Interested in becoming a surrogate in Missouri? You’ve come to the right place — the professionals at American Surrogacy are here to guide you through every step along the way.
Becoming a surrogate in Missouri is a big decision to make. It’s a choice that will change your and your family’s lives forever and require you to make certain sacrifices to help someone else become a parent. That’s why, at American Surrogacy, we are dedicated to providing you the information you need to make the best choice for you — starting with this article.
Below, you can find some basic information about how to be a surrogate mother in Missouri, including the steps you can expect along the way. While every surrogacy journey is different, there are a few general guidelines that all prospective surrogates must follow, no matter which professional they choose to work with.
If you are interested in learning more about being a surrogate mother in Missouri with American Surrogacy, we encourage you to contact our agency today at 1-800-875-BABY(2229).
In the meantime, learn a bit more about how to be a surrogate in Missouri below:
How to Become a Surrogate Mother in Missouri
One of the first questions women like you often ask our professionals is, “How do I become a surrogate mother in Missouri?” That’s a great question — and a sign that you are serious about learning more about this life-changing process.
Whether you choose to work with American Surrogacy or another professional, you will be expected to follow a certain procedure for being a surrogate mother in Missouri. Not every woman can be a surrogate; these steps are in place to ensure that you are making the right decision for you and your family, whatever it may be.
If you are thinking, “I want to be a surrogate mother in Missouri,” here’s what you need to know about your upcoming journey:
Step 1: Contact American Surrogacy or Another Surrogacy Professional.
If you are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate in Missouri, there are generally two paths available to you: to work with or without a surrogacy agency. Each path is a viable option but, in our opinion, working with an agency such as American Surrogacy will offer you a few advantages.
The surrogacy journey can be complex and confusing, especially if this is your first experience as a prospective surrogate. When you work without an agency, you will have to coordinate the steps of your journey all on your own — find intended parents, choose and mediate between your professionals, organize your process, and more.
When you work with an agency to become a surrogate in Missouri, your surrogacy specialist will handle every step of the process — allowing you to focus on creating a positive relationship with your intended parents and having a healthy pregnancy.
The decision of which professionals to use in your surrogacy journey will always be up to you. But, if you choose to work with American Surrogacy, our professionals are happy to answer every single question you may have and provide the support and case management you need to have a successful surrogacy experience. Get started by contacting our agency today.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Screening and Meet Surrogacy Requirements.
One of the first things you’ll need to do if you want to be a surrogate in Missouri is meet surrogacy requirements. Surrogacy is a journey that comes with certain risks and potential complications, and not every woman can safely pursue this path.
When you contact American Surrogacy, you will complete a pre-screening process with your surrogacy professional. During this time, your specialist will make sure you meet the necessary requirements that all surrogacy professionals have.
In order to carry a baby for someone else in Missouri, you must:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 38
- Have a BMI between 19 and 32
- Not smoke or use illicit drugs
- Have had at least one successful pregnancy (but no more than five vaginal births or four cesarean-section births)
- Be currently raising a child in your home
- Have had no major complications from previous pregnancies
- Not be on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication for at least 12 months
- And more
Your surrogacy specialist will discuss these requirements in depth with you to determine whether you are eligible. If you meet these initial requirements, you will complete a medical screening and a mental health evaluation to confirm your ability to become a gestational carrier.
Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Contact our specialists at 1-800-875-2229(BABY) for more information.
Step 3: Find Intended Parents.
Once you have been approved for the surrogacy process, your surrogacy specialist will start the process of finding families looking for a surrogate mother in Missouri. Remember, you don’t have to work with a family in Missouri if you don’t want to — but, if you have a strong desire to carry for a local family, you will always have that option with American Surrogacy.
In order to help you find the right intended parents, your surrogacy specialist will help you create an “ideal family” profile. You will be able to specify characteristics such as:
- Location
- Age
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Race and ethnicity
- And more
At this point, your surrogacy specialist will present you with profiles of intended parents who meet your preferences. If you find someone you like, you will have the opportunity to get to know them through a phone call (or an in-person meeting, if you are local). Your specialist will mediate this conversation.
Before your match is finalized, you will complete one last medical screening at the intended parents’ fertility clinic. This will confirm your eligibility to carry a child for them. After this is complete, your match will be finalized with a legal surrogacy contract, negotiated by your own surrogacy attorney (paid for by your intended parents).
Step 4: Complete the Medical Process of Surrogacy.
Once you have identified your surrogacy match, you will reach the final step in the process to become a surrogate mother in Missouri: the medical process.
First, you will undergo an individualized medical protocol to prepare your body for embryo transfer. You will complete the actual embryo transfer process at the intended parents’ fertility clinic (they will cover your travel costs). Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will be able to receive prenatal care from a local obstetrician of your choice. After nine months, you will give birth at your local hospital, receive your last base compensation payment, and complete your surrogacy journey!
Remember, if you choose to work with an agency, your surrogacy specialist will support you through every step of this process of being a surrogate in Missouri. Here at American Surrogacy, we know that every surrogacy journey is unique, but we are happy to guide you through the process that is right for you.
For more information on how to be a surrogate mother in Missouri — including requirements, compensation and more — please contact our agency today at 1-800-875-BABY(2229).