The choice to become a surrogate is a big one. Becoming a surrogate in Canada requires going through an extensive screening process that dives deep into one’s medical history to understand your overall physical and psychological health. This article will guide you through the common surrogate requirements and steps in the surrogacy process to help you determine if you are a good fit to become a surrogate in Canada.
The process of becoming a surrogate begins with a basic questionnaire that outlines simple requirements such as age, health status, financial status, reason of interest, and legal requirements. Below are some basic screening requirements to help you determine if you are a good fit to be a surrogate mother.
Requirements to Become a Surrogate in Canada
Considering becoming a surrogate? Here are the main criteria for surrogacy to help you determine if you might be a good fit
- Are you between the ages of 21 and 45?
- Are you a legal Canadian citizen and resident?
- Are you a current mother with a history of a previous successful pregnancy?
- Do you have a BMI below 35?
- Are you in good physical and mental shape?
- Do you follow healthy habits (do not smoke or abuse alcohol)?
- Do you have proof of reliable income?
- Have you had less than 5 C-sections?
- Do you have a clean criminal record?
- Do you live in a stable home environment?
- Do you have a positive support system?
- Do you have a strong desire to help others?
If you answered “yes” to the above requirements for being a surrogate, you may be a perfect candidate for surrogacy. However, the next steps of the surrogacy process may be a bit more complicated, so it is important to understand the entire journey before making this serious commitment.
Steps to Become a Surrogate in Canada
It is important to understand all the steps in the surrogacy process before beginning the journey to recognize whether surrogacy is something you can see yourself doing.
Application – The first step to become a surrogate in Canadais to submit your application with a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic. This application typically requires you to provide basic personal information, details about your medical history, and any previous pregnancies you may have had. You may also need to include a few images of yourself to show potential intended parents for the matching process.
Interview – Once your application is reviewed, you will need to attend an interview with the agency to go through your requirements. This interview allows the agency to understand a little bit more about you, your intentions, and ensures you are qualified. This is also a good opportunity for you as a candidate to ask any questions that you may have and learn more about the process.
Matching – After the interview, the agency will begin the process of matching you with your intended parents. Both parties will have a chance to meet to discuss their thoughts and concerns about the surrogacy process and to ensure they are a compatible match.
Screening – A thorough screening assessment will be conducted to analyze the candidate’s overall physical and mental health. Typically, this will include a full physical, blood work, and any other examinations believed necessary by your IVF doctor. The psychological assessment will be conducted by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Legal Arrangements – Once your results from the screening process confirm that you are ready to take on a healthy pregnancy, you will begin the legal portion of the process. Surrogacy in Canada requires detailed legal agreements to protect the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents. This process typically lasts between 2 to 3 weeks as both parties must meet with a legal professional to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.
The Journey to Become a Surrogate in Canada
The medical process can begin once the screening is passed and the contract is signed. Here are the next steps that will follow.
Medications & Monitoring – The medical process can begin once the contract is signed. You will be prescribed medications to prepare your body for the embryo transfer. Typically, this process begins about three weeks before your scheduled transfer date. Regular monitoring through blood tests or lining checks may be conducted at your local IVF to ensure your body is properly responding to the medications.
The Embryo Transfer – The embryo transfer is a significant step in the surrogacy process. This procedure is performed by an IVF doctor and involves taking a small catheter to insert fertilized embryos into your uterus with the intent of establishing a pregnancy. This procedure is typically quick and painless but requires careful monitoring and a follow-up appointment to confirm a successful pregnancy.
Pregnancy – Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll schedule your first ultrasound about 4-5 weeks after your transfer. During the pregnancy, you will continue to receive regular prenatal care, including consistent check-ups and ultrasounds, to ensure a smooth journey.
Delivery – The final step in the surrogacy process is the delivery. When the time is right, you will give birth at your local hospital. After the birth, the surrogate will pass over the baby to the intended parents and will begin the process of postpartum recovery.
Benefits of Surrogacy in Canada
Based on each individual’s insurance and benefits plan, healthcare expenses for surrogates will be covered and additional medical benefits may be added such as a monthly allowance or reimbursement for expenses. Surrogates receive the highest level of medical services which ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable surrogacy journey for everyone involved.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that surrogates in Canada cannot receive a base compensation like in the US. They can only be reimbursed for surrogacy-related expenses.
Conclusion
Becoming a surrogate in Canada is a difficult decision that involves meeting specific screening requirements and undergoing a detailed medical process. Most importantly, it involves committing your body and time to fulfill someone else’s dream. This journey is not for everyone. It takes physical and mental strength to be able to sacrifice so much for another family.
For those interested in becoming surrogate mothers, doing your research and understanding the process is the first step to preparing for the journey. During this journey, it may also be beneficial to seek professional guidance and connect with others who have completed the process to hear about their experiences. Overall, each of these steps to become a surrogate in Canada is important to ensure a positive and rewarding surrogacy experience.