Choosing a Surrogate Mother: Understanding the Surrogate Mother Screening Process

Whether you are considering becoming a surrogate mother or you’re an intended parent looking for the right match, understanding the surrogate mother screening process is crucial. Surrogacy agencies play a vital role in ensuring that all parties are well-prepared and aligned for the surrogacy journey. The screening process is thorough and designed to ensure the surrogate mother is physically, emotionally, and legally ready for the responsibilities that come with surrogacy.

When intended parents embark on the surrogacy process, they need to ensure that the surrogate mother is fully equipped to handle the challenges that may arise throughout this life-changing experience. A reliable surrogacy agency will manage the matching and screening process to ensure the best outcomes for both the surrogate and the intended parents.

1. Surrogacy Agency Screening of Surrogate Mothers

Surrogacy agencies are responsible for screening surrogate applicants to ensure they meet the agency’s requirements. The process is both detailed and thorough, aimed at matching intended parents with the right surrogate mother. This critical process aims to guarantee that both the surrogate and the intended parents understand their roles, responsibilities, and legal protections before the surrogacy begins.

1.1 Why Do Surrogacy Agencies Screen Surrogate Mothers?

Surrogacy is an incredible act of compassion, but it comes with significant responsibilities. To protect all parties involved — the intended parents, the surrogate, and the surrogacy agency — comprehensive screenings are performed. These screenings help ensure that the surrogate mother is fully prepared for the surrogacy journey, minimizing any potential risks to both her and the intended parents.

1.2 What Does the Surrogacy Agency Screen for in a Surrogate Mother?

Not all women who apply to be surrogate mothers will pass the screening process. In fact, many agencies reject over 80% of applicants. Below are some of the key factors agencies screen for:

• Health Status: Agencies ensure the surrogate mother has a clean bill of health, undergoing a full medical evaluation, including reviewing her previous pregnancies and overall health history.
• Understanding of Surrogacy Agreement: The surrogate must fully understand the surrogacy process, including legal, medical, and emotional aspects.
• Emotional and Psychological Readiness: Surrogacy agencies often conduct psychological evaluations to assess whether the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the process.
• Support System: The surrogate must have the support of her partner (if applicable) and close family members, ensuring she has a solid network for emotional and logistical assistance.

1.3 What Are the Requirements for a Surrogate Mother?

While the specific criteria can vary between agencies, most surrogacy agencies will expect the surrogate to meet the following requirements:

• Financial stability and independence
• No serious criminal background
• Reliable transportation
• At least one successful pregnancy with a live birth
• A healthy BMI and no history of tobacco or drug use
• Age within the agency’s specified range

2. The Surrogate Screening Process – How It Works

The surrogate mother screening process is broken down into several steps that ensure the right match between intended parents and surrogate mothers.

2.1 Surrogate Application and Initial Phone Interview

The process begins with the surrogate mother submitting an application. Following this, the surrogacy agency conducts an initial phone interview to discuss the surrogate’s motivation and gather more detailed information about her personal preferences. This interview is also the first opportunity for the surrogate to ask questions about the process.

2.2 Surrogacy Agreement and Waiver Statement

Once the initial interview goes well, the surrogate and her partner (if applicable) will be asked to sign a legal agreement, detailing the terms of the surrogacy arrangement. It’s important to note that the surrogate must have her own legal counsel to ensure her rights are protected during the process.

2.3 Criminal Background Check

As part of the screening process, a criminal background check is performed on the surrogate and all adults in her household. This ensures that the environment is safe for the child and reduces risks for the intended parents.

2.4 Pregnancy History and Delivery Records

The agency will review the surrogate’s pregnancy history, including any complications that may have occurred. The agency also asks for a consent form from the surrogate’s obstetrician, providing insight into her health during previous pregnancies.

2.5 Personal and Professional References

To get a more comprehensive understanding of the surrogate’s character, the agency will reach out to personal references. These can include close family members and friends. In some cases, the agency may also perform professional background checks.

2.6 Health Insurance Review

A critical component of the screening process is ensuring that the surrogate’s health insurance covers surrogacy. The agency’s insurance experts will assess whether the surrogate has the proper coverage to handle any medical complications during the surrogacy.

2.7 In-Person Interview

After the initial screenings, an in-person interview is arranged to further assess the surrogate’s emotional and physical readiness. The meeting also helps the agency ensure that the surrogate’s home environment is healthy, supportive, and prepared for the surrogacy process.

2.8 Intended Parent Review

Following the in-person interview, the surrogacy agency compiles a detailed profile of the surrogate, which is then shared with the intended parents. The intended parents also have the chance to review the surrogate’s profile, and both parties can decide whether they want to proceed with the matching process.

3. Matching Surrogate Mothers and Intended Parents

Once the surrogate has passed the screening process, the agency will begin matching her with intended parents. The process is carefully designed to ensure compatibility between both parties. If the first meeting does not go as planned, the agency can re-initiate the matching process to ensure a comfortable fit for everyone involved.

4. Timeline for the Surrogacy Screening Process

Typically, the entire surrogate screening and matching process takes between 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, the surrogacy agency conducts all the necessary evaluations and legal paperwork, while maintaining communication with the surrogate to keep her informed every step of the way.

5. What Is the Success Rate of Surrogacy in the United States?

The success rate of surrogacy depends on several factors, including the health of the surrogate mother and the quality of the fertility treatment. In the U.S., the success rate for IVF is around 75%. Once the surrogate is pregnant, the likelihood of a healthy delivery through surrogacy is about 95%.