5 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Surrogate

Most surrogates choose to help others grow their family for truly selfless reasons. They want to give them the gift of parenthood. 

However, becoming a surrogate isn’t something you should take lightly. Surrogacy is a major commitment that affects your physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being and requires careful consideration. 

At Great Beginnings Surrogacy Services (GBSS) in San Diego, California, our expert, Dr. Samuel Wood, and our team of care coordinators specialize in guiding folks through the surrogacy process.  

Here, we want to share some of the questions you should ask yourself before becoming a surrogate.

1. Why do I want to become a surrogate?

The first question you want to ask yourself when considering surrogacy is: Why? Why do you want to become a surrogate? Most people choose surrogacy because they want to help others expand their family. 

Though surrogacy has financial benefits, money isn’t usually the driving force. Surrogates enjoy pregnancy, have completed their own family, and want to give the gift of parenthood to those who can’t bear children themselves.

2. What does the surrogacy process involve?

The surrogacy process is complex and requires your full commitment. The pregnancy is nine months, but the surrogacy process can take much longer.

First, you need to find a surrogacy agency, meet the requirements to be a surrogate and get matched with the intended parents. Then, you undergo physical and psychological evaluations to make sure the pregnancy will be safe for you. Next, you and your IP discuss the legalities of the surrogacy and, through your individual attorneys, sign the contract.

Finally, you start fertility treatments for vitro fertilization (IVF). And if all goes well, a positive pregnancy test follows. 

3. Do I meet the surrogacy requirements?

Surrogacy requirements vary from agency to agency. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has established guidelines that most agencies follow.

The ideal surrogate:

• Is between ages 21 and 45
• Has a history of at least one full-term vaginal delivery
• Has  no more than 5 vaginal births or 3 Cesarean sections
• Has a supportive home environment

Our requirements are stricter on age (21 to 38), and we include specific health requirements for our surrogates.  

4. What does my family think?

The IPs are as invested as you are in the pregnancy, but your family provides the at-home support you need.

Before becoming a surrogate, talk to your family about it and find out what they think. Surrogacy affects them, too. Make sure you’re all on the same page so you get the help you need throughout the entire process. 

5. Can I choose the IPs?

We choose the IPs using a specialized process to ensure we get a good match. However, you can become a surrogate for a friend or family member if they meet the IP requirements.

Whether you know the IPs beforehand or not, we recommend working with a surrogacy agency that can help you through the process.

Becoming a surrogate is a personal decision, but it’s important to evaluate your readiness and commitment to the process. Working with surrogacy experts can provide the insight and guidance you need. Schedule an appointment with our surrogacy specialists by calling our office today or booking a consultation online.