Becoming a surrogate is a beautiful decision that results in a family finally having the child they’ve been hoping for. And while this is a decision that comes from a genuine place, it’s important to understand the requirements to become a surrogate in Hawaii before you get too far into the process.
For those who are ready to get started on their surrogate journey, fill out our form and we will reach out to you soon.
General Requirements for Surrogacy in Hawaii
There is a list of standard requirements that most surrogates must fit before beginning the surrogacy process. If you meet all of these requirements, then you are likely a quality candidate for surrogacy. These standards include:
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Be at least 21 years old and younger than 40
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Have a healthy BMI, as determined by your doctor
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Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term
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Be raising a child of your own in your own home
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No major complications in your previous pregnancies
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Be off anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months
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Have no new tattoos or piercings within 12 months of starting the process
Even if you don’t meet all of these requirements, you may still apply to be a surrogate. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to move forward with the process. When you submit your application a surrogacy specialist will be able to go over your information with you to decide if you meet Hawaii’s requirements to become a surrogate.
Social and Medical History
Once your initial application has been approved, you will receive the surrogate social and medical history forms which are part of the surrogate screening process. These forms include various questions, including those about you and your family’s medical backgrounds, to ensure you meet the medical requirements for surrogacy in Hawaii. During this stage, we will also gather some other important documents, like:
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Your insurance card and policy manual in a PDF
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A copy of your driver’s license
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A signed medical release for us to access your medical records from past pregnancies and deliveries
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A letter from your OB/GYN recommending you as a surrogate
In-Home Assessment
The in-home assessment is a requirement for surrogacy in Hawaii to help determine if your home is a safe and stable environment for the health of you and the baby. When you move on to this portion of the requirements, a licensed social worker will determine your eligibility to become a surrogate by sitting down with you and each adult living with you. They will ask you questions, including:
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Your motivations for considering surrogacy
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Fears or concerns over surrogacy
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Spouse or partner’s commitment
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Personality testing
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Discussing the what-ifs
It may also be helpful during this time to begin speaking with a licensed psychologist to help prepare you for the emotional and psychological process of surrogacy. We want you to feel prepared and cared for throughout the process in order to have a successful surrogacy experience.
Preparing for Surrogacy
Once you’ve matched with intended parents and met the criteria to become a surrogate in Hawaii, you will need to prepare for surrogacy with a medical evaluation. The medical evaluation will be performed at the intended parents’ fertility clinic for a final confirmation that you are physically ready for the embryo transfer and pregnancy.
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Review of personal and sexual history
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Lab testing – blood and urine test
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Letter from a physician stating you passed the screening and are capable of carrying a baby to term
Once this is completed you will move on to the legal contract that will be drawn up between your and the intended parents’ surrogacy attorneys. All of these requirements to become a surrogate in Hawaii may feel like a lot of steps, but it’s to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. We want you to have a successful surrogacy and quality experience.
Contact us today to begin your surrogacy journey.