Millions of couples struggle with infertility. In becoming a surrogate, women give the gift of parenthood to these hopeful couples.
But, there are a few things you should consider before you commit to what can be a life-altering, albeit rewarding, experience. Keep reading to learn the requirements for becoming a surrogate.
Becoming a Surrogate
Choosing to act as a surrogate mother is a decision you shouldn’t make on a whim. There are certain requirements potential surrogate mothers must meet. There are also other factors that make an ideal candidate.
But surrogacy rates are on the rise, indicating the appeal of this option for couples struggling with fertility. Are you a good candidate for surrogacy?
Requirements for Surrogate Mothers
Requirements vary between agencies and clinics that work with couples looking for a surrogate. There are some basic requirements you can expect if you’re looking to become a surrogate.
An Initial Application
These applications ask basic questions about you, your lifestyle, and the reasons you’re interested in being considered as a candidate. They’ll also want to know about any previous pregnancies and their outcomes.
A Background Check
You’re asking to be trusted with a couple’s hopes and dreams of becoming parents, which is no small task. The agencies and clinics that work with these hopeful couples will want to know about your life. They will also want to know about any extenuating circumstances that may make you unable to fulfill your end of the contract.
Couples that contract a surrogate mother spend a great deal of time, money and emotion finding and dealing with a surrogate. You’ll need to undergo a background check to make sure your lifestyle doesn’t interfere with a pregnancy.
You’ll also need to show you aren’t financially dependant on the compensation you’ll receive from the deal.
A Psychological Screening
Even if your background checks out, you may not be mentally prepared for the emotional demands surrogacy will place on you. You and your partner, if applicable, will likely be evaluated. The agency will want to ensure you understand exactly what you’re getting into and that you are mentally sound.
The emotions you’ll face as a surrogate mother, both during and after the pregnancy, can be extreme. This evaluation makes sure you’re up to facing whatever emotional issues arise.
Further Medical Screening
If your background and psychological checks come back okay, you’ll likely have to do a series of other medical tests. These will make sure your body will hold up to pregnancy and childbirth with no anticipated complications.
Fertility treatments and subsequent pregnancy and delivery can be very hard on the body. Women with medical histories containing previous complicated pregnancies or a number of other chronic health conditions that could interfere with pregnancy may not be considered.
Other Factors to Consider
If you’re contemplating surrogacy, besides the tests you’ll need to pass with the clinic or agency, you should take a personal inventory of yourself to ensure you know what you’re signing up for.
Are you emotionally prepared to deal with fertility treatments, nine months of pregnancy and childbirth? Will you be okay parting with the child you’ve helped bring into the world? Do you have a job situation that will allow the necessary time off for treatments and postpartum care?
Have an honest discussion with yourself to make sure you’re completely ready to be a surrogate mother.
Are You Ready to Become a Surrogate?
Helping a couple bring a child into the world can be a rewarding experience. However, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared mentally and emotionally to devote a year or more of your life to the experience.
If you are seriously considering becoming a surrogate, check out our other articles on surrogacy to learn more.
