Surrogacy is a complex process that requires thorough screening of both intended parents and surrogate mothers. One crucial aspect of the surrogacy process is the health history of the surrogate mother. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation of potential surrogate mothers to determine their eligibility for the process. In this article, we will discuss how a surrogate mother’s health history may impact her surrogacy application.
Medical History
During the initial screening process, the surrogate mother is required to provide her medical history. This information is critical in determining if the surrogate mother has any underlying medical conditions that may affect her ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term. The medical history will typically include information on previous pregnancies, any complications during pregnancy or childbirth, and any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Any pre-existing medical condition that could potentially impact the surrogate mother’s health during the pregnancy may disqualify her from becoming a surrogate. In some cases, a surrogate mother may be required to provide additional medical documentation to support her application, such as medical records or clearance from a primary care physician or specialist.
Infectious Diseases
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics also require potential surrogate mothers to undergo comprehensive infectious disease screening. This screening is necessary to protect the health of the surrogate mother, the intended parents, and the child. Infectious disease screening may include testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If a surrogate mother tests positive for an infectious disease, she may not be eligible to become a surrogate. In some cases, the surrogate mother may be required to undergo treatment for the infection and provide evidence of successful treatment before her application can be reconsidered.
Psychological Health
Surrogacy is an emotional and physically demanding process, and therefore, the psychological health of a surrogate mother is an essential consideration. Surrogate mothers are required to undergo a psychological evaluation to determine their suitability for the process. The evaluation may include a series of interviews and psychological tests to assess the surrogate mother’s mental health, coping skills, and emotional stability.
If a surrogate mother has a history of mental health issues or is currently undergoing treatment for a psychological condition, her application may be denied. However, if the psychological evaluation determines that the surrogate mother has the emotional resilience and coping skills necessary to handle the demands of the surrogacy process, she may be deemed eligible to proceed.
Lifestyle Factors
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics may also consider lifestyle factors when evaluating a surrogate mother’s application. These factors may include smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption. If a surrogate mother has a history of substance abuse or has demonstrated patterns of high-risk behavior, her application may be denied.
In some cases, a surrogate mother may be required to make lifestyle changes before her application can be reconsidered. For example, she may be required to quit smoking or undergo treatment for substance abuse before being allowed to proceed with the surrogacy process.
Conclusion
A surrogate mother’s health history plays a critical role in determining her eligibility for the surrogacy process. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential surrogate mothers to ensure that they are physically and emotionally capable of handling the demands of the surrogacy process. If you are considering becoming a surrogate mother, it is essential to be upfront and honest about your medical history and lifestyle factors. By doing so, you can ensure that the surrogacy process proceeds smoothly and safely for everyone involved. If you have any questions about how your personal health history may affect your candidacy as a surrogate, please contact us at info@elevatebaby.com and we’ll be happy to discuss.
