Becoming a surrogate requires meeting specific criteria through medical, psychological, and legal evaluations. These qualifications are important to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience for both the surrogate and the intended parents. This article covers the essential requirements for being a surrogate and answers common questions, providing clarity and guidance for those considering this path to helping others become parents.
Basic Screening Requirements for Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a serious commitment. Becoming a surrogate involves a thorough screening process to assess your overall health, financial stability, and legal status to determine if you are a good candidate. A surrogacy professional will consider specific factors such as age, habits, and lifestyle to determine whether a woman qualifies as a surrogate.
Here are some basic screening requirements that can help you get a good idea of whether surrogacy is for you:
- Age Range: Between the ages of 21 and 42 (preferably younger than 35).
- Health Condition: Surrogates must be in good overall health and have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Reproductive History: Must have a history of a previous successful pregnancy without complications and must currently be raising her child in a stable and supportive home environment.
- Financial Stability: Surrogates should not be on government assistance.
- Non-Smoker & Drug-Free: Surrogates cannot smoke, use recreational drugs, or abuse alcohol.
- No Criminal Record: A clean criminal background is essential.
- Travel: Must be able to travel as needed for appointments.
You may be an excellent candidate if you meet these basic surrogate qualifications. However, it is important to remember that the requirements for being a surrogate go beyond checking off this list. The process involves a thorough examination of your medical history and your overall physical and mental well-being.
Medical Requirements for Being a Surrogate
Medical screening is a significant part of the surrogate qualification process. It ensures the surrogate can safely complete the pregnancy without complications. The medical screening component involves a physical and psychological examination of the candidate.
Physical Evaluation
To ensure you are physically ready to become a surrogate mother, a fertility specialist will conduct an extensive physical evaluation to assess your overall health. This examination includes laboratory tests, uterine evaluation, and an obstetric and gynecological evaluation. Occasionally, genetic tests may also be conducted to rule out hereditary conditions. A surrogate must be willing to undergo several screening procedures and tests to confirm that she is healthy and ready to take on a pregnancy.
Psychological Evaluation
Qualifying as a surrogate can include an emotional and psychological evaluation to ensure a woman is in the right mental state during her pregnancy.
When you become a surrogate, you commit to a great responsibility that can last as long as a year or more. While coping with the hormonal changes of pregnancy, this new commitment will affect your everyday routine. It’s normal to feel stressed or conflicted emotions throughout the pregnancy, but being in a healthy emotional state with a positive support system can help you through the process.
Legal Requirements for Surrogacy
Before starting any medical procedures, both the surrogate and intended parents need a legal contract to protect their rights. This contract will outline important aspects of your surrogacy process, including your desired compensation, possible risks, your responsibilities as a surrogate. It also includes your commitment to follow medical protocols, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and keep the intended parents updated during the pregnancy.
Additionally, the legal agreement specifies the intended parents’ obligations, such as financial compensation. It also describes how parental rights will be transferred after the child is born to ensure a seamless transition of custody. By setting a clear framework for communication, medical decisions, and legal responsibilities, the contract aims to create a supportive and respectful relationship between the surrogate and intended parents, and reduce the chances of arguments and doubts during the surrogacy process.
What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate?
When a woman does not meet crucial surrogate requirements put forth by fertility clinics, it means she may not be capable of completing a successful surrogate pregnancy. These requirements for being a surrogate are set in place to protect all parties involved so that the whole process goes smoothly and no one is put at risk.
Certain factors may prevent you from being accepted as a surrogate, these include, but are not limited to:
- Not being within the correct age range
- Has not previously given birth
- Having a history of complications with previous pregnancies
- Having new tattoos or piercings
- Using anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications
- Unhealthy habits (smoking, drinking, or use of drugs)
- Not meeting medical or financial requirements
- Not having a positive support system throughout the surrogacy
- Does not live in a stable home environment
- Has a criminal record
FAQ: Common Questions About Surrogate Mother Qualifications
Can I become a surrogate if I’m on birth control?
Yes, but you will need to stop using birth control before the embryo transfer process.
How long does the screening process take?
The entire screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations, typically takes a few months. This ensures that all necessary assessments are thorough and complete.
Do I need to have health insurance?
Having health insurance is beneficial, but not mandatory. If you do not have insurance, the intended parents or the surrogacy agency will usually arrange for a policy to cover the pregnancy. Either way, the entire surrogacy process is free for the surrogate mother, with zero expenses.
What if I’ve had a miscarriage in the past?
A history of miscarriage does not automatically disqualify you. Each case is evaluated individually, considering the reasons and frequency of the miscarriages. It’s best to contact a professional to discuss your options.
Can a surrogate change her mind and choose to keep the baby?
The short answer is no. In ivf surrogacy, this is nearly impossible as the surrogate has no genetic relation to the child she is carrying and, therefore, has no parental rights to keep the child after birth. In addition, your surrogacy lawyer will make sure that the intended parents’ rights are protected in your contract while the surrogate is still pregnant.
Conclusion
Although the requirements for being a surrogate may seem extensive, they are essential to determine the right fit for each intended parent or individual who is relying on a surrogate to help fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Meeting these surrogate qualifications allows for a safe and comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Even if you don’t meet a certain qualification, many professionals assess surrogates on a case-by-case basis and may make an exception to the rules so it’s always a good idea to speak directly with a specialist.