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The Decision/Applying
Once a woman makes the personal choice to give the gift of surrogacy, it is done for different reasons
for different women, but the bottom line is that it is just that, a gift and a sacrifice. Many things will be given up- a
surrogate must be willing to meet certain criteria;
- Must have successfully carried a child to term of their own
- Non-smoker, abstain from alcohol & caffeine during the pregnancy
- Between the ages of 21- 40
- Healthy height to weight ratio and/or BMI
- Stable home environment
- If married, then spouse in support of surrogate decision
- Not on government assistance
- Reside in a surrogate friendly state and/or the state must recognize the validity and uphold the intent of a
surrogacy contract. Presently we currently cannot consider potential candidates who reside in Arizona, Washington, New
York, Kansas, Washington D.C, Delaware, Michigan, North Dakota, or Indiana
Once an individual makes the decision to move forward in the process to become a surrogate or
gestational surrogate (GS), we then forward (either via mail or email joiedeviesurrogacy@msn.com) a
questionnaire to her which consists of several pages of very personal and detailed questions. This is used to get to know you,
your background and to obtain some information about your past medical history.
If the potential GS is married or in a relationship, we will also gather information about that individual as well. This
particular phase of the process is perhaps one of the most time consuming, but important parts nonetheless as it is necessary
for all parties involved to understand who the surrogate candidate is and where she comes from and what she is about. We would
appreciate the potential GS including some digital photos of her to be later viewed by potential intended parents (IP's). Later
in the selection process, should the GS become a candidate, the questionnaire is viewed by potential IP's with the exception of
confidential identifying information such as name, social, or date of birth. Likewise, the same type of information about
potential IP's is shared with candidate GS's in hopes of finding the perfect match.
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Screening
After all parties agree to move forward, then the GS must submit to extensive medical testing and
screening as well as psychological testing to determine the candidates' mental and emotional stability and readiness to proceed
with the surrogacy process. Pregnancy can be taxing both physically and mentally and it is very important to determine one's
readiness. This step sounds intimidating, but is really very helpful to all involved and is performed by licensed psychologists
and professional counselors. In some instances you may be required to take a MMPI, which is a personality inventory. This again
will assist all parties involved in gaining a better insight into the type of person you are and is in no way designed to
intimidate you.
The medical portion of the screening is for both you and your partner or husband and is required to screen for STD's, HIV and a
routine gynecologic exam for yourself as well as any further testing and or blood work that the IP's fertility clinic and/or RE
(reproductive endocrinologist) may deem necessary. All medical testing of both yourself and/or your partner will be conducted at
the fertility clinic of your IP's as well as at the expense of the IP's.
Download
Surrogate Questionnaire.pdf
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Selection Process
The selection process can be either a long or a short process, and it really depends on both the IP's
and the GS's. As an agency, we strive to know our clients and to put together people whom we think have the most in common.
While the ultimate goal is to make a baby, there are many variables in between. This is why the initial questionnaire and photos
are as important as they are the first link between the IP's and the GS's.
Once there is a potential match, our agency will request you undergo a background check, this is standard procedure and is
performed on our IP's as well and it is for the safety and protection of all of our clients.
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Meet & Greet
Once everyone agrees to pursue introductions, then wewill proceed to either a meet and greet if all
parties are local in Dallas/Fort Worth, or we will conduct a conference call which will be scheduled at a time that is
convenient for everyone. This meeting is very important as it allows everyone to ask questions and get to know each other a
little better. If everyone agrees that the meeting or conference was a success and would like to proceed, then we will move
forward to psychological and medical testing and evaluations.
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Contract Negotiations
As a GS the support requested for carrying the child or children will be determined by you and if need
be we can offer some assistance in this area since we have experience in fee negotiations. This is a very precious and almost
incalculable gift and most IP's are very understanding and expect to compensate between $18,000 to $20,000 for a first time
surrogate and $25,000+ for an experienced GS.
The surrogate's compensation covers many areas and is discussed in greater detail on the fee schedule. These fees will cover
expenses such as prenatal vitamins, travel expenses, lost wages etc... Usually a base fee will be agreed upon between you and
the IP's. A contract will be drawn up by the IP's attorney and submitted to the IP's for approval and signatures then forwarded
to your attorney for your review and approval usually by phone, (this fee, up to $1000 is covered by the IP's) and then yours
and/or your spouse's signature will be required. Contract negotiations are primarily between you and the IP's and do not
involve the agency. If there are any issues requiring further review or negotiation, the agency will serve as liaison between
the two parties to try and work out an amicable solution.
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Insurance
In many instances you will already have health insurance; our agency will request the policy exclusion
page to review for specific verbiage citing exclusions for surrogacy. We may also request that you speak with the carrier to
ensure that there are no exclusions. Should you not have maternity coverage do not worry, we can assist you with obtaining
coverage and the IP's will be responsible for the premiums. All of this will be discussed in greater detail prior to signing
agreements and should not be a hindrance to finding a match for you.
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Travel
Yes, depending on where your IP's are located and/or their clinic-there may be some travel involved. All
travel will be arranged and compensated by the IP's as laid out in the contract. This will be understood explicitly in advance
and available for your review at all times. If the clinic is located out of town, some occasions of travel would be for the
initial medical evaluation, the transfer procedure, and depending on the clinic, perhaps one more follow-up appointment. After
that, you may be monitored at a clinic close to you for the duration of the pregnancy.
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