The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS) is proud to announce the adoption of the newly established Standards of Ethical Conduct for SEEDS Member Escrow Providers. These standards, designed to uphold and enhance the ethical management of client funds within the assisted reproduction field, have been overwhelmingly endorsed with a 94% approval rating from SEEDS members.

The introduction of these standards signifies a pivotal milestone in the continuous effort to safeguard the interests and trust of intended parents, gestational carriers, donors, and agencies involved in third-party reproduction. The newly adopted standards mandate professional, financial, and operational requirements tailored to ensure security, transparency, accountability, and client protection throughout escrow management processes.

Key aspects of the standards include:

– Qualified, Independent, and Fiduciary Management – Escrow funds are overseen by experienced professionals with a duty to act fairly and independently.
– Strong Financial Safeguards – Mandatory bonding, insurance against fraud, theft, errors, and cyberattacks, and rigorous underwriting by specialized carriers provide robust financial protection.
– Governance, Oversight, and Transparency – Best-practice internal controls, industry-level security protocols, and independent CPA audits reported directly to clients ensure accountability and visibility.

SEEDS understands the critical importance of ethical conduct in the handling of escrow accounts—a role noteworthy for its potential risks if mishandled. With this new framework in place, SEEDS aims to set a benchmark for ethical accountability, ensuring every member operates with fairness and impartiality.

“Adoption of these standards is a transformative step forward for the industry,” stated Molly O’Brien, President at SEEDS. “Our commitment is to ensure the safety, transparency, and ethical management of funds, fostering greater confidence among our clients and setting unparalleled standards in third-party reproduction.”

These standards are a clear demonstration of SEEDS’ dedication to creating an inclusive environment that nurtures ethical practices and supports professional excellence in the surrogacy and egg donation industry. Providers now have until July 2026 to align with these newly instituted regulations, ensuring a comprehensive transition that adheres to SEEDS’s stringent guidelines.

For more information, please visit SEEDS website or contact admin@seedsthics.org.

About SEEDS

The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS) is 501c3 non-profit organization committed to advancing ethical standards and safety for all parties involved in third-party reproduction. By uniting professionals from various disciplines within the assisted reproduction field, SEEDS strives to create a unified voice that defines and enforces the highest ethical standards.