Becoming a surrogate is one of the most incredible things that you can ever do. Providing another couple with the gift of life is highly rewarding and they will forever be grateful to you.
Before you decide to become a surrogate, there are several things that you will need to consider. It’s not something that you can rush and it’s not going to be suitable for everybody.
The application process to become a surrogate is stringent and complex. There are certain surrogate requirements that you must reach to be approved.
Alongside the legal requirements to become a surrogate mother, you must also take your own feelings and emotions into consideration. Surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster not only for the couple but also for you.
Here are some of the most important things that you should consider before you decide to become a surrogate.
The Legal Requirements
The specific criteria that you need to meet will differ depending on the country and area where you live. It’s vital that you do some research and identify the requirements for surrogacy in your area.
Surrogacy is legal in some, but not all, countries, so this is something that you will need to check before you make any hasty decisions. For example, it’s legal in the United Kingdom, and in some Australian and American states. However, it is illegal in Spain and France.
Surrogacy may be covered by a health insurance plan but this is not always the case and the legal requirements don’t just apply during the pregnancy. There are many things that must be considered once the baby has been born, such as placing the parents’ names on the birth certificate. When this occurs, your responsibilities for the child are signed over.
Your Health
As a surrogate mother, your health is of the utmost importance. Your body and mind need to be healthy in order for you to grow a healthy baby inside your uterus.
For surrogacy, you need to consider your age, weight, and mental health. Generally, surrogates must be over 21 and anybody who is above 35 must have additional screening.
Surrogates must be a healthy weight for their height and they are usually offered counseling to support their mental health throughout the process.
You will also be asked about your previous pregnancies. You must have successfully carried a surrogate baby or your own baby to term in the past to be approved.
Your Relationship with the Couple
It’s also important to think about the relationship that you would like to have with the intended parents. It should be based on trust and integrity, and it will be a bond like no other.
Most couples meet their surrogate in person but if this isn’t possible, there is always the option to text or video call. They might want to attend any ultrasound scans or prenatal appointments with you so that they feel like they are on the pregnancy journey too.
You should also consider the contact that you’re going to have after the baby has been born and as they grow up into adults.
