Surrogacy agencies explain there is a wait time after submitting an application to become a surrogate.
Reputable surrogacy agencies want applicants to know that there is a process that takes place. There’s a wait time after a woman submits her application to become a surrogate. There are interviews, paperwork to collect, medical appointments, and more. A lot happens behind the scenes at a surrogacy agency.
Here’s what surrogacy agencies want women to know.
1. Understanding the Process
First, an agency receives a woman’s application to be a surrogate. Many aren’t aware how the beginning steps are the most important. For example, the phone interview that a woman has with a surrogate admissions team member coordinator will gather some valuable details. This talk helps determine if a woman meets the first level of qualifications. It will also give an agency the data they need on what the right intended parent match would be for this applicant. This may include a same-sex couple or future parents that live outside of the United States.
2. Paperwork and Patience
Any surrogacy admissions team member will explain that surrogate applicants are eager to start. However, it’s not a quick process. Jennifer, A., who works at a California surrogacy agency shares that in most cases a lag in time is not a reflection of an agency or clinic.
“It’s all about processing the paperwork for your medical records. We also need to collect any additional doctor clearance letters we may need about your medical history,” she said. “Even though the communication is always open with our applicants, sometimes they feel that we are dragging our feet about it – but we are not. We’re working hard to get these documents back to us either electronically or by regular mail.”
3. Talking Down The Over-Zealous Applicants
Being a surrogate is an incredible experience. Still, team members at surrogacy agencies sometimes need to talk down applicants from a natural high.
“Sometimes we get eager surrogate applicants that so much want the first embryo transfer to stick. They even mention how they wouldn’t mind having four embryos transferred,” Jennifer said. “While we love their enthusiasm, I explain the real situations that can happen such as the high risks of multiple pregnancies.”
Women are grateful to hear the realities of transferring multiple embryos. It can put a gestational carrier’s life at risk, the babies at risk, and cause emotional stress for the intending parents.
A safe pregnancy is something that everybody wants.
4. The Matching Process
One of the most common questions an agency hears is how soon can a surrogate applicant expect to be matched. This answer is based on who the surrogate wants to carry for and if she is agreeable to let’s say a selective reduction.
A reduction may be medically necessary to protect the health of a surrogate or fetuses. An example of this includes reducing a pregnancy from triplets to twins.
If a surrogate agrees to reduction and wants to carry for an international intending parent, she may get matched quicker. For a woman not wanting those terms, it may take her a bit longer for a match. In surrogacy friendly states like California, surrogates can get matched sooner just as long their paperwork is processed.
