Gestational Carriers | How Are Surrogates Screened?
Only the Best Surrogates
The Embryon Family and Institute for Reproductive Medicine perform
extensive evaluations and screenings of every surrogate eligible for our
programs well before your journey begins. Our meticulous surrogate
selection process guarantees that you are only introduced to candidates
who have been thoroughly vetted and meet the Embryon Family's
exceptional standards for surrogacy.
This comprehensive evaluation speeds up finding the ideal surrogate.
However, our dedication lies in guaranteeing that every surrogate we
select meets the highest standards. Many surrogate mothers have
successfully gone through the process and opted to return, allowing us
to strengthen our relationships with them and acquire invaluable
experience working with them.
Our Comprehensive 3-Stage SurrogateScreening Process
Embryon and IRM have established a comprehensive three-phase
procedure for evaluating surrogates to assess their suitability for the
position. We conduct an interpersonal evaluation of the candidate's
mindset, actions, and emotional well-being. This preliminary screening is
an essential component of mental health assessment, offering us an in-
depth insight into her preparedness to fulfill the demands of surrogacy.
The three stages:
- Prescreening
- Medical screening
- Psychological evaluation
When Is a Surrogate Ready for Matching?
Due to the number of active surrogate mother programs we currently
have in process and have in development, we consistently have pre-
screened surrogate mothers ready for our new intended parents. If the
medical tests she has undergone remain valid, we automatically renew
them. As a result, your waiting time is minimal, if it exists at all.
How Are Surrogates Evaluated?
The key advantage of choosing The Embryon Family for your
surrogacy journey is our foundation as a fertility clinic. With three
decades of experience, we have consistently excelled in all areas of
fertility care. Our egg donation and surrogate mother programs
have been thriving for over 27 years. Our longevity in this field is a
testament to our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of
advancements and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of
reproductive technology.
We firmly believe that our connections with Intended Parents,
Embryo Recipients, Egg Donors, Surrogate Mothers, and staff are
built on strong interpersonal relationships, openness, and a
nurturing family atmosphere. We aim to ensure you feel
understood and that your needs are addressed, often even before
you realize them, throughout your journey with us. Trust is
essential…
Medical and Psychological Evaluation of Surrogates
We adhere to the Clinical Practice guidelines established by the
Ukrainian Ministry of Health and internationally recognized
standards in fertility medicine and third-party reproduction.
This ensures comprehensive testing for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), psychological evaluations of surrogate mothers,
and detailed medical and psychological assessments. This
approach guarantees the potential surrogate is ready for in vitro
fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth.
The Medical Evaluation
The evaluation and testing of surrogate mothers involve thorough medical and physical assessments. In Ukraine, the screening process for egg donors and surrogates follows the same US FDA guidelines. This assessment includes the following evaluations:
- Infectious diseases
- Vaccinations
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Body Mass Index
- Overall health
- Physical exam
- Pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and mock transfer
Infectious Diseases
We gather thorough personal and sexual histories to identify
surrogate candidates who may be at increased risk for human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), or other infections that could be passed to the fetus. We test
for these diseases on all surrogate mothers and their partners
before starting the treatment process.
Surrogates and their partners should not have recently traveled to
known areas affected by viral outbreaks, as exposure can severely
impact the health of the fetus and baby. We will test the surrogate
and her partner, if relevant.
Infectious Diseases
Surrogates need to be up to date on their vaccinations. We test for the recommended immunizations and will prescribe the required vaccines for those who are not fully inoculated to avoid delays in treatment and pregnancy.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Candidates for surrogacy are promptly disqualified if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Maintaining a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) is crucial for the success of a surrogate pregnancy. BMI is a measure of body fat calculated from an individual's height and weight. We will keep track of the surrogate's weight and blood pressure during each medical appointment.
Psychological Evaluation
Our experienced mental health experts, holding doctorates in
psychology, perform psychological assessments and counseling for
all prospective gestational carriers and their partners. This
evaluation consists of a clinical interview and psychological testing.
In the psychosocial evaluation and counseling session, our
psychologists examine how the relationship between the
gestational carrier and the intended parents may impact both
parties.
The surrogate mother needs to have a stable family environment
with sufficient support to manage the additional stress that comes
with pregnancy.
If you would like to learn more about our surrogate mother plans, feel
free to reach out to us at any time, day or night. We are here to listen,
offer guidance, provide support, and answer any questions to assist you
in making the best choice. We warmly welcome you to join The Embryon
Family.


