The Surrogacy Process for Becoming a Surrogate

The Step By Step Surrogacy Process

Beginning the surrogacy process is a very exciting time for women that want to help others build their family! It can also be overwhelming at times creating unnecessary uncertainty and fear. This step-by-step guide will let you know what you can expect during the surrogacy process and give you a reference point along the way. Working with an experienced surrogacy agency like Pathways To Parenthood will provide support every step of the way.

Step 1: Making the Surrogacy Decision

This step is all about you and your family. Before committing to the program, it’s essential to understand the emotional, physical, and time commitments involved in the surrogacy journey. Ask yourself, “Am I ready to help a family?”, “Do I meet the basic surrogate requirements?” (For example, have you had previous successful, complication-free pregnancies?)

We are here to answer all your preliminary surrogacy questions about timelines, surrogate compensation, and the relationship with intended parents. We provide the information you need to feel confident in your choice.

Step 2: Complete the Surrogacy Pre-Screening Form

Once you’ve decided, the journey officially begins with our surrogacy pre-screening form. This form helps us determine if you meet the initial qualifications set by our agency and fertility clinics. Once submitted, we thoroughly review your application to confirm you meet basic health criteria, including age, BMI, and etc.

Step 3: Comprehensive Surrogacy Agency Screening

After the pre-screening, and full application is complete, and you have been
qualified to move forward in the surrogacy process, the next step is the agency interview. We want to get to know you better, answer all of your surrogacy process questions, and make sure you have the information you need to feel comfortable moving forward in the surrogacy process.

After the agency interview, the following screening steps will be completed as soon
as possible. Then you will join our surrogacy program and we will begin the much-
anticipated step of surrogate matching with future parents:

• Criminal Background Check
• Psychological Testing & Evaluation
• Medical Records/Medical Clearance
• Insurance Policy Review
• Profile Letter/Compensation Worksheet
• Acceptance Into Program

Step 4: Surrogate Matching Process With Future Patents

Matching with the family you will help become a bigger family is one of the most
exciting times in the surrogacy process. It is one of the steps of surrogacy that
many women dream of when they first consider becoming a surrogate. The
matching process can happen quickly as Pathways To Parenthood Surrogacy
Agency has families waiting to be matched with a surrogate mother.

*We share your detailed information with potential parents, and theirs with you.
Once mutual interest is established, you will be introduced to Intended Parents to
begin getting to know each other. If you and the Intended Parents feel a strong
connection and agree to move forward, a match meeting is scheduled and the
match is made.

Step 5: Surrogacy Medical Screening & Legal Agreement

The medical screening at the intended parents’ fertility clinic will include reviewing medical records, a physical examination and sonogram as well as blood tests. Surrogates will also learn about the types of medications used in the treatment phase (in preparation for embryo transfer) of the surrogacy process.

Once surrogates complete fertility clinic medical screening, the surrogacy legal agreement between future parents and surrogate is completed. Surrogates have an independent attorney that represents their interests. The surrogate’s attorney explains, clarifies, and answers questions with respect to all aspects of the agreement and negotiates the terms of the contract.

All legal expenses will be paid for by intended parents. The surrogacy legal agreement protects surrogates and ensures the intended parents are the legal parents of the child. The agreement covers many other important elements including surrogate compensation package and the personal wishes between surrogate and intended parents regarding pregnancy and birth.

Once the surrogate legal agreement is completed, funds for surrogate compensation are placed in escrow. This very important step ensures funds are available to be paid to surrogates as detailed in the legal agreement.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer & Surrogate Pregnancy

Once the surrogacy legal agreement is completed, the embryo transfer process will begin. The fertility clinic will provide a detailed cycle calendar with instructions for medication protocols, monitoring appointments, and embryo transfer date.

Once the embryo transfer is complete and pregnancy is confirmed by the fertility clinic, the surrogate will be released to begin care with her OB/GYN between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.

Step 7: Delivery Day

The incredible culmination of the surrogacy process is the birth of the surro-baby. This day is one of the most highly anticipated and memorable times for surrogate mothers and parents, marking the end of the pregnancy stage of surrogacy.

Once the baby and surrogate are medically stable and cleared to go home, it is time to part ways. This is an emotional time for surrogates and parents as the unique and extraordinary time spent together to bring a baby into a family has come to an end. Although goodbyes are said and done, it is more like goodbye for now! Most surrogates continue their relationship with the parents and baby beyond birth.

Step 8: Rest & Recovery

Arriving home after delivering your surro-baby is a time to rest, recover, and allow others to care for and support you. It is normal to have mixed emotions in the days and weeks after delivery. Of course, your hormones are a bit out of sync until your body has fully recovered, and that can cause your emotions to fluctuate. It is also normal to experience happiness and joy for your surrogacy journey and the baby that you worked hard to take care of and deliver into the arms of your waiting parents and miss the baby that you carried in your body for months.

Be sure that you are kind to yourself and talk through any difficult emotions with your spouse/partner, close friends, or a counselor. You will likely find that soon you will feel like your old self again, and also very likely be thinking about when you can become a surrogate again!