How Do I Become a Surrogate?
If you’ve decided that you’d like to give the gift of surrogacy, you’ll undoubtedly have some questions about the process; how does one qualify to become a surrogate mother? What does the whole journey look like? Is it right for me?
At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, with offices in Encino, CA, and Bakersfield, CA, we’ve helped numerous individuals just like you — and we’re here to shed some light on the gestational surrogacy process and its requirements.
What Are the Qualifications to Become a Surrogate?
While professionals have the right to set their own list of qualifications, many follow the guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Pregnancy can be complicated and present some risks, and a pregnancy you carry for someone else is no different. Here are some of the basic required standards you must meet:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 41
- Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term with no major complications
- Your doctor has determined you have a healthy BMI
- Have not taken anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication in the last year
You may be an eligible candidate if you meet the basic surrogate qualifications. However, many surrogates are approved on a case-by-case basis.
What Does Starting the Surrogacy Process Look Like?
The first step to take is to complete a surrogacy application. Before you can become a surrogate mother, you’ll need to undergo medical and psychological screening to ensure, from a physical and emotional standpoint, that surrogacy is right for you.
Medical Screenings
Your medical evaluation will include screening for psychological conditions, such as depression, by meeting with a psychologist. The ASRM also suggests carriers receive a comprehensive medical exam that ensures they are healthy to carry a pregnancy, which may include blood tests that check for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, among others.
Legal Agreements
Legal contracts must also be completed before in vitro fertilization (IVF) can begin. This agreement will cover legalities pertaining to the carrier’s role and responsibilities during pregnancy, risks and liabilities, and compensation.
How Does a Surrogate Mother Become Pregnant?
The process can vary depending on the type of surrogacy. For traditional surrogacy, the mother is impregnated with the sperm of the father — whether it be the intended father or a sperm donor — and the embryo becomes fertilized inside of her. This can be accomplished with either IUI or IVF.
A gestational surrogate becomes pregnant via IVF. The mother takes medicine to prepare the uterus for an embryo; when they form, they’re implanted into the uterus.
Want to Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate Mother?
Becoming a surrogate mother means you must meet certain qualifications; however, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from exploring this meaningful journey.
We’re here to help potential parents and surrogate mothers make the right choice. Our practice is proud to have a compassionate team at our fertility office in Encino, CA; our esteemed doctors are double board-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility.
For more information on getting started with the surrogacy process, we encourage you to reach out to the Los Angeles Reproductive Center today.
