Before the surrogacy journey begins, every potential surrogate must go through a detailed screening process. This step ensures the health and safety of the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.
This guide outlines how the screening process works, how long it usually takes, and what each stage involves. It also explains how candidates can prepare, what factors may lead to disqualification, and what options exist if someone is not approved.
Why Screening Matters in Surrogacy
Ensuring Everyone is Ready Emotionally and Medically
The screening process plays a vital role in ensuring that every surrogate is fully prepared for the journey ahead. Surrogacy is not just a physical commitment. It is also an emotional, legal, and medical responsibility. The goal of screening is to confirm that a candidate is healthy enough to carry a pregnancy, emotionally mature, and ready to follow medical and legal guidelines throughout the process.
Every pregnancy comes with some level of risk, even under the best circumstances. When a candidate is carefully screened, those risks can be reduced for both the surrogate and the baby. Screening helps identify any potential medical conditions or past pregnancy complications that could affect the safety of the experience. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate the candidate’s lifestyle, support system, and motivation to become a surrogate.
This step is not meant to be restrictive. Instead, it ensures that the journey begins with confidence and that the surrogate is well-supported from the start.
Building Trust Between All Parties
Gestational surrogacy is built on trust, and that trust starts with transparency. The screening process helps create an open and honest foundation between the surrogacy agency, the surrogate, and the intended parents. When expectations are clear from the beginning, it becomes easier to navigate each step of the process with mutual respect.
Trust also helps prevent misunderstandings later on. When a surrogate has been thoroughly screened, intended parents can move forward knowing that their future child is in good hands. The agency can offer support more effectively, and the surrogate can feel secure knowing that she has been fully prepared for the role she is taking on.
The result is a stronger, more respectful relationship among all parties and a smoother, safer journey for everyone involved.
How Long Does the Surrogate Screening Process Take
The full surrogate screening process usually takes between two and four weeks. The exact timeline can vary depending on how quickly a candidate submits all required documents and completes the necessary evaluations.
Once an application is approved, the agency invites the surrogate to join a secure online portal. Through this portal, she can upload medical records, answer detailed health questions, and track her progress through each stage of the screening. This system helps streamline the process and ensures that the team can review all the necessary information in an organized and efficient way.
At Surrogacy by Faith, once everything is submitted through the portal, the full review typically takes about two to four weeks. During this time, the agency carefully examines each detail to make sure the surrogate is fully qualified and ready to move forward.
While the wait can feel long, it is an important step to ensure the journey begins with clarity, safety, and full confidence from all sides.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Surrogate Screening Process
Initial Application and Interview
The journey begins with an online application form. This form includes questions about the candidate’s background, health, family life, and motivation for becoming a surrogate. Once the form is submitted, the agency reviews the answers and may schedule an initial call to discuss the candidate’s goals and expectations.
This step helps both sides understand whether surrogacy is a good fit and allows the candidate to ask questions about the process.
Medical Records Review
If the application is approved, the surrogate is invited to access a secure portal where she can upload her medical history and supporting documents. This includes records from previous pregnancies, OB/GYN summaries, and delivery notes. She will also be asked to share information about any medications, pre-existing conditions, and past surgeries.
The agency team uses this information to evaluate her medical readiness. It’s one of the most important steps of the process and sets the foundation for everything that follows.
In-Person Medical Evaluation
Once the records are reviewed and accepted, the surrogate completes a full medical screening at a fertility clinic. This includes bloodwork, infection testing, and a uterine exam, usually performed through ultrasound or sonohysterogram. These tests help confirm that the surrogate is physically capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
This visit also gives the clinic a chance to answer any medical questions the candidate may have and ensure that she understands what the journey will involve from a clinical perspective.
Psychological Evaluation
The next step is a one-on-one session with a licensed mental health professional. The therapist asks questions to assess emotional readiness, communication style, and the ability to navigate the emotional aspects of surrogacy.
This evaluation helps ensure that the surrogate feels confident, supported, and fully prepared to take on the experience. It also gives space to explore potential challenges and talk through expectations.There are still steps you can take if you fail the psychological evaluation, especially if the issue is temporary or treatable.
Background Checks
Finally, the agency conducts background checks to make sure the surrogate meets safety and legal standards. This may include a review of criminal history, driving records, and child abuse registries. These checks are in place to protect everyone involved and to make sure the process moves forward in a safe and responsible way.
How to Prepare for the Surrogacy Screening Process
Preparing for the surrogacy screening process goes beyond simply filling out forms. It’s about showing that you’re ready on every level, physically, emotionally, and practically. A little effort before the screening can make a big difference in how smoothly things go and how confident you feel throughout the journey.
Here are several ways to get ready:
- Gather your medical and birth records
Make sure you have access to your prenatal care history, delivery notes, and OB/GYN records from each of your past pregnancies. These documents help the agency assess your eligibility and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Take care of your health
Maintaining a healthy BMI, eating balanced meals, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco or recreational drugs all reflect your readiness to carry a safe and healthy pregnancy.
