Wanting to help others fulfill their desire to be parents is a wonderful thing. If you choose to be a surrogate, or want to find a surrogate mom, know ahead of time that there are specific prerequisites that the future mom must pass for inclusion into certain programs. Surrogate requirements vary by program, its location in the world, and intended parents’ expectations.
Surrogate requirements: What does the screening process involve?
The screening process will depend on the agency, as well as the intended parents with whom the surrogate chooses to work. Surrogacy agencies often develop their methods and surrogate requirements, provided these practices meet with country and local guidelines.
The cost for a surrogate mom to carry a child varies by physical location, as does its legality. It is not only a service for the wealthy, though, as with financial planning it is often possible for those who have a modest income.
When an agency is involved, the cost covers services relating to the pregnancy journey, including the screening process. Finding a suitable surrogate mom through an agency can save considerable time and stress for future parents.
In general, the surrogate screening process through an agency includes the following services:
- Medical and drug history. Many agencies ask women interested in surrogacy to first submit self-disclosed medical, drug history, and social information about themselves and their families. Later, they also likely have to submit official medical records from their physician.
- Counseling. Prospective surrogates will be asked to meet with a psychologist to determine that they are emotionally ready for the challenges of surrogacy. The psychologist will talk about any potentially painful feelings the surrogate may experience during pregnancy and following delivery.
- Background checks. The agency will run criminal and child abuse background checks to ensure prospective surrogates have no prior convictions that might impact the safety of the surrogacy process.
- Birth records. In addition to their general medical records, prospective surrogates must submit birth records from any previous pregnancies. Most agencies require their surrogates to have prior successful pregnancies with no significant complications.
Surrogacy guidelines and housing
Surrogacy centers have particular guidelines to screen a surrogate before the mother is able to join the surrogacy program. For example:
- The woman is of a certain age
- She has given birth to at least one healthy baby to understand the medical risks of pregnancy and childbirth
- The center also considers the ability to forego the emotional issue of bonding with a newborn
- She must sign a contract to give clarity on the responsibilities she possesses as a surrogate and to agree to provide the baby after birth
- Has cleared a psychological screening by a mental health specialist
In addition, surrogate homes in Delhi could be what you need to provide everything mom needs, including a positive environment and consistent monitoring. This place also offers nutritional support and medical attention, with the latter thing being especially important if an unexpected complication arises.
The surrogacy center suggests that surrogate mothers also undergo medical tests done for infectious diseases, such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and both hepatitis B and C. They should also make sure that they have immunity against rubella, chickenpox, and measles.
An intended parent might also ask the surrogate to get a medical procedure done to visually “map” the uterus. The purpose of doing so is to help a doctor determine the chances that the surrogate mom is able to have a full-term pregnancy.
When a woman, man, or couple decides to pursue surrogacy, they trust that their surrogate is physically and emotionally healthy and ready to commit to the process.
Why do agencies have surrogacy requirements?
There are excellent reasons as to why centers screen surrogates. Firstly, surrogates assume an incredible role in providing the intended parents with one of life’s most precious gifts.
To protect the health of the future surrogate and newborn, the guidelines for inclusion in a particular program are in-depth. It is crucial to work with a professional who takes the screening process seriously and diligently.
Thorough screening services protect potential surrogates and intended parents with proper guidance throughout the journey. Surrogacy agencies also do the following:
- Ensure the surrogate mom has all of the proper support she needs, from solutions for back pain to counseling. The surrogate’s spouse or partner often is also part of the screening process to ensure her family understands and accepts the surrogacy process
- Make sure that the surrogate understands the process. Surrogacy is a serious commitment, and many women express interest in surrogacy before they are truly ready to commit to the steps involved
- Confirm she is emotionally available for surrogacy. Psychological evaluations are also part of most surrogate screening processes to further educate prospective surrogates about the emotional ups and downs. These services also evaluate her support system and her feelings toward surrogacy.
Surrogate requirements and using an agency
While the guidelines may seem overwhelming at first, a reputable surrogacy can guide you through the process and help you determine if it is right for you. This statement applies to females considering becoming surrogate mothers and intended parents.
Unfortunately, if you decide to pursue surrogacy without an agency, you are vulnerable to fraud. Not to mention that there is the risk of using a surrogate mother who is not mentally or physically fit to bear a child.
The guidelines of agencies are in place for the benefit of all involved. As with most big decisions, it is best to thoroughly research the topic to determine if it’s right for you and your loved ones.