Surrogacy Screening Process
Gestational surrogacy is a true act of service and generosity that requires a special woman. The surrogacy screening process may seem daunting, but we will be with you every step of the way.
Surrogate Mother Requirements
The first step to surrogacy is to meet the requirements recommended by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. These surrogacy requirements include:
- A healthy BMI of 30 or less
- No smoking or illicit drug use
- Have had at least one previous successful pregnancy
- Be currently raising your child(ren) in your home
- Have no history of postpartum depression
- Be able to travel as needed for appointments
If you meet the gestational surrogate requirements, you can schedule an interview with our surrogacy specialist and begin the online application process.
The Application
The application will ask some initial questions about you, your medical background, and why you would like to become a gestational carrier. Once your application is approved, a lengthy, detailed application will ask questions about your social, medical, family, and work history, and your personality and lifestyle. This is to provide intended parents with some insight about you and your family.
The Interview
After you have completed both applications, you will be given an appointment for an interview. At this appointment, a surrogacy professional will discuss all of the steps and details of becoming a gestational carrier. This conversation is an opportunity for you and the agency to get to know each other and ask questions.
Simple Steps Fertility is an agency that is dedicated to providing support throughout your journey. You will have a friend with you for every step of the surrogate screening process, pregnancy, and postpartum. Simple Steps Fertility also provides a wellness program for all surrogates to have an opportunity to discuss difficulties and challenges throughout their journey with professionals in the industry and amongst other gestational carriers.
Surrogate Medical Screening
You will be required to consult with a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist to screen for diseases, general health, and reproductive health. The physician will also examine past medical records and discuss any questions you may have about the surrogacy medical process.
Psychological Surrogate Screening
You will also need to see a psychologist to ensure you understand and are comfortable with the emotional impact and challenges that come along with signing up to be a gestational carrier.
In-Home Assessment
A social worker will visit your home to speak to you and your family members about any further questions you may have about the surrogacy process. It is important for a surrogate to be living in a supportive and safe environment. An attorney will be assigned to help discuss your specific legal rights and obligations as a surrogate. The attorney will outline your responsibilities as a surrogate, relinquishment of the child, compensation, and possible risks.
Background Check
You and your family members who are living with you will also need to consent to a criminal background check so that every base is covered.
Legal Consultation
While the screening process may seem complicated and tedious, it is important for everyone involved. You can take comfort in knowing that intended parents will also be screened to ensure they, too, are ready for surrogacy. Surrogacy requires a strong woman, and we will be here to support you every step of the way.
BECOMING AN EGG DONOR
