What is the Surrogacy Process for Surrogates?

Women who choose to become surrogates are selfless individuals who are embarking on a journey to change the life of a deserving couple or individual forever. There are many different steps that go into the surrogacy process. These steps differ depending on whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate. This blog will look at the surrogacy process for those who choose to become a surrogate.

The Surrogacy Process

The surrogacy process for surrogates is quite in depth. Our agency is involved in the process closely from start to finish and even after. This is to ensure the safety of the surrogate as well as the wellbeing of the child.

Qualifications

The first step of the process is to ensure that you meet all of the qualifications. Some of these include:

• Be a citizen or legal resident or legal immigrant of the United States
• Be between the ages of 21-40 (Traditional Surrogates must be under 35)
• Have given birth to a child of your own
• Be height-weight proportionate (BMI must be under 33)

For a more detailed list of our main qualifications, click here.

Application

The next step is to apply to become a surrogate. After this your application will be reviewed by members of our team. We will then contact you to set up an interview and question session with one of our intake coordinators. If these steps go well we will ask that you sign HIPPA forms so that we can obtain your medical records. After this we will perform a background check, insurance review, as well as a psychological consultation. Once all of these steps are completed, we can begin the process.

Gestational Surrogacy

Most surrogates are applying to be a Gestational Surrogate, which means you will have no genetic connection to the child. The sperm and eggs will be used from the intended parents. You will have some medical tests to make sure you are healthy enough to carry a child. Some of these tests include Hysteroscopy/HCG, STD testing, tral transfer, as well as psychological testing.

Matching

Once all of your questions have been answered and you have passed through the general screening we can begin the process of matching. The first step in this process is to begin sending you profiles of intended parents. We will ensure that these intended parents meet all of your matching preferences. Once you have selected a profile that you like the intended parents will be sent your profile to review. If everyone is in agreement, our agency will arrange a monitored phone call between both parties. The reason why we choose to have this call monitored is that we can then be sure that everyone is remaining on topic and asks the right questions to get to know each other better. If both sides agree that they want to proceed, we will then schedule your medical screening and/or in person meeting. At this screening you may also have the opportunity to meet the intended parents!

Medical Screening

Once your match has been confirmed and your screening at the clinic has been scheduled, your escrow will be established to ensure all your expenses are compensated. This compensation will include medical screening for you and your partner if it is needed. All expenses for this trip to the clinic will also be covered. This includes travel, meal allowance, childcare, lost wages, bag fees, as well as invasive fees. During this trip the intended parents will also receive their medical screening.

Legal Contract

Once the screening has been completed the next step is the legal contract. Our agency has plenty of experience with the legal aspects of surrogacy and can therefore provide you with an experienced reproductive Law Attorney to represent you. If you already have representation, we will be more than happy to set up your review with them. Of course, this is at no expense to you. The intended parents attorney will then draft an agreement that you will be asked to review. The intended parents will sign a legal match sheet containing all of the terms of your agreement. Once you have read the agreement with your attorney and requested any changes that you would like, the agreement will be signed and notarized. Once all of the legal aspects have been completed you will be cleared for the clinic to schedule your calendar.

Medical Procedures

There are several medical procedures involved in gestational surrogacy. Once you have received your calendar from the clinic the process will begin. Your coordinator will call you and walk you through the calendar to ensure that you understand every medication and dosage. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Ensuring that our surrogates understand the process is one of our top concerns. Once everything is clear you will begin the medication. The egg donor will begin medication approximately 2 weeks after the surrogate. Then, the donor will have her eggs retrieved and fertilized. These eggs may be completed to determine their quality and suitability. Our team will then transfer either 1 or 2 embryos, depending on your profile and preference and what the contract states. During this process all travel, childcare, lost wages, meals, and expenses will be paid. You will also receive your transfer fee. You can begin testing at home as soon as 5 days after the transfer. Your blood test will be scheduled for 2 weeks after the procedure. Once the pregnancy has been confirmed, you will recieve your first compensation payment.

Pregnancy

During the remainder of the pregnancy, you can contact your coordinator for any issues or questions. Our team will be diligent to ensure that you are paid on time and through direct deposit in your escrow account. When the second trimester begins, your attorney will review the paperwork for the pre-birth order to ensure that you have no questions. We can then assist you in planning your birth plan that you will share with your intended parents. When you deliver the baby, your coordinator will meet you at the hospital if you are local and they will present you with a personalized push gift as a thank you!
If you are considering becoming a surrogate, contact the experts at Simple Surrogacy. Our team will ensure that you have the best possible experience during your surrogacy. Visit our website today to learn more!