If you’re evaluating surrogacy, welcome. You’ll find details about surrogacy requirements ranging from finances to medical questions and answers.
Accel Conceptions is a leading surrogacy agency based in California, where the laws around surrogacy are some of the friendliest in the nation.
As a leader, we help educate and prepare gestational surrogates and intended parents for the surrogacy journey. Here’s what you need to know before starting surrogacy.
An Overview of Gestational Surrogacy
Most surrogacy journeys in the US involve gestational surrogacy. Using this method, the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby at all. This allows intended parents to be genetically connected to their baby, which can provide a deeper sense of family and connection.
In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using in vitro fertilization with the intended parents’ egg and sperm or a donor egg if the intended parents don’t have an egg. Since the gestational carrier does not share genetics with the baby, it often reduces the chances of disputes or legal and ethical issues.
Before embarking on a surrogacy journey, intended parents should spend time getting to know the following aspects of surrogacy:
- Medical evaluations
- Legal agreements
- Psychological screening
- Financial planning
- Ongoing communication
Intended Parent Requirements
When thinking of surrogacy, most people think that all the requirements focus on the gestational carrier. While gestational carriers certainly have a great deal of requirements to meet, intended parents must also meet certain requirements to work with a surrogacy agency.
Medical Evaluation
A medical evaluation helps fertility clinics understand where you’re at and whether you’ll need a donor egg or sperm to conceive a baby. Some areas the clinic will evaluate with you include:
- Medical history
- Infectious disease testing
- Genetic screening when appropriate
- Fertility testing
- Laboratory work required by fertility clinics and federal guidelines
Psychological Counseling
Although surrogacy enables many families to welcome a baby who could not otherwise, it’s still an emotionally challenging process. Getting started with professional counseling helps intended parents prepare for the surrogacy journey and gain greater insights into:
- The emotional aspects of the surrogacy journey
- Expectations during pregnancy
- Communication with the gestational carrier
- Preparing for birth and parenthood
Generally, you’ll get started with counseling before your surrogacy agency starts the matching process.
Financial Preparation
Undergoing surrogacy requires significant financial commitment. You have many options for funding your surrogacy journey. The surrogacy agency will walk you through the common expenses and help you prepare for how you’ll pay for those expenses.
Some key areas of financial commitment you should be aware of include:
- Fertility treatment
- Agency services
- Legal representation
- Medical expenses
- Insurance
- Gestational carrier compensation
- Travel and miscellaneous expenses
Gestational Carrier Requirements
While many women qualify to be a gestational carrier for surrogacy, others do not. You must meet strict screening protocols to ensure a healthy pregnancy and successful outcome for the intended parents.
Gestational carrier requirements for surrogacy will vary based on the agency. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides several guidelines that most agencies follow, including Accel Conceptions. Here’s a look at some of the qualifications you must meet to be considered for matching with intended parents to serve as their surrogate.
- Previous Healthy Pregnancy: To qualify as a surrogate, you must have delivered a healthy full-term baby without complications.
- Meet Age Guidelines: Surrogates with Accel Conceptions must be between the ages of 21 and 38.
- Be in Good Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle while being drug, alcohol, and tobacco free with a BMI that is less than 32.
- Complete a Psychological Evaluation: Successful surrogates have a good mental state and strong support system to help guide them through the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Realize That Requirements Vary by State
Each state within the United States governs its surrogacy laws. That means that where you engage in surrogacy does matter. If you’re in a state that has less favorable laws toward surrogacy, you should travel out of state and work with an agency in a more favorable state.
Depending on the state, legal considerations may include:
- Parentage orders
- Birth certificate procedures
- Compensation rules
- Eligibility requirements
- Contract enforceability
We took the time to break down the various laws in every state to help intended parents evaluate whether they can stay close to home to complete their surrogacy journey.
Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency
Just like the state laws dictate the surrogacy rights and requirements, the surrogacy agency you select will impact your experience and what’s required of you.
Reputable surrogacy agencies provide the following services:
- Gestational carrier matching
- Screening
- Case management
- Legal referrals
- Medical coordination
- Communication throughout the pregnancy
- Ongoing support for everyone involved
FAQs for Intended Parents Starting the Surrogacy Journey
You should sit down with your support network and start going through these common questions that can help you check for how prepared you are to begin working toward surrogacy.
- Is surrogacy the best family-building option for my situation?
- Have I selected an experienced fertility clinic?
- Do I understand the legal requirements in my state?
- Have I prepared financially?
- Am I ready for the timeline involved?
- Have I chosen an agency that provides comprehensive support?
Partner with the Right Surrogacy Agency
While surrogacy can feel overwhelming at first, you can boost your confidence immensely by partnering with the right agency. With a partner in your corner, you’ll have guidance for medical evaluations, psychological assessments, legal guidance, and careful carrier screening.
Accel Conceptions understands that every family building journey is unique. We’ll guide you through every step of the way and offer transparent, personalized support. Reach out to our team today with any questions you’re facing.