# Build a shortlist from the directory

Lesson 1 of [Compare surrogacy agencies with a checklist](https://surrogacyagencies.fyi/academy/compare-surrogacy-agencies.md), 12 minutes.

Use the directory to build a shortlist of agencies to question. Do not use it to pick one.

## Use the filters for questions

The site lets you filter by agency type, by states or provinces served, by whether international intended parents are accepted, by whether LGBTQ+ intended parents are welcome and by whether escrow is used. The filters for states served, international intended parents, LGBTQ+ intended parents and escrow show what the agency states about itself. A filter helps you find agencies to ask. It does not prove the fact.

## Read blank fields with care

A blank field means the fact is unknown. Do not read a blank field as no. Ask the agency.

## Read the paid labels

A featured label and a sponsored slot are paid placements. The order of listings on a page is not a quality ranking.

## Keep one record for each agency

Use the same columns for every agency:

- The web address of the listing and the date you read it.
- What the listing states.
- What you must confirm.
- What the agency answered, and when.

Same columns let you compare agencies side by side.

## Ask for facts in writing

Ask each agency to confirm the facts you rely on, in writing, with a date. A phone call is not a record.

## Sources

- Surrogacy Agencies, site filters and listing fields
- Surrogacy Agencies, guide: Questions to ask a surrogacy agency (updated 2026-11-01)

This course is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Also on the [web page](https://surrogacyagencies.fyi/academy/compare-surrogacy-agencies/build-a-shortlist-from-the-directory).