Am I Ready to Become a Surrogate?

Becoming a Surrogate is a beautiful choice that gives a deserving individual or couple the gift of growing or starting their family – but it is not for everyone. If you are considering becoming a Surrogate, it is important to know the requirements you must meet, what the process entails, and to fully understand what it takes to become a Surrogate. Keep reading to learn more about the path that you will be taking if you choose to become a Surrogate with Simple Surrogacy!

Understanding Surrogacy

The first step to figuring out if becoming a Surrogate is the right decision for you is to understand what surrogacy really is. There are two types of surrogacy arrangements: Traditional Surrogacy and Gestational Surrogacy. 

Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional Surrogacy involves the Surrogate becoming pregnant through Intrauterine Insemination (IUIs). This means that the Surrogate’s eggs will be combined with sperm from the Intended Father or a Donor, resulting in the Surrogate being biologically related to the child. This is the less common form of Surrogacy today.

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy involves the embryo being created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the egg and sperm either coming from the Intended Parent(s) or Donors and then being transferred to the Surrogate. This means that the Surrogate is not biologically related to the child that she is carrying and makes it the more common form of Surrogacy used today.  

As mentioned above, most women choose to use Gestational Surrogacy because the child shares no biological connection with the Surrogate. This allows for less emotional attachment and makes the legal process for parental rights much simpler.

Understanding the Process

The next step in learning if you are ready to become a Surrogate is to understand the entire surrogacy process from beginning to end. 

Meeting the Requirements

Before applying to become a Surrogate, you should make sure that you meet the Simple Surrogacy Surrogate requirements outlined on our website. Some of our requirements 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
• Have had uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries
• Be height-weight proportionate (BMI must be under 33)
• Must have a valid drivers license
• Have experienced a full-term pregnancy and delivery
• Be in a stable living situation (7 year address verification is completed on all Surrogates) (you don’t have to live in the same place for 7 years)
• Have the support of your spouse or partner (when applicable)

If you meet the criteria, you can then apply to become a Surrogate with Simple Surrogacy. 

Application, Paperwork, and Profile Building

Once you have applied, the team at Simple Surrogacy will review your application and ensure that you meet all of our requirements. After this, you will have an interview and question session with an intake coordinator, sign HIPPA forms, undergo a background and insurance check, and complete a psychological consultation. Once these steps are completed, you will begin the process of being matched with Intended Parent(s)!

Matching

Now that you are approved to be a Surrogate with Simple Surrogacy and your profile is created, you can begin the process of matching with Intended Parent(s). We will send you Intended Parent(s) profiles that meet your matching preferences, and once you like a profile, the Intended Parent(s) will be sent your profile to review. If both parties mutually agree, a monitored call will be arranged and if that goes well, your medical screening will be scheduled and you will meet the Intended Parent(s) at the clinic. 

Legal

If all goes well at the medical screening, the next step is the legal contracts. The Intended Parent(s) will sign a legal match sheet, their attorney will draft a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement, and you will review the agreement with your attorney and then sign if you feel comfortable. If you have any questions at this stage, our team will be there to answer any of your questions!

Medical Procedures

The rest of your surrogacy journey will include medical procedures. You will receive a calendar from the clinic that will outline all of your appointments, which your Simple Surrogacy Coordinator will walk you through. The next step is to begin the medication and shortly after that, the embryo transfer will take place. Once there is a confirmed pregnancy, the process becomes all about keeping you and the baby happy and healthy!

Developing a Support System

Once you have decided that becoming a Surrogate is the right path for you, it is time to develop a support system. Although you’ve already been through the pregnancy process before, becoming a Surrogate is a huge emotional commitment, so it is important to have a strong support system to guide and support you. We suggest talking with your partner, family, and even your friends and family to ensure that you have people you can rely on during this process.

Flexibility

It is important to remain flexible during your surrogacy journey. From Medical appointments to calls and meetings with the Intended Parent(s), you will be required to dedicate a substantial amount of time to the process. Before you are matched with Intended Parent(s), you will develop a plan with your Surrogacy Coordinator. It is important to note however that even though there will be a plan in place, not everything in life goes exactly to plan and you may have to adapt along your journey. Our team will be with you through every step and will assist you in “re-planning” whenever needed!

Choosing the selfless act of becoming a Surrogate is a big decision that will impact not only your life but also the lives of your friends and family and the lives of the Intended Parents. Therefore it is important to be sure that you are ready before you commit. If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate with Simple Surrogacy, our team of previous Egg Donors and Surrogates can help answer any questions that you have. We have a unique insider’s perspective that can help ease any of your nerves and assure you that you are making the right choice. Call us at 1-866-41-SURRO or contact us on our website today to begin your process!