Why is screening required?
exists to protect everyone involved — confirming that carrying a pregnancy is medically safe for the , and that she's emotionally prepared for the unique experience of carrying a baby for someone else. Most clinics and agencies require it before is finalized or any medical procedures begin.
Medical screening
A typical medical evaluation includes:
- A review of your pregnancy and delivery history (most programs require at least one prior healthy pregnancy and delivery)
- A physical exam and bloodwork
- A review of your BMI and general health, since some clinics have specific guidelines here
- Screening for infectious diseases
- A uterine evaluation to check that your uterus can support a pregnancy
- A review of your current medications and any relevant medical history
Some clinics also review your history with pregnancy complications, since certain past complications may affect eligibility.
Psychological screening
A psychological evaluation is a standard part of the process, typically including:
- A one-on-one session with a licensed mental health professional experienced in third-party reproduction
- A discussion of your motivations for becoming a surrogate
- A conversation about how you'll handle the emotional aspects of pregnancy and relinquishing the baby to the intended parents
- If you have a partner, they may be included in part of this evaluation too
This isn't a pass/fail judgment of your character — it's meant to make sure you feel genuinely prepared, and to surface anything worth discussing before you're deep into the process.
What disqualifies someone from being a surrogate?
This varies by clinic and agency, but common disqualifying factors include:
- No prior healthy pregnancy and delivery
- Current nicotine or substance use
- Certain unmanaged medical conditions
- Being outside the typical age range most programs use (commonly 21–40)
- Significant, unresolved psychological concerns identified during evaluation
If you're ruled out by one clinic or agency, it doesn't necessarily mean every program will reach the same conclusion — standards can vary.
What about intended parents — is there screening for them too?
Depending on the agency or clinic, intended parents may go through a background check or a home-study-style review, though this is generally less extensive than what's required of the surrogate, since the medical risk sits with her.
How long does screening take?
Timelines vary, but medical and psychological screening together often take a few weeks to a couple of months, factoring in scheduling and results processing. See the process overview for how this fits into the broader timeline.
This isn't medical advice
Actual screening requirements are set by individual clinics and agencies and can vary. This page is meant to help you know what to expect — not to replace guidance from the medical and mental health professionals actually conducting your evaluation.