Women have many reasons why they want to pursue surrogacy. However, you may be wondering about the actual process of how to become a surrogate in Iowa. Becoming a surrogate is not as simple as submitting an application and getting accepted. There’s a lot that goes into the process to ensure you are ready to take on this job both physically and emotionally.
If you want to get started on the process to become a surrogate in Iowa, our surrogacy specialists are ready to help you. Fill out our quick online form and a specialist will be in contact with you.
Step 1: Screening Process
From the beginning, there are requirements and qualifications you will need to meet to get started in becoming a surrogate in Iowa.
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Application: The initial application you fill out will ask questions about you and your reasons for pursuing surrogacy. There will also be questions to determine if you meet the general requirements that are a national standard for becoming a surrogate.
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Social and Medical History: These are forms your surrogacy specialist will give you to fill out with your initial application. You will be required to include detailed information about you, your family, your health history and your personality.
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Physical Examination: To be sure you are physically fit to become a surrogate in Iowa, you will need to meet with a fertility specialist for a physical exam and lab work.
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In-Home Assessment: A social worker will conduct a home visit to meet with you and anyone who lives in your home with you to talk about the goals and motivations for pursuing surrogacy. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about the surrogacy process.
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Background Check: There will also be a standard criminal record and background check.
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Mental Health Evaluation: You will likely need to meet with a mental health professional. This will help you to fully understand the emotional impact of surrogacy. It also helps you feel psychologically ready for the challenges of surrogacy.
Step 2: Medical Requirements
Since surrogacy is a heavily medical process, it’s important to meet the medical standards to become a surrogate in Iowa. There are several stages of the medical process that you will need to go through from screening to prenatal care. These include:
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Medical Screening: As mentioned above, you will go through the medical screening process. You will be screened for STIs and certain viruses that could affect your fertility. You will also undergo an ultrasound to determine the health of your uterus.
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Fertility Treatments: Once you have gotten into the process and matched with intended parents, you will start fertility treatments to prepare for pregnancy.
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Embryo Transfer: Whether the intended parents use their own egg and sperm or a donor’s, the fertility clinic will create the embryo that will be transferred into your uterus for implantation. This is a quick and painless procedure. However, you will need to plan to stay at the fertility clinic for a few hours and take it easy over the next few days.
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Prenatal Care: After the embryo transfer you will be required to receive regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Once there is a heartbeat and pregnancy is confirmed, you will be able to start regular visits with your own OB.
Step 3: Legal Requirements
The legal requirements for surrogacy are important for outlining the risks and responsibilities for both parties while working to create a supportive experience for everyone. Important components of the surrogacy legal process to consider after you become a surrogate in Iowa include:
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Find a surrogacy attorney: You will need a surrogacy attorney to represent you through the process as well as ensure you are fairly represented in the surrogacy contract.
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Complete a surrogacy contract: This is the agreement that will be found binding in a court of law. The contract outlines what you will be responsible for as a surrogate and how you will be compensated.
We are ready to help you through each step of the process to become a surrogate in Iowa. What you’re doing is a noble choice and one that can benefit you financially. Get started today by filling out our easy form. We can’t wait to work with you!