- Be honest and transparent with the agency
Clear communication helps build trust. Agencies don’t expect perfection—they just need to understand who you are, what your experience has been, and whether you’re truly ready for this role.
- Ensure you have strong emotional and practical support
Having people around you who understand your journey and are willing to help is incredibly important. Whether it’s a partner, family, or close friends, support matters both during the pregnancy and throughout the legal and emotional stages.
- Understand the time and energy the process requires
From doctor’s appointments to meetings with intended parents, surrogacy is a full commitment. Knowing what’s ahead helps you feel more in control and better prepared to move forward with confidence.
What Happens After Screening?
Once the screening process is complete, the next steps depend on the outcome. Whether the surrogate is approved immediately or still waiting for a match, this phase lays the groundwork for the rest of the journey.
If the Surrogate Is Approved
Approval means that all medical, psychological, and background requirements have been met. At this stage, the agency begins looking for intended parents who align with the surrogate’s profile.
- Matching is based on shared values, communication style, and personal preferences
- Once a match is confirmed, legal contracts are drafted and signed
- Medical steps, including embryo transfer, are planned shortly after
This marks the start of a meaningful and collaborative process that continues to rely on transparency, trust, and support.
If the Surrogate Is Waiting to Be Matched
Some surrogates may need to wait a few weeks or months to find the right intended parents. Timing depends on multiple factors, including location, medical history, and specific matching preferences.
- The agency remains in contact and follows up as soon as a compatible match appears
- It’s important to keep all information in the portal up to date
- Staying patient and open to communication is key during this time
Factors such as the surrogate’s availability, personal preferences, and application timeline may influence how long the surrogacy matching process takes.
What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate?
Medical Factors That May Disqualify a Surrogate
Certain health conditions can increase risks during pregnancy, which is why agencies carefully evaluate each candidate’s medical history.
- Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders
- History of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or preterm labor
- BMI outside the accepted range (typically under 19 or over 32)
- Use of medications that affect reproductive or hormonal health
Psychological and Lifestyle Considerations
Surrogacy requires emotional resilience and a stable life environment. The following factors may lead to disqualification.
- Untreated or recent mental health diagnoses
- History of substance use (including tobacco, alcohol, or drugs)
- Financial or emotional instability
- Recent tattoos or piercings without proper documentation
Each agency has its own set of rules, but most rely on a clear understanding of what disqualifies you from being a surrogate, especially when it comes to medical, emotional, or lifestyle factors.
What Happens If You’re Not Accepted After Screening?
Common Reasons for Disqualification
Not everyone is approved after the screening process, and that’s okay. The reasons often relate to health, emotional preparedness, or lifestyle concerns.
Complications in past pregnancies
If a candidate has experienced serious issues like preeclampsia, preterm labor, or multiple C-sections, this may indicate higher risk in a future surrogacy.
Medical conditions that pose risks during pregnancy
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or untreated infections can disqualify someone due to concerns for the surrogate’s and baby’s health.
Psychological concerns raised during evaluation
The psychological screening may reveal untreated mental health challenges or unresolved trauma that could affect the emotional journey of surrogacy.
Unstable living situation or lack of support
Surrogates are expected to have a stable home life and reliable emotional support, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Inconsistent or incomplete documentation in the screening portal
Failure to submit full medical records or follow instructions in the portal can delay or halt the application process entirely.
Can You Reapply or Try Again Later?
Being disqualified doesn’t always mean the door is permanently closed. Many applicants can reapply after addressing the concerns raised during screening.
- BMI changes or improved overall health
If BMI or other health indicators were the issue, taking steps to improve them may open the door to reapplying later.
- Completion of therapy or treatment for mental health concerns
Candidates who commit to therapy or mental health support may meet the emotional qualifications over time.
- Resolving financial or housing instability
Demonstrating consistent income or securing a safe living environment can make a difference in future evaluations.
- Gathering complete and up-to-date medical records
Missing documents can often be the only barrier to moving forward. Once submitted, an application may be reconsidered.
Other Ways to Be Involved
Even if surrogacy isn’t the right fit for you now, your interest still matters. There are other powerful ways to stay involved and support this path to parenthood.
- Consider becoming an egg donor, if eligible
Egg donation is another way to help intended parents start their families and may be a better fit depending on medical qualifications.
- Support surrogates in your community
Offering encouragement, resources, or even just listening can make a big difference in another surrogate’s experience.
- Share your story to encourage others
Talking about your journey, even if it didn’t go as planned, can inspire others who are curious about surrogacy.
- Stay informed and connected to the surrogacy world
Follow updates, join support networks, or volunteer with organizations that help intended parents and surrogates connect.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Surrogacy by Faith
At Surrogacy by Faith, we believe that every surrogacy journey should begin with trust, support, and clear guidance.
If you’re ready to take the next step and feel prepared to begin the screening process, we invite you to get started.
You can learn more by visiting our Surrogate Application Form, or explore what the journey looks like as an intended parent through our Intended Parents Form.
From your first application to matching and beyond, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.