Thinking of becoming a surrogate- We got you covered!
At AFS we know becoming a surrogate is not a quick and easy process – and for good reason! You and your family are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. I’m sure you probably have lots of questions like how long will it take, how much is the compensation, and what the actual steps are to become a surrogate. As you will see, there are several steps to the process but as surrogates Kaitlyn and Tasha will tell you- it’s all worth it. Being a surrogate means you have a crucial role in making someone else’s family dreams come true – and you get to open your heart and home to a new family too!
As you begin navigating this process, we are here every step of the way. Every AFS employee is a previous surrogate – we have been in your shoes, so we broke it all down for you. There are three main parts to becoming a surrogate, each with their own steps: Intake, Screening, and Matching. Below is a breakdown of every step so you can get a realistic and detailed understanding of this process.
Intake in three steps:
1) Intake form: The first step in the process to become a surrogate is the Intake Form, which takes about 15 minutes to fill out and gives us the background information we need to move forward. We’ll ask about your previous pregnancies and deliveries, we’ll ask about your partner’s info (if you have one), and most importantly why you want to be a surrogate. It sounds daunting but it is actually fun to think back over your pregnancy(s), delivery(s) and really dine into why you want to be a surrogate.
2) Intake Call: Once we review your intake form and determine that you qualify to be a surrogate, we will schedule your intake call- this is the fun part! This call is an informal chat to get to know you better. This is where you can ask all those burning questions, like if you get to choose the intended parents and how involved they will be in the process. We’ll go over your application, as well who we are, how we go above and beyond to support our surrogates, the matching process, medication protocol, and expectations. This call usually takes about 30-40 min.
3) Sign Agreement: This is when it gets real! After your intake call, we will follow up with an email including details and next steps. You will have two online forms to complete that confirm you are committing to working with our agency on this adventure! It will also allow us to request your medical records and share with the fertility clinic that will be monitoring and providing your medical care in the first trimester.
You sign your agreement, now what?
Screening is the next step to becoming a surrogate.
Medical Records: The next big part of becoming a surrogate is screening, which starts with collecting all your medical records. We will ask for your previous OB-GYN or midwife information and request all records from your previous pregnancies and deliveries. This step can take a few days or a few months, depending on how quickly your clinic responds. Once we have the records, we send them for review to a potential fertility clinic. (The fertility clinic is the medical facility that your potential Intended Parents choose to make and hold their embryos. They are the ones who will be organizing your medication and transfer date.)
OB Form: While we are waiting to receive your medical records, you will need to schedule an appointment and have a special form completed with an updated pap and physical by your GYN. If you have not had a pap done in the last 12 months, we recommend asking your GYN to schedule an updated pap. Otherwise, the results from your most recent pap will suffice. We will need you to request the appointment summary, the pap results, and have your OBGYN complete a form with their approval for another pregnancy.
ID & Insurance: We will collect your identification and insurance information, including your COVID vaccination card (if you have one – you do not need to be vaccinated to be a surrogate, though it is recommended). We will also collect a photo of you and your partner’s (if you have one) current ID or Driver’s License. Finally, you will need to confirm your health insurance information by providing a photo of the front and back of the health insurance card and the current year member benefit booklet (if you have insurance).
Get ready for matching!
Matching is the final step to becoming a surrogate.
Profile: One of the last and most exciting steps in becoming a surrogate is creating your profile. The process is simple. First, you will complete the profile questionnaire, which is about 100 questions and will take about 30 minutes to complete- think of it as your surrogacy dating profile. You will also send photos of yourself and your family. This will be your first impression to your possible intended parents. Don’t worry we help you edit and personalize it so it is the best representation of you!
Background check and psych evaluation: Just before matching, we will run a background check on you and anyone in your home over 18 years of age. You and your partner, if you have one, will also complete a psychological evaluation. This isn’t as scary as it may sound – it’s a meeting with a mental health professional to make sure you and your partner, if you have one, fully understand the surrogacy process and what you are committing to. It’s a time to talk about your fears and answer any questions you have about the process. Once this is complete, you are ready to be matched with your Intended Parents and begin your surrogacy journey.
At All Families Surrogacy, we are committed to empowering surrogates with valuable information to support your decision-making process. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Now that you know the process, it’s time to find out if being a surrogate is right for you! If you think you’re ready to embark on the most rewarding journey of a lifetime, take our Quick Quiz to find out if surrogacy is for you!
