We know there can be multiple hoops to jump through before you begin your surrogacy process—a lot of them can be new for intended parents. Perhaps one of the biggest shocks intended parents have is learning to undergo psychological screening before they get approved for the surrogacy process. However, all surrogates and intended parents are required to complete a psychological evaluation before they move forward with the surrogacy process. In fact, it is a legal requirement in several states.

The process is new for every intended parent, so it is normal to get intimidated. Below, we have discussed in detail about these requirements.

Why is the screening needed?

Everyone deserves to have a loving family, regardless of their sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, or marital status. While it is not compulsory, some clinics might want to know your reason for pursuing surrogacy and ask you to exhibit overall psychological stability. These procedures are usually carried out to ensure the safety of our surrogate and the child. These may include criminal background checks.

Some clinics also have age requirements, but that should not be a concern as the upper limit is usually very high because older couples can be ideal parents, and circumstances in life might lead many people to opt for surrogacy later in life.

What to expect from the screening?

A clinic may or may not conduct formal evaluations to check your psychological well-being. But they usually have a mental health professional to help you understand the emotional aspects of surrogacy. The whole idea is to ensure that you know what to expect. Most couples don’t realize this before, but starting a family with a third person can present several issues and stressors. These may include coping with the loss of control and having difficulties communicating or trusting your surrogate.

If your clinic has reservations about your mental health, they are most likely to ask for a clearance letter from a therapist or make you attend counseling sessions.

How to prepare for a psychological screening?

Surrogacy clinics realize that a couple usually opts for surrogacy after years of infertility struggles, disappointments, or life-threatening risks from previous pregnancies. Such experiences can dramatically alter people’s lives and influence their family systems. Surrogacy clinics take all of this into consideration.

Be honest about your experiences and answer truthfully what led you to consider surrogacy. Also, discuss your concerns openly about a prospective surrogate and a family. Ask questions and show curiosity. And remember that it is okay to feel anxious or uncertain.

Do surrogates set their own criteria for intended parents?

Most surrogates don’t have any criteria for intended parents; they simply want to help the intended parents bring a child into this world. Clinics do, however, ask for their preference during screening. Some surrogates prefer to work with international couples; others might prefer to match with a married couple or a couple who does not have a child from previous pregnancy or surrogacy.

The gift of surrogacy is beautiful. But it’s also a drawn-out, intricate, personal, and emotional procedure for everyone involved. The more carefully and precisely intended parents and surrogates are educated in advance, the more likely it is for everything to work out well and successfully for everyone.

About Tammuz Family

At Tammuz Family, we offer a full range of comprehensive and guaranteed IVF and surrogacy programs. We are an international surrogacy, fertility, and egg donation company. Our clients choose us for our one-stop-shop approach and low agency fees, which make our programs affordable and accessible to everyone. For more information about our surrogacy in Melbourne, Australia, write to [email protected] or fill out our online contact form.