For anyone who has started their own family, you know what a powerful blessing it is to have a child. When you choose to help others achieve this, for a family who could not otherwise have a child, you are offering an unbelievable gift. By becoming a surrogate in Georgia, you can help intended parents have the family they’ve always dreamed of.
We want everyone who goes through the surrogacy process to be sure and comfortable with the process. We are laying out what you need to know about becoming a surrogate in Georgia so you can decide if this is right for you.
If you are ready to get started, contact a surrogacy specialist today.
General Requirements
When it comes to starting your surrogacy journey, you need to meet a set of general requirements that are standard with most surrogacy agencies. This process is done after you’ve submitted your interest form to your agency to ensure you meet the requirements before moving further into the process. The requirements to be a surrogate in Georgia are set by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. The general qualifications include:
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Be between the ages of 21-40
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Have a healthy BMI of 30 or less
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No smoking or illicit drug use
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No government assistance
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Have at least one previous successful pregnancy
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Be currently raising your children in your home
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Have no major complications from previous pregnancies
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Have no felony convictions
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Be free of treatable STIs for at least 12 months
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Discontinue use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications at least 12 months prior
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Be able to travel as needed for appointments
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Have a stable lifestyle and support system
Agency Screening Process
If you meet the above requirements, you will then move on to the screening process to become a surrogate in Georgia. The screening process includes a few processes to ensure you are ready to start the surrogacy process. These screenings include:
- Social and Medical History Information: These forms will ask you to submit detailed information about yourself, your family and your health history. It will also ask about your personality.
- Physical examination: You will be required to meet with a fertility specialist for a physical exam and lab work. This is to ensure you are healthy for the surrogacy process.
- In-Home assessment: A social worker will meet with you and your family in your home to talk about your goals and motivations. This will help the social worker get to know you better and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions about the process.
- Background check: To proceed with the surrogacy process you will need to consent to a standard criminal record and background check.
- Mental Health Evaluation: You will meet with a mental health care professional to ensure you understand the emotional impact of surrogacy and to determine that you are psychologically ready for the challenges of surrogate motherhood.
Legal Requirements
Every surrogacy experience has legal requirements to ensure everyone is protected in the process. A surrogacy agreement will be created between you and the intended parents outlining your specific legal rights and obligations. Other information outlined will include:
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Compensation
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Legal risks
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Your responsibilities
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Relinquishment of the child
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And more
After the contract is finalized, you will be able to move on toward the medical process of fertility treatments and embryo transfer.
Medical Requirements
The medical requirements to become a surrogate in Georgia are pretty standard for those in other states. Your health is a focus of the process of becoming a surrogate. It’s important to ensure you are able to carry a baby since the intended parents usually have limited resources to create embryos. You will undergo several tests and procedures and be required to take fertility medication. The medical requirements will go through the following stages:
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Medical Screening: As mentioned above, you will go through a medical screening process. You’ll be screened for STIs and other viruses and infections that can affect your fertility. You’ll also likely have an ultrasound to determine the health of your uterus.
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Fertility Treatments: You will need to prepare for surrogacy with multiple fertility treatments, blood tests, injections and ultrasounds. You will also be prescribed medications including birth control pills and other hormones to help prepare you for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Embryo Transfer: The intended mother’s or donor’s egg and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm will be used to create an embryo in a lab. After the incubation period, it will then be time to transfer the embryo to your uterus. Once it is implanted you will likely be required to stay at the fertility clinic for a few hours and rest for a few days following the procedure.
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Prenatal Care: You will need to make routine visits to the fertility clinic for regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Once a healthy pregnancy and heartbeat are confirmed, you will then proceed to work with your own OB. You’ll continue typical prenatal care and checkups with your doctor to ensure the health of the baby throughout the pregnancy.
It may take a lot to become a surrogate in Georgia, but it is a rewarding experience. If you want to learn more about the surrogacy process or want to begin your application, fill out our quick form to get started.