A Perfect Match, Inc. is a for-profit, full-service agency based in San Diego, California. It coordinates gestational surrogacy as well as egg donation and sperm donation matching, and describes itself on its website as one of the oldest agencies in the nation. According to its site, the origins of the program trace back to the founder's own experience with gestational surrogacy and to matching work done in a law office before the company was established.
The agency is led by Darlene Pinkerton, listed as president on its Better Business Bureau profile. It says it operates with ten full-time on-site employees along with part-time staff, and it works with intended parents who are LGBTQ+, single, or living outside the United States. Its surrogate program is for gestational carriers in the U.S.; eligibility requirements, including age, prior pregnancy and other criteria, appear in the table below.
As a full-service agency, A Perfect Match handles matching and coordination across the journey, and can also connect intended parents with egg or sperm donors through its donor programs. Client escrow is held through Reproductive Law Center, the law practice of Thomas Pinkerton, husband of the agency's chief executive; the agency's website states that the two organizations are operationally separate and that no agency staff can disburse trust funds.
A Perfect Match publishes its fee information, and compensation ranges and cost details are summarized below. It has been an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau since April 2009 and holds an A+ rating.
In published feedback, several surrogates describe attentive, personal support and name individual coordinators as central to their experience, and intended parents describe choosing the agency for a more individualized level of contact.
AI summary of 12 reviews · can make mistakes
Reviewers, both surrogates and intended parents, are overwhelmingly positive and often describe personal, attentive support with quick, clear communication. Many mention that the team has firsthand surrogacy experience and guides people through an organized process, and several describe being well matched. A small minority were unhappy, mainly with how sensitively some communications were worded.
12 reviews match these filters.
At first we looked at the larger surrogacy agencies. We met good, well-intentioned people at these agencies, but we found some communication offputting and delayed. It was apparent to us that the bigger companies have to deal with a lot of volume. I'm sure they have great people working at those companies, but I was concerned that we wouldn't get the attentive service and communication we needed. We started our journey with our IVF clinic, UCSF Reproductive Clinic, which is one of the best. And that's where we found A Perfect Match. They had a small, vetted list of the best surrogacy agencies. Our UCSF coordinator said that A Perfect Match is an "above and beyond agency." We had an interview with them (along with probably 6 or 7 other agencies) and realized that Susan and Ruth were perfect. They had gone through the process before themselves, they were great communicators, extremely knowledgeable, and genuinely good people. Another thing that was important to us was that their prices were in line with other agencies, if not a little less than what we were seeing. I will note that fees are always changing, so if that's important to you, do your own research because what you see online for agency fees and other aspects of surrogacy has changed in the last few years. Overall they had a very organized approach to the process, with straightforward steps along the long journey. In the beginning we were very unsure of everything and overwhelmed. It's obvious that they know what they are doing and have had plenty of experience. One thing I really appreciated about A Perfect Match was that they got back to us with any questions really quickly. It was obvious that they were invested in our success and concerns. They were very good at helping us work through hiccups along the way. And let me tell you, one thing that is universal with surrogacy journeys is that there will be speed bumps. We found a surrogate within weeks. I don't want to imply that this is normal, but we ended up having a wonderful match that met all of our needs. After we talked with two other surrogates, Ruth and Susan figured out the type of person we were looking for. One thing in particular that was very helpful was their knowledge of insurance issues. We had quite a few setbacks and challenges with insurance and they were knowledgeable in their own right, and put us in contact with experts when needed. They also helped us find great family lawyers. Some advice I have is to concentrate on your next steps and don't get overwhelmed by the entire process, which will take a year or two depending on your situation. Focus on what you need to do now and let Susan and Ruth guide you. (Also just want to say we ended up with an amazing healthy little boy and will be using them again in a year for our second!)
View on Google (opens in a new tab)From the very beginning, my experience with A Perfect Match was nothing short of incredible. Becoming a surrogate was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I’m so grateful I chose to work with A Perfect Match. From the very first call, their team was kind, professional, and incredibly supportive. They guided me through every step with care and made sure I always felt valued and informed. They made what could have been an overwhelming process feel smooth, personal, and full of heart. I was matched with the most amazing family truly a perfect fit. The connection we built was so natural and heartfelt, and I can’t imagine a better experience. The agency’s attention to detail and genuine compassion made everything feel smooth and personal from start to finish. It could not have been a more beautiful journey. We are forever grateful to A Perfect Match for bringing such wonderful people into our lives. I couldn’t have asked for a better team (Ruth and Susan) to guide me through such a special journey. I’ll forever be thankful for the experience and for the beautiful family I was blessed to help create. 🫶🏼🫶🏼
View on Google (opens in a new tab)I wanted to be a surrogate after I had my son 10 years ago but couldn’t for various reasons. A few years ago I saw an ad on facebook asking I was interested and immediately was like oh, I forgot about that! I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of agencies and decided to move forward with A Perfect Match. I love them. They were so friendly and so helpful and everyone has been a surrogate so they had a lot of insight to offer and were able to answer any questions I had along the way. They are quick to respond and to fix any issues that may pop up. They offer support groups and will honestly just talk through anything. Everyone I talked to from signing up, to matching with my IP, to medicine, to labor and delivery, to postpartum was amazing. They checked up on me often and were very consistent and I really appreciated it. I feel so lucky that I found them and they’re the ones that helped me along this journey.
View on Google (opens in a new tab)If you are looking to be a surrogate I would highly recommend APM! Everyone here is super kind and treat the surrogates like family. They are so loving and make you feel at home and they explain any questions you have about the whole process. They matched me with a wonderful family and the whole journey was beautiful and easy thanks to them! Ruth and Susan are amazing !
View on Google (opens in a new tab)Google reviews are shown as written and link to the original. Forum, Yelp and Trustpilot entries are our short summaries of what was posted, linked to the source. Reviewer type is inferred from what each reviewer wrote.
Base compensation
From $50,000
Published by the agency. Benefits and allowances are usually on top of this.
Requirements change — confirm with the agency before applying.
See which agencies fit youA Perfect Match accepts gestational surrogates between 21 and 38 years old.
A Perfect Match requires surrogates to have a BMI of 32 or lower.
Yes. A Perfect Match requires surrogates to have had at least 1 prior pregnancy.
Yes. A Perfect Match requires surrogates to be raising at least one child of their own.
