How are applicants screened prior to matching?
Screening is a vital part of the surrogacy process. At Heartland Surrogacy, both intended parents (IPs) and surrogates undergo evaluations and interviews to assess their readiness for the journey.
We all want a safe and successful surrogacy experience. To that end, our agency is committed to working with clients that are trustworthy and adequately prepared. We screen IPs and surrogates through various steps that are unique to their roles.
Intended Parent Screening
In our application, IPs provide information about their family life, medical history, employment, criminal history, and journey expectations. Reviewing these details is how we begin our screening process.
Getting to Know the Intended Parent(s)
After reviewing the application, we conduct an intake meeting with Brie and Monica, our agency owners. To determine if the parent(s) is ready to move forward with a journey, we walk through their goals and expectations of the journey, including any medical history that may have an impact on any stages of the process. We discuss expected costs with as much specificity as possible so that they understand what amounts will need to be paid at different points throughout the journey. At this time, we also ask about any criminal history.
This meeting serves as an opportunity for the IPs to ask any questions they may have about the journey. We make sure to provide as much information as possible, including expectations regarding support during the journey and what to expect throughout the journey. After the intake, our team evaluates the IPs’ information and determines what additional details are needed, if any. We then move forward with background checks, which include screening for criminal history and verification of social security numbers.
Intended Parent Psychological Consultation
The psychological consultation for intended parents is required by most fertility clinics. It is sometimes completed before signing on with us, sometimes after. This is a consultation and not an evaluation. It is not an assessment of suitability for parenthood, as this would be an unjust contrast to parents who do not face fertility obstacles. Instead, it is an opportunity for a mental health provider to talk about the emotions and risks involved in surrogacy. They address any concerns the IPs may have and prepare them for the journey ahead.
Surrogate Screening Process
Ensuring that a surrogate is qualified requires concerted efforts from the applicant, agency, and multiple providers. Here at Heartland Surrogacy, our surrogates undergo a two-part screening process. Working with screened and qualified surrogates provides safety to everyone involved in the process.
Agency Pre-screening
The first step in screening is getting to know our applicant. Before matching, we will obtain personal and medical information from the surrogate and her medical providers. Applicants start with the intake form on our website. If they meet our basic qualifications, then they can move forward to the full application using our online portal.
When the application is complete, we conduct an interview to get to know the surrogate and make sure she will be a good fit with our agency. We answer the applicant’s questions and address her concerns, as well as provide information about working with us. Our goal is to prepare her for the process.
“I am completely open about the details of being a surrogate. Talking about some of the difficult aspects can scare away some applicants. I certainly don’t want that, but I’d rather they back out earlier rather than later if surrogacy is really not a good option for them. They deserve transparency.”
Brie, Heartland Surrogacy president.
The next steps in screening involve a medical records review, criminal background checks and social security verification, as well as a home study by a member of our team. The home study gives us a chance meet the surrogate’s family and evaluate the safety of her home.
Medical Screening for Surrogates
The second part of surrogate screening is completed after matching and is specific to the requirements of the IPs’ fertility clinic. At this point, we assist in arranging a psychological screening, which includes a psychological interview and standardized personality assessment. Completing this evaluation after finding a match allows the surrogate to talk about matters specific to that match.
The medical evaluation is the final step in screening. This includes a physical exam, bloodwork for the surrogate (and her partner, if applicable), and a study of her uterine cavity. Conclusions from the physical evaluation and ultrasound are made during the visit. The results of bloodwork often take up to a week to receive. If everything looks good, the surrogate is officially cleared and ready to complete the legal agreement with the IPs!
Surrogacy Agency Services
We believe thorough screening of surrogates and intended parents is pivotal to the success of a surrogacy journey. It is a foundational responsibility of surrogacy agencies to provide this service well. When you match at Heartland, you can trust the process and let us shoulder the details. Your job is to enjoy the journey!
