How long does it take to become a surrogate with Shared Conception?

Part 1 – Application and Matching Process

Shared Conception works hard to simplify the surrogate process for all of our potential surrogates. Initially, it may seem complicated, but we will be with you every step of the way!  Here is a breakdown of the steps involved from start to finish in our 3 part “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series!

The Surrogate Mother Process – Application and Evaluation

• All of our surrogates begin by completing the Information Request form online, or calling Shared Conception (713-622-1144) to schedule an initial phone consultation. We will ask a few brief questions and then explain the surrogate process to you. This is also a good time to ask any questions. And we mean ANYTHING!
• If we both decide to proceed, we will email you our application packet, which also requests a few pictures of yourself, so we can put a face to the name. The application will ask you about your medical history, psychological history and lifestyle. Complete the application thoroughly and honestly so that we can start the “getting to know you” process, thus matching you with the most appropriate intended parents.
• If your application is reviewed and accepted, Shared Conception will contact you about your potential participation in Shared Conception’s Surrogacy Program. This is when the fun begins! We want to get to know you better including your preferences related to surrogacy and what your ideal match would be. We want you to have the opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have before you decide to join our program. If you are married, it is also helpful for your spouse to participate in these calls. His or her presence allows us to get to know you both; thus custom-matching you with the most appropriate intended parents.
• If all goes well, and we are both on board, Shared Conception will present you with our Agency agreement which spells out both parties’ rights and responsibilities and gives us permission to present your profile to the best intended parents for you.
• Next, we will start gathering medical records from your previous pregnancies. As this can take a while, it’s important that you provide us with your OBGYN and hospital info as soon as possible.
• If you have medical insurance, we will ask that you send your insurance benefits information to us. The goal is to see if your health insurance policy has any surrogacy exclusions relating to pregnancy. Once you’re matched, we’ll have an insurance specialist review this as well. If you do not have insurance, we will assist you in finding a policy. The intended parents will be responsible for the premiums relating to this insurance policy.
• While your insurance and medical records are being gathered, Shared Conception will simultaneously conduct a thorough criminal background check.

The Matching Process

Shared Conception’s objective is that the surrogate and intended parents interact in an extraordinarily comfortable environment and that both parties build a good rapport and partnership. With that said, we strive to pinpoint your core beliefs and innate desires that are in-line with the intended parents, so that you are mentally comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
Once Shared Conception accepts you into our surrogate mother program, we will expertly determine which couples to present to you based upon the criteria you expressed to us during the screening process and the preferences the couples have shared with us. This timeline could either be quick or it could take some time, as we are looking for someone whose needs, expectations and views are similar to yours.
If you are comfortable with the intended parents we present to you, we will immediately contact them and coordinate a three-way phone conversation between the intended parents, Surrogate and a member of the Shared Conception team. If all parties agree to move forward, then the next step is to arrange a face-to-face meeting (if logistically possible) so everyone can discuss the partnership and expectations.

Psychological Screening and Evaluation

Once this match meeting is successfully completed and all parties agree to work together, you and your husband or partner (if applicable) will be psychologically tested and evaluated by a licensed mental health professional experienced in fertility counseling. This step is recommended by The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and will ensure that you are well informed of the risks involved in a gestational arrangement, as well as the psychological, physical and mental aspects of the surrogacy process. All psychological screening and evaluation fees are paid for by the intended parents.

Stay tuned for part 2 and three of our “How to Become a Surrogate with Shared Conception” blog series. If you don’t want to wait and are interested in becoming a surrogate today, give us a call! You can also visit us online at: https://sharedconception.com/deliver-a-dream/to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!