What Happens If Your Surrogacy Match Fails
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
When an Intended Parent enters a surrogacy match, the expectation is that the relationship will move forward to a successful pregnancy and birth. Sometimes, a match fails. Understanding what happens and your options helps you navigate this difficult situation with clarity. (Source: guidance from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
A failed surrogacy match can happen for medical, personal, or logistical reasons. The good news is that it doesn’t end your path to parenthood. Many Intended Parents who experience a match failure go on to successfully complete a surrogacy journey with a new surrogate.
Understanding Why a Surrogacy Match Fails
A surrogacy match fails when the relationship between Intended Parents and surrogate cannot continue as planned. Common reasons include medical findings during screening that make the surrogate ineligible, personal incompatibility, changes in the surrogate’s circumstances, or complications discovered during pregnancy monitoring. The emotional impact is real, and seeking support from counseling services or support groups is important.
The Surrogacy Medical Screening Process and Match Termination
(Source: [recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists](https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/06/ethical-issues-in-gestational-surrogacy))
Medical screening protects both the surrogate’s wellbeing and pregnancy success. A fertility clinic evaluates the surrogate’s physical health, reproductive history, and ability to carry a pregnancy safely. If screening reveals issues such as uterine abnormalities or untreated infections, the match will be terminated. Intended Parents typically have the option to be re-matched with another surrogate, and the screening process begins again.
Re-matching With a Surrogate After a Failed Match
After a match fails, Intended Parents and their surrogacy team assess what happened and clarify expectations for the next match. Re-matching typically begins within weeks and considers compatibility and mutual expectations. Once a new surrogate is identified and both parties agree to move forward, medical screening begins again. Herman Family Group provides comprehensive support throughout re-matching, coordinating medical evaluations and ensuring all legal and medical requirements are met. Create My Plan today and let our team help you move forward with confidence.
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