Surrogate screening is a series of checks that helps the program, clinic, professionals, and you decide whether a journey is medically, emotionally, legally, and practically appropriate. It is not one test and it is not only about “passing.”
The process commonly includes an application, pregnancy-record review, interview, background screening, psychological evaluation, clinic exam and tests, partner or household discussion, and legal or insurance review.
Maribel thought one missing record meant she had failed
Maribel completed the interview, background check, and psychological appointment. Then the clinic said her case was “pending.” She assumed the ultrasound showed a problem.
The real issue was an operative report from an older C-section. The hospital had sent a discharge summary but not the full procedure note. The coordinator named the missing document, and Maribel signed a new release.
Two weeks later, the clinic reviewed it. “Pending” had meant “not enough information,” not “rejected.”
1. Application and first conversation
You share basic information about age, location, pregnancies, deliveries, current health, medication, smoking or substance use, family support, work, and why you are considering surrogacy.
Give honest answers even when you are unsure whether something matters. A coordinator can ask follow-up questions; a hidden fact can later interrupt a match or medical plan.
2. Pregnancy and medical-record review
The program or clinic reviews prenatal, delivery, postpartum, surgery, and complication records. It is looking for the actual diagnosis, treatment, delivery outcome, and recovery—not only what you remember years later.
3. Psychological and social review
This conversation may cover motivation, expectations, pregnancy loss, relationship boundaries, stress, mental-health history, family support, childcare, work, and how you make difficult decisions.
You do not need to perform happiness. The evaluator needs an honest picture of how you understand the journey and where you would get support.
4. Background and household screening
A third party may review identity and public records. A spouse, partner, or adult household member may also be included. Ask what is checked, who sees the report, and how to correct an error.
5. Clinic medical screening
This may include physical evaluation, labs, infectious-disease testing, ultrasound, medication review, and assessment of pregnancy risk. ASRM recommends comprehensive medical and psychosocial evaluation for prospective gestational carriers.1
6. Practical, legal, and insurance readiness
The team may discuss citizenship or residency documentation, state law, insurance, transportation, childcare, work, support people, and access to appointments. A medical yes does not automatically solve a legal or practical barrier.
Four possible screening answers
- Ready for the next step: current requirements are met.
- More information needed: a record, test, or answer is missing.
- Temporary pause: the team wants recovery, treatment, stability, or a later review.
- Not eligible under the current program or clinic: a medical, legal, safety, or policy concern prevents moving forward.
How to keep screening from feeling like a maze
- Ask for one written checklist.
- Keep the owner and date beside every missing item.
- Ask whether other steps can continue while one record is pending.
- Save copies of releases, reports, and messages.
- Ask whether a pause can be reviewed later.
- Do not change medication or health care only to meet a checklist.
ASRM’s ethics guidance also stresses informed choice and the gestational carrier’s well-being.2 You are allowed to decide during screening that the process does not fit your life.
Common questions, answered
How long does screening take?
It can take several weeks or longer. Record access, appointment availability, test results, and specialist review are common variables. Ask which one item controls your next step.
Can I be denied after matching?
Yes. Medical, legal, psychological, or insurance review may continue after an introduction. Ask what has and has not been completed before you become emotionally invested.
Can I ask for my results?
Ask which records and results you may receive and how. The provider, clinic, screening company, and privacy rules may use different request processes.
Screening should give you answers too
Maribel learned what the clinic needed and why. Continue with medical records, clinic screening, and background checks.