Finding a Surrogate with Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma

By Kyla Helwig

Surrogacy is a unique process. Not many people truly understand how it works. However, if you are looking into becoming a surrogate mother, it’s essential that you know what surrogacy entails. When a surrogate mother approaches a surrogacy agency, there are several requirements that they look for. Many of these requirements have to do with the woman’s health. Although the screening process for surrogates is difficult, being a surrogate mother pays off in the long run. It’s a fantastic opportunity to serve others and use your body for a great cause. Here are Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma’s overview of surrogacy and who is eligible to become a surrogate mother.

Finding a Surrogate Mother

In many cases, surrogacy agencies are approached by women interested in surrogacy. It is the agency’s job to spread the word about surrogacy and how to become a surrogate mother. First, however, individual women must decide on their own to pursue surrogacy. There are risks in surrogacy, just like any pregnancy, so it is vital that women choose surrogacy voluntarily. Once a woman has approached an agency, the first step is determining if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Surrogate Mother Requirements

There is a pretty hefty list of requirements that surrogate mothers must fulfill. This is important because it ensures the safety of the surrogate mother and the child. Additionally, many of the families who choose surrogacy have had pregnancy complications in the past. Thus, our agency must provide families with a low-stress situation if possible. Here is a list of the initial requirements that surrogate mothers must fulfill:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Between the ages of 21-39
• Has a BMI between 18-31
• No  new tattoos, piercings, or blood transfusions within the last 12 months
• Free from mental health issues
• Is not on medication for mental health issues
• Not taking illicit drugs or medicines unprescribed
• Is not taking pregnancy-harming medication
• No history of postpartum depression
• Actively parenting at least one child
• Not a smoker; living in a non-smoking home for a year before applying
• Not alcohol dependent
• Free from sexually-transmitted diseases
• Not receiving public assistance
• Willing to complete a background check and psychological evaluation

This is a long list of requirements–we know. However, this ensures that our surrogate mothers are in top condition and ready for pregnancy. We encourage all women interested in surrogacy and fulfill these qualifications to apply to our agency.

Health Screenings for Surrogate Mothers

Once our agency has accepted your application, the screening process isn’t over. You will still have to undergo a fertility screening and a psychological evaluation. These are precautionary measures that ensure your health before undergoing embryo transfer. You will also have to complete a background check to ensure you aren’t hiding anything from your past. These steps keep our intended parents safe and protect you from health complications. We don’t want you to have to deal with anything that is beyond your capacity. Although some women are in excellent condition to be surrogate mothers, some aren’t. This is perfectly fine! However, if you are blessed with the health to be a surrogate mother, we encourage you to apply.

Finding Surrogates: Our Agency and Surrogate Mothers

When it comes to Oklahoma surrogacy, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma has a lot to offer. As a private surrogacy agency, we work side-by-side with surrogate mothers and offer them our full support. We will do our best to match you with a great set of intended parents. Additionally, we will provide you with legal assistance and the experience of our staff. We understand that surrogacy is not well known by many people. This is why we think it’s essential that you understand surrogacy before starting the process.

Our screening requirements do not discriminate against women who don’t meet all of them. We comply with national regulations that ensure safety and health for surrogate mothers. These requirements also keep intended parents from emotional harm. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.

Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643 | Email