a journey, and we believe continued awareness remains important throughout the pregnancy.
Where appropriate, IMA ART maintains ongoing safeguarding measures and reviews relevant developments that could affect the surrogate, intended parents or pregnancy. This continuing attention reflects our approach to surrogacy as an actively stewarded relationship rather than a process that ends once a match has been completed.
v. Pre-Birth Order
During pregnancy, the intended parents' reproductive attorney will generally begin the legal process required to establish parentage and prepare for the child's birth. In California surrogacy journeys, this commonly includes obtaining a pre-birth parentage order.
IMA ART works alongside the intended parents and their legal counsel to help ensure that the necessary documentation and timing are coordinated well before delivery.
vi. Pre-Birth Preparation
As delivery approaches, attention turns to the practical details surrounding the birth. IMA ART coordinates with the intended parents, surrogate and relevant professionals regarding hospital planning, travel, communication and other arrangements that should be addressed before delivery.
For international intended parents, additional planning may be required around travel, documentation and the period following birth.
vii. Birth
The birth of the child is a defining moment in the surrogacy journey, but it is not the point at which IMA ART's involvement abruptly ends.
Our principals remain available to the intended parents and surrogate through delivery and the immediate period surrounding birth, helping coordinate practical matters as the family transitions home and the surrogate begins her postpartum recovery.
Our relationship with the surrogate also continues into the postpartum period, reflecting the same personal responsibility and stewardship that began long before embryo transfer.
Fast Surrogate Matching & High-Quality Surrogates
In surrogacy, speed matters. So do standards. IMA ART Fertility believes intended parents should not have to compromise one to achieve the other.
IMA ART achieves this through deliberately limited client engagements and continuous surrogate recruitment. Our principals personally interview prospective surrogates every week, applying rigorous selection standards while maintaining a favorable balance of candidates relative to the small number of families we represent.
Following an introduction and mutual interest, candidates proceed through the required medical, psychological and background screening processes. Timelines to embryo transfer vary according to each family's requirements and individual circumstances.
What Does a High-Quality Surrogate Mean?
For IMA ART, “high quality” is not simply a description. It reflects exacting qualification and screening standards.
Surrogate candidates must satisfy IMA ART’s requirements relating to age, BMI, citizenship, prior pregnancy history, financial stability, lifestyle and other qualifying criteria before progressing through independent medical and psychological evaluation.
Every surrogate candidate also undergoes an in-person home assessment. Psychological screening includes a PAI evaluated by a doctoral-level Clinical Psychologist holding a PhD or PsyD—the same psychologist who personally meets and evaluates the surrogate candidate. That relationship continues after clearance, with individual psychological support throughout the pregnancy and after birth.
Where is surrogacy legal?
We work exclusively with surrogate candidates who reside in surrogate-friendly states.
The vast majority of U.S. states legally protect the rights of parents seeking surrogacy. They do this through statutes and case law regarding family building. This ensures an easy transition when your child is born. IMA ART Fertility will not engage a surrogate in a state where the parents rights are not fully protected and legal issues could arise.
Matching you with the perfect surrogate
IMA ART Fertility will match you with surrogates who are healthy, excited, and meet IMA ART’s requirements as well as the ASRM guidelines.
Our surrogates are educated, sincere, motivated, and excited to help create families. Surrogates are thoroughly vetted and examined to ensure a safe, stable lifestyle, good health, and a successful pregnancy and birth history. Parents may expect approximately 15 to 24 months from the initial application to the arrival of their baby.
Contact us to privately discuss the costs of your surrogacy journey.
