Couples who cannot have a child of their own, usually for medical reasons that cannot be treated, may turn to a surrogate mother to carry their child. Surrogates, who are impregnated through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, typically are paid for their services. The couple supports the surrogate mother throughout the pregnancy and participates in examinations and counseling, forging a relationship, report counselors at Become a Surrogate Mom. For childless couples and women looking to help, there are a number of benefits to surrogacy.
Screening
Surrogate mothers must undergo an intensive screening process when they go through legitimate agencies to pair up with a childless couple. Psychological evaluations are part of the screening that also includes physical tests to ensure the woman is in top condition and capable of carrying a child to term. Potential surrogate mothers are given an in-depth application and follow-up interviews to make sure they are committed and suitable to surrogacy. Criminal and driving background checks are performed. Potential parents also are screened for physical and emotional issues to provide the surrogate mother with the knowledge that the baby she carries will be turned over to a healthy family.
Compatibility
Surrogate mothers are matched with couples to ensure compatibility. Potential parents and surrogates must spend a lot of time together during the process and agency officials believe that it's important that the parties are comfortable with each other.
Contracts
Legal contracts are drawn up to cover all the expenses and expected duties of both parties in the agreement. A life insurance policy on the surrogate typically is purchased to cover the pregnancy period. An agency holds payments in trust for the surrogate mother, keeping the financial burden out of the personal relationship being formed between the surrogate and the couple. Lawyers make sure all the agreements follow state laws and that surrogates and couples remain in compliance with the terms of the contract throughout the process.
Support
When infertile couples and surrogate mother go through an agency in states where the procedure is legal, they typically are provided with a counselor to help them through the process. Support groups for surrogates are available after they give up the baby to deal with the loss. Couples going through the process are introduced to other couples and receive tips and advice about what worked for them. Counselors at Surrogate Mothers Inc. report that a third-party agency can help to smooth out conflicts when and if any arise. An intermediary can step in to make sure the process continues smoothly.
