A Quick Guide to Finding a Surrogate

Finding a surrogate is not a quick and easy task. However, there are many agencies that cater to this specific need and that make the undertaking a little easier and less stressful for intended parents. These agencies have precautionary measures in place to protect your interests and ensure a smooth surrogacy experience. They will start you off with several prospects so that you can find the best gestational surrogate for you. Take advantage of their expertise by asking for professional and legal advice.

Before we dive into the basics of finding a surrogate, let’s review the two kinds of surrogacy approaches: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is the less favored approach because the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated and who hands over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. A gestational surrogate, on the other hand, acts only as a carrier for the couple or single parent who wants a child but who is unable to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. This is the preferred approach because it provides more legal security, as the child is not genetically related to the carrier.

Choosing the Right Agency for You

A couple or single parent will most likely have a fitting surrogate carrier in mind. Prior to this, however, the first step is to find the perfect agency. Given the number of available agencies, it is ideal to find one that you are satisfied with. This will be the provider that you work with for the next 12 to 24 months, so before you make your selection, do your research. Find out whether the provider is established. Refer to reviews and feedback from couples who have already used the agency’s services, and find out why those reviewers chose the agency in the first place. Rely on your gut instincts to determine which is best for you. Collaborating with a trustworthy agency should help in your quest to find a surrogate.

Finding a Surrogate

After choosing an agency to collaborate with, the next step is to find your ideal surrogate. The preferred candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, with no history of miscarriages, abortions, bleeding, or other medical problems that may endanger another pregnancy. Don’t forget to consult with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist regarding the medical background of the gestational surrogate you want to collaborate with. A thorough medical exam must be administered to the gestational surrogate so that any complications may be avoided. This exam will include, but not be limited to, a physical examination, laboratory examinations, ultrasounds, a comprehensive medical history check, psychological examinations, and screening for any life-threatening diseases.

The Ideal Gestational Surrogate

Take note of the basic requirements necessary for finding a surrogate. The ideal candidate should be drug- and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old. A previous pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should also be taken into consideration. There are many instances in which couples or single parents opt to have a relative serve as their gestational surrogate for the purpose of maintaining genetic relations. Whether you take this path or not, make sure that you and your partner are fully committed to the process.

In Conclusion

The process of finding a surrogate will take time. Arm yourself with information, an open mind, and a full heart, as there will be a lot of emotions to take in. In the end, it will be worth your while, as you will get to take care of another human being who is truly your own.