Medical and Psychological Screening
Once I was matched with my Intended Parents Mike and RJ, I headed to their clinic in Buffalo for medical clearance. Living five hours away, I hopped a train so I could work on the way there and back. The medical clearance was straightforward. The reproductive endocrinologist performed a saline hysterogram, which is when a catheter is used to put a small amount of saline into your uterus. Then, via ultrasound, the doctor can visually check for any potential issues. She also performed a mock transfer, and all went well. We also discussed potential risks I’d be taking on as
The Surrogate Screening and Application Process
Having been an independent surrogate for a family member in the past, where there was no application process and minimal screening, I wasn’t sure what to expect when working with an agency. I knew it would be more in depth, and indeed I was impressed with all the bases that NYSC covers at this stage of the journey. The application itself was several pages long and touched on almost all aspects of my life: my health history (pregnancy and otherwise), what I do for work and how much I earn, what kind of surrogacy situations I am open to (carrying
Psychological Tests and Legal Process
Once the two families, mine and the IP's, agreed to go ahead, I proceeded for the psychological test. The 1st test was on Zoom with my family. It was an introductory meeting with a psychologist. The psychologist wants to make sure that I have a supportive family, I do not have any mental health issues and mainly I am aware that I will give the baby or babies to the IPs after birth. Once she was convinced that I was a good candidate for surrogacy, then we processed for 2nd round. Then 2nd round was quite long, about 3 hours,
The Surrogate Screening and Application Process
I am ‘S’, I am 39 years old, mother of two and happily married to my sweetheart husband for 15 years. I have a master's degree in History and a diploma in Accounting. I used to work before but currently I am a stay home mom. The reason I wanted to do surrogacy is I love to be pregnant. But I have completed my family. I don’t want any more babies of my own. I knew of a same sex couple. They were coincidentally looking for someone to carry their baby. I did my first journey for that known family
Independent Surrogacy vs. Agency Surrogacy: the Intended Parents Perspective
When we talk to Intended Parents about why they chose or are considering an independent surrogacy journey, rather than an agency surrogacy journey, the main reason is almost always cost. We understand that. Surrogacy is expensive. But we also hear a lot of horror stories of independent surrogacy journeys gone wrong. Too often we hear about potential surrogates who connect with intended parents online, start the process, and then disappear. And many Intended Parents have had this happen to them more than once. Losing a surrogate like this is devastating – and can also be expensive if you’ve invested money
Surrogate Eligibility
When it comes to determining if a woman is eligible to become a surrogate, there are legal requirements, agency policies, and fertility clinic requirements she must comply with. Legal RequirementsUnder New York Law, a woman must meet the following criteria to become a surrogate:• At least 21 years old• US citizen or legal permanent resident• Single, married with her spouse participating, or married but legally separated if her spouse is not participating (check out our blog on surrogates’ spouses: https://nysurrogacycenter.com/surrogacy-blogs/role-of-the-surrogates-spouse/)• Successfully complete a medical screening (see Fertility Clinic Requirements section below for what is considered during the medical screening)Agency PoliciesThe
My Surrogacy Screening Process
Screening involves several steps: medical clearance from the intended parents’ fertility clinic, perhaps a check-in with your OB, and something that might be new for you: a psychological assessment. The prospect can be a little intimidating, but the reality wasn’t, and of course it helps to understand that this is done to provide the best outcome for everyone: a healthy and happy surrogate, baby, and intended parents. When it came time for my psych screening, my lawyer recommended someone she had worked with in adoption cases. Once I’d made an appointment, the licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) sent me
