When it comes time to expand your family through surrogacy, you must get it right. Surrogacy is a complex legal, medical, and emotional process that requires the expertise of a surrogate mother agency. A surrogate mother agency pairs families with surrogates to help them grow. They handle all the legal and medical complexities so you can focus on enjoying the experience and building emotional bonds. Whether you explore surrogacy in other countries or domestically, a surrogate mother agency will help you through the process.
What Is A Surrogate Mother?
A surrogate mother is a woman who bears and delivers a child for another individual or couple. She makes a profound and compassionate commitment to help others achieve their dream of parenthood. Her altruism drives her to assist those unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.
Surrogate mothers come from diverse backgrounds but share the commonality of being willing and able to undergo pregnancy safely and healthily. They undergo comprehensive screening for both their physical and mental health to ensure they are capable of managing the demands of pregnancy and the emotional intricacies of surrogacy. Throughout the pregnancy, a surrogate mother receives medical care and support to manage the health and well-being of both herself and the baby she is carrying. A surrogate mother agency helps connect you with surrogate mothers.
Who Chooses To Be A Surrogate Mother?
The decision to become a surrogate involves careful consideration and a deep understanding of the emotional journey involved. Surrogate mothers often form a unique bond with the intended parents based on mutual respect and gratitude. Women who decide to become surrogates often do so for a combination of generous and practical reasons, including:
- Altruistic Motivation: Many surrogates are primarily motivated by the desire to help others who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy on their own. The emotional reward of helping someone achieve their dream of parenthood is a powerful motivator for them.
- Personal Satisfaction: Some women who have had positive and fulfilling pregnancy experiences wish to share that possibility with others who cannot experience pregnancy directly. They may enjoy being pregnant and feel a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in using this unique capability to help others.
- Empathy And Connection: Women who choose surrogacy may also have a strong sense of empathy and connection to those struggling with infertility or other barriers to parenthood. They might be inspired by personal connections to such challenges, either through friends, family, or their own experiences.
The decision to become a surrogate is deeply personal and involves careful consideration of many factors.
How Are Surrogate Mothers Selected?
A qualified surrogate mother agency matches families with surrogates. Whether the surrogacy is in other countries or domestically, surrogates go through an intensive screening process that includes:
- Medical Screening: Candidates undergo thorough medical examinations, including physical exams, fertility assessments, and screenings for infectious diseases. Medical screening confirms that the surrogate is in optimal health and able to sustain a pregnancy to full term without complications.
- Psychological Evaluation: Surrogates undergo a psychological screening conducted by a mental health professional. Mental health assessments evaluate the surrogate’s mental and emotional stability, her understanding of the surrogacy process, and her ability to handle the emotional complexities of carrying a child for someone else.
- Background Checks: Agencies run comprehensive background checks to ensure there are no legal or criminal issues that might complicate the surrogacy process. Background checks include checking criminal records, financial stability, and overall lifestyle stability.
- Home Visits: Agencies conduct home visits to get a sense of the surrogate’s living conditions, family dynamics, and the support system she has in place.
- Legal Consultation: Potential surrogates receive legal counseling to understand the legal implications of surrogacy. They are informed about the surrogacy laws applicable in their jurisdiction and the legal responsibilities and rights outlined in surrogacy agreements.
- Education and Training: Medical providers then educate surrogates about the medical procedures they will undergo, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and any necessary medications during the surrogacy. Mental health professionals also help prepare them for the emotional aspects of pregnancy and postpartum separation from the baby.
After passing the screenings and assessments, surrogates may be interviewed more extensively by the surrogate mother agency staff and potentially by intended parents. Matching is a sensitive process and aims to align the expectations and preferences of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
How Can I Explore Surrogacy In Other Countries?
Some countries have more favorable surrogacy laws, making them a better choice for some families that may be limited in their home country. The best way to surrogacy in other countries is with a surrogate mother agency. A surrogate mother agency is well-versed in the legalities and practicalities of surrogacy in different jurisdictions and provides essential guidance throughout the international surrogacy process. They also coordinate all aspects of the process, including legal representation, medical procedures, and logistical support.
If you’re considering surrogacy, speak with our surrogacy legal experts today. We’ll help you understand more about surrogate mothers and your legal surrogacy options and help you explore surrogacy in other countries.