By Haley Lewis

Have you ever wanted to experience pregnancy again but not necessarily grow your family?  Well, there is a way that gives you that experience and helps others. And, how do you do that you may ask? By becoming a gestational surrogate. You carry and deliver a baby for another individual or couple, but you have no genetic relationship to the child. The embryo is implanted in your uterus using an egg and sperm from donors or the intended parents. It is a gracious way to help individuals who cannot conceive a child build their family. 

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Missouri is here to support and educate you throughout your surrogacy journey. We are a part of Surrogacy Choices, a community platform that connects individuals with licensed surrogacy agencies. Please note, however, that Surrogacy Choices does not provide surrogacy services directly.

We want to empower our surrogate mothers with the information to make informed choices about this extraordinary act of generosity. So, if you are looking for answers to your gestational surrogacy questions, you have come to the right place. 

Am I Eligible to Become a Surrogate Mother?

Before moving forward with surrogacy,there are a handful of issues to consider and that are required of you. These issues range from compensation to lifestyle to your health. 

1. How much does surrogacy pay? 

• This might be a big question you have as you start the surrogacy process. Of course you want to help out another family, but growing a human is a hard thing to do. Therefore, we understand why you would think about the compensation. 

Surrogacy compensation may depend on the state, your experience, and the specific terms of the surrogacy arrangement. Our agency’s staff will help with that part, so you do not have to worry.  

2. What are the age/citizenship requirements? 

• Be a U.S. citizen residing within the United States
•  Age 21 to 39 years old currently raising at least one child.

3. What are the health/lifestyle requirements?

• Have experienced at least one healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy 
• No history of postpartum depression following previous pregnancies
• Must have no mental health disorders
• No history of taking medications for depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions
• Must be in good health and free from sexually transmitted infections
• Not smoke or use illegal substances
• No dependency on alcohol

4. What kind of socioeconomic status is required?

• Must not be receiving Medicaid, food stamps, or other government/public assistance for any children you already have
• Be able to pass a background check
• Must have a stable lifestyle with a solid support system
• Available to travel for appointments as needed

We understand that these requirements may appear extensive. However, they are essential in order to safeguard the well-being of everyone involved. These guidelines are set by fertility clinics and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to help ensure successful outcomes. 

If you meet our initial qualifications, you are welcome to apply and move forward with the screening process.

Becoming a Surrogate is a Personal Decision

5. Why do women choose to become surrogates? 

• Some women may choose to become surrogates because they:
  • Have been deeply affected by infertility in s
  • Truly enjoy the experience of pregnancy 
  • Are motivated by a desire to help others fulfill their dream of becoming parents

6. What are the benefits of becoming a surrogate? 

• The benefits of surrogacy are often personal and individual to each woman. Some of the most rewarding aspects can include: 
• Helping to build families
• Forming meaningful connections with other parents
• Enjoying the pregnancy journey
• Experiencing a sense of community and gratitude
•  Receiving compensation

7. What is the process like to become a gestational surrogate? 

• Pre-screening
  • To even begin, we need to see if you qualify and meet the requirements above 
• Screening
  • After pre-approval, prospective surrogates must undergo a comprehensive screening process. 
  • This includes evaluating your mental and physical health, conducting background checks, performing in-home assessments, and other necessary evaluations.

8. Medical screening

• The medical screening verifies that you are both physically and mentally prepared to become a gestational carrier. 
• This process involves checking for communicable diseases, substance use, infections, and other factors to ensure your overall health and safety.
• All of this ensures the health of the baby too

9. Matching

• This is where we help you find the intended family to see if you hit it off. This is done by arranging video calls or in person interviews. 
• If you and the intended family like each other, an agreement can be made and the surrogate process can begin. 

10. Monitoring appointments

• Rather than managing appointments on your own, we assist you in scheduling and coordinating all the necessary appointments during your invitro fertilization  preparation and pregnancy.
• Pregnancy
  • Throughout your pregnancy, you will receive attentive and professional care. We are here to support you emotionally and physically during the surrogacy journey, throughout your pregnancy, and beyond

Choosing to Work with Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Missouri is a Self-less Choice 

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Missouri is here to support and guide you throughout your surrogacy journey. We aim to empower our surrogate mothers with the knowledge  to make informed decisions about this act of kindness. And by helping you find answers to frequently asked questions, we hope to instill confidence in your decision. If you are looking to become a surrogate mother, we would love to hear from you today.