Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that brings joy to families around the world. However, becoming a surrogate is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a deep commitment, both physically and emotionally, and not all who apply are accepted. In fact, only about 5% of women who apply to become surrogates pass the entire screening process.
Why is the acceptance rate so low? The answer lies in the stringent screening process, designed to ensure the health and well-being of the surrogate, the baby and the intended parents. Let's delve into three main reasons why many women don't pass the surrogacy screening criteria.
- Physical Health:
The first and foremost criterion is the physical health of the potential surrogate. Fertility clinics require women to be in excellent health to endure the physical demands of pregnancy. This includes having a healthy BMI, being free from chronic illnesses, and having a proven history of uncomplicated pregnancies. Women who do not meet these health standards (and more) are unable to proceed in the process.
2. Mental Health:
Mental health is another crucial factor in the screening process. Surrogacy is an emotional journey that can be stressful and put a strain on surrogates, their partners and their families. As such, potential surrogates undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they can handle the emotional aspects of surrogacy. Women who have untreated mental health issues, have recent or unresolved traumatic life events, lack a strong support network or who show signs of being unable to cope with the mental and emotional demands of surrogacy will likely not pass this stage of screening. Again, the point of strict mental health screening in surrogacy is to ensure the health and well-being of the surrogate and all parties involved.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
Lastly, lifestyle factors play a significant role in the screening process. Potential surrogates must lead a stable, healthy lifestyle. This includes abstaining from smoking, drug use, anxiety medication and excessive alcohol consumption. They must also be financially stable and live in a supportive and safe environment. Women who do not meet these lifestyle criteria may not be accepted into a surrogacy program.
Becoming a surrogate is a beautiful and life changing experience, but it's also a significant commitment that requires a high degree of physical and emotional readiness. The stringent screening process ensures that surrogates are fully prepared for the journey ahead, leading to successful and joyful surrogacy experiences. If you're considering becoming a surrogate, remember that it's not about passing or failing the screening process, but about ensuring the best possible outcome for you, your family and the family you're helping to create.
At Surrogacy Mentor, we're here to guide you through every step of your surrogacy journey. If you're interested in learning more about the process and whether surrogacy might be the right path for you, we invite you to reach out to us. We're here to provide expert guidance and support, at zero cost to you.