By Sophia Braun

Are you a woman in Texas who wants to learn more about the process of surrogacy screening? Or perhaps you would like to become a surrogate mother and need some introduction information? Whatever the case, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Texas is here for you. The surrogacy process is very important and we want to ensure you are in the best care possible. It can truly be fulfilling and exciting to become a surrogate mother. Maybe it is for someone you know. Or you might be helping someone realize their wish and want for children. Either way, it’s good to know about the steps you need to complete in order to officially become one.  It is important to know that we do not provide the services directly, we connect you to licensed agencies.

Becoming a Surrogate 

One of your questions might be, “How do I become a surrogate?” There are numerous requirements in order to become a surrogate, in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here are a few of the requirements: 

• Must be a US Citizen
• Had at least one healthy pregnancy
• Cannot have had mental health issues, such as bipolar. We want the baby to go someplace that is going to be consistently safe. 
• Free of sexually-transmitted diseases
• Must have a stable lifestyle and support system

Now, it can be tough to follow such strict rules and regulations. However, it is in the best interest for both parties to adhere to the requirements. Once you meet all the requirements, this is where you can move on to the screening process. 

What are the basic steps of Surrogacy? 

There are numerous steps to the process that you must undertake first. If you have any general questions, feel free to contact us at Surrogacy Choices. 

• Submit an Application

One of the first big things that you have to do is submit an application. This is a general form to get some answers about you and your reasons for wanting to be a surrogate. 

• Medical and Social History Information

Here you are going to be asked about your family and your own medical history. This will give the agency an idea of who you and your family are and other important information. For example, if you have cancer and might have the possibility of it returning, you cannot participate. 

• Physical Examination

Once you have passed the initial requirements, you’ll be connected to a fertility specialist at a surrogacy clinic or agency. There you will get blood work done, in addition to the physical exam, to ensure your health for surrogacy. Blood work will be tested for whatever it is the doctors need to test you for. 

• In-home Assessment 

This will be a meeting with a social worker who will get to know you and your intentions better. It is also an opportunity to ask any more of your questions you may have about the process. 

• Mental Health Evaluation

We want to confirm that you are emotionally and mentally ready to take on this huge task. There are challenges to motherhood and surrogacy and we want you to be prepared. 

Legal Requirements of the Surrogacy Screening Process

This is one of the most crucial aspects of the process. Both the legal rights of the surrogate mother and the parents are important. This step will be performed before any medical procedures occur. Each party must sign a contract. This covers issues including but not limited to the possible risks and responsibilities of the surrogate. Typically the intended parents’ attorney will be the one to draft a contract. Then it will go to you and once final revisions are made, then is when you will both sign. Once this is complete, then the medical steps and procedures may begin and you will also receive payments. 

Medical Steps for the Surrogacy Process 

Once you have completed the basic steps of becoming a surrogate mother for intended parents then you can move on. A lot of steps go into a medical evaluation, and Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Texas can help give you that information. Your health is crucial and therefore will be closely monitored. 

• Fertility Treatments

You will go through multiple fertility treatments, as well as blood tests. Injections and ultrasounds are a part of this step as well. Next, you will be prescribed the medications needed to regulate your cycle. This all will prepare you for IVF or In Vitro Fertilization. 

• Embryo Transfer

The egg, whether from the intended mother or a donor, will be fertilized externally in a laboratory. Then a brief period of incubation will follow before it is ready to be transferred into the surrogate. This is usually quick, and you will be asked to stay for a few hours at a clinic before going home for rest. 

• Prenatal Care

This will come after the transfer and you will be asked to go to regular appointments or check-ins. You will be able to go to your own OBGYN once a heartbeat has been detected. 

Final Surrogacy Choices Remarks

The surrogacy journey can be very rewarding but know it is not for everyone. As the surrogate mother, you will be giving yourself an experience like no other, giving a family a baby. These requirements and laws are set for the well-being of the intended parents and the surrogate, which is you. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Texas will be here for you if you have any starter questions. When you are ready, we will connect you to a surrogacy agency near you.