When it comes to surrogacy, there are an endless supply of questions. You don’t know, what you don’t know. That Is okay, it’s what we’re for! Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions by surrogate mothers.

How am I screened?

A surrogate is most often screened based on the ASRM guidelines for surrogacy and any specific requirements that an agency has put in place to ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Do I have to live in the same city/state as the intended parents?

A surrogate does not have to live in the same city/state or even country as her intended parent(s), agency or clinic. Travel arrangements will be made for clinic appointments, OBGYN care will be local to you, and your agency can support you remotely.

Why does the agency/clinic need to review my medical records?

Reviewing medical records allows the agency and IVF clinic to have insight into your past pregnancy/delivery to determine if becoming a surrogate mother is a safe choice for you.

Is my agency my clinic?

No, a surrogacy agency’s role in a surrogacy journey is to provide management services, facilitate professional arrangements, aid in communication between the IP(s), Surrogate, lawyers, insurance professionals, escrow company, and medical professionals throughout the journey.

Does the surrogate have to pay for their lawyer?

No, the cost of the surrogate mother’s lawyer is paid by the Intended Parent(s).

Does a surrogate use their own medical insurance?

In some cases, yes. If a surrogate mother has surrogacy friendly insurance, she can use it, and her premiums will be paid by the Intended Parent(s) throughout the duration of the pregnancy. Her insurance explanation of benefits will be reviewed by a professional before the decision is made to use her policy or to purchase a surrogacy friendly policy for the journey.

Do I need to have medical insurance to apply as a surrogate mother?

No, if you do not have medical insurance, a surrogacy friendly policy will be purchased to cover your prenatal and delivery care. You may not use your surrogacy policy for personal appointments, such as, dental or vision.

What is an embryo transfer?

An embryo transfer refers to a step in the process of assisted reproduction in which embryos are placed into the uterus of a female with the intent to establish a pregnancy.

When do I get paid?

A surrogate mother’s base compensation should begin after confirmation of a fetal heartbeat. In some cases, a surrogate mother is eligible for certain bonuses after legal clearance.

Why does my partner need to be screened?

For the safety of the pregnancy, the surrogate mother herself, and the unborn child, any adult living in the home must consent to a background screening to pursue a surrogacy journey. If the surrogate has a partner with whom she is sexually active with, they must undergo an STD screening, this is an FDA regulation.

If you are a first-time surrogate mother reading this article, I hope we were able to answer some of your questions. If you are considering surrogacy and are information gathering, follow the link below to schedule a time to chat with an experienced surrogate advisor today at no cost. We look forward to empowering, educating, and guiding you through the beginning stages of your surrogacy journey!

Mothers First Surrogacy | Qualify