A Guide to Understanding the Surrogate Screening Process
Surrogate screening is a sequence of agency and independent-professional reviews. It helps the participants exchange relevant information and evaluate whether to proceed, but it cannot remove every medical, psychological, legal, or relationship risk and does not guarantee a match, pregnancy, or birth.
Start with the current agency intake standards
Patriot Conceptions' maintained starting standards include ages 21–40, a BMI under 35, one to five prior live births, no more than three prior Cesarean deliveries, and additional history, availability, and stability requirements. These are initial routing standards, not medical clearance. Criteria can change, and a fertility clinic may apply its own protocol after reviewing the individual case.
Use the current surrogate requirements rather than an older blog list when deciding whether to apply.
The screening stages
- Application and agency intake. The agency collects information needed to review baseline program fit and explain the process. Applicants should answer accurately and ask how their information will be used and shared.
- Records and background review. Authorized records and other required documents are gathered for the appropriate reviewer. The existence of records does not establish that a past or future pregnancy is risk-free.
- Licensed psychological evaluation. When required, a qualified independent mental-health professional conducts the clinical evaluation. Agency staff do not perform therapy or make a clinical diagnosis.
- Fertility-clinic medical review. The clinic decides medical eligibility and directs examinations, laboratory testing, medication, and treatment. Patriot Conceptions does not provide medical clearance or prenatal care.
- Mutual matching. Intended parents and a prospective surrogate consider preferences, communication, expectations, and practical fit. Either side may decide not to proceed; matching is not guaranteed.
- Independent legal review. Each participant should have appropriate independent reproductive counsel. Attorneys explain and negotiate agreements and handle the jurisdiction-specific parentage process. The agency does not give legal advice.
- Final handoffs. The relevant clinic and attorneys confirm their own requirements before treatment or other next steps. An agency task being complete does not override a professional decision.
Who is responsible for what?
Patriot Conceptions coordinates intake, matching, documents, schedules, and communication. The fertility clinic and obstetric providers make medical decisions. A licensed mental-health professional handles clinical evaluation or counseling. Independent attorneys advise each participant and manage the legal process. Insurance, tax, and financial questions should go to qualified professionals and be checked against the signed agreement and current coverage.
Costs and responsibilities vary
Medical, insurance, travel, compensation, reimbursement, and legal obligations depend on the specific journey, contracts, provider bills, and coverage decisions. A general article cannot promise that all expenses will be covered or predict a final cost. Review the written terms and obtain professional advice before relying on a financial assumption.
After screening
Passing one stage does not guarantee later approval or a particular result. The people and professionals involved continue to make case-specific decisions as information changes. Keep medical questions with the treating providers, legal questions with independent counsel, and agency-process questions with the Patriot Conceptions team.
To understand the current workflow, review the surrogacy process or contact Patriot Conceptions.
Surrogacy is a legal and medical-adjacent topic. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice.
Reviewed by Patriot Conceptions Editorial Team. Last reviewed May 26, 2024.
A Guide to Understanding the Surrogate Screening Process
Surrogate screening is a sequence of agency and independent-professional reviews. It helps the participants exchange relevant information and evaluate whether to proceed, but it cannot remove every medical, psychological, legal, or relationship risk and does not guarantee a match, pregnancy, or birth.
Start with the current agency intake standards
Patriot Conceptions' maintained starting standards include ages 21–40, a BMI under 35, one to five prior live births, no more than three prior Cesarean deliveries, and additional history, availability, and stability requirements. These are initial routing standards, not medical clearance. Criteria can change, and a fertility clinic may apply its own protocol after reviewing the individual case.
Use the current surrogate requirements rather than an older blog list when deciding whether to apply.
The screening stages
- Application and agency intake. The agency collects information needed to review baseline program fit and explain the process. Applicants should answer accurately and ask how their information will be used and shared.
- Records and background review. Authorized records and other required documents are gathered for the appropriate reviewer. The existence of records does not establish that a past or future pregnancy is risk-free.
- Licensed psychological evaluation. When required, a qualified independent mental-health professional conducts the clinical evaluation. Agency staff do not perform therapy or make a clinical diagnosis.
- Fertility-clinic medical review. The clinic decides medical eligibility and directs examinations, laboratory testing, medication, and treatment. Patriot Conceptions does not provide medical clearance or prenatal care.
- Mutual matching. Intended parents and a prospective surrogate consider preferences, communication, expectations, and practical fit. Either side may decide not to proceed; matching is not guaranteed.
- Independent legal review. Each participant should have appropriate independent reproductive counsel. Attorneys explain and negotiate agreements and handle the jurisdiction-specific parentage process. The agency does not give legal advice.
- Final handoffs. The relevant clinic and attorneys confirm their own requirements before treatment or other next steps. An agency task being complete does not override a professional decision.
Who is responsible for what?
Patriot Conceptions coordinates intake, matching, documents, schedules, and communication. The fertility clinic and obstetric providers make medical decisions. A licensed mental-health professional handles clinical evaluation or counseling. Independent attorneys advise each participant and manage the legal process. Insurance, tax, and financial questions should go to qualified professionals and be checked against the signed agreement and current coverage.
Costs and responsibilities vary
Medical, insurance, travel, compensation, reimbursement, and legal obligations depend on the specific journey, contracts, provider bills, and coverage decisions. A general article cannot promise that all expenses will be covered or predict a final cost. Review the written terms and obtain professional advice before relying on a financial assumption.
After screening
Passing one stage does not guarantee later approval or a particular result. The people and professionals involved continue to make case-specific decisions as information changes. Keep medical questions with the treating providers, legal questions with independent counsel, and agency-process questions with the Patriot Conceptions team.
To understand the current workflow, review the surrogacy process or contact Patriot Conceptions.
For your own case, confirm legal and medical details with your attorney and clinic.
Reviewed by Patriot Conceptions Editorial Team. Last reviewed May 26, 2024.