One of the ways in which ConceiveAbilities differentiates itself from our competitors is our longstanding and downright stubborn commitment to working with only the most qualified, most stable, healthiest, and – frankly – most awesome women on the planet.
Over the past 20 plus years, our “proudly picky” attitude has helped shape our multifaceted screening process. And although the different phases of our screening may, at first, feel a little daunting as an applicant, they help us get to know one another and, together, make a decision about whether a surrogacy journey can be a healthy and successful one for you.
Below we highlight the major phases of our one-of-a-kind screening process. If you are in the midst of your screening process already, please remember your Surrogate Engagement Coordinator is always there to assist you with any specific questions or concerns you might have.
Phase #1: Initial Application
The screening process begins by filling out ConceiveAbilities’ online, initial application. This is a secure form found on the ConceiveAbilities’ website that allows you to submit your initial application and ensure that you satisfy ConceiveAbilities’ basic qualifications. These basic qualifications include:
- Age between 21-39 years old
- BMI below 35
- Must have given birth before
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
As you fill out this initial form, you’ll receive information about why we ask each question. And, for a more detailed explanation of each qualification, check out the qualifications to become a surrogate.
Phase #2: Phone Interviews
After your initial application has been approved, your Surrogate Engagement Coordinator will conduct a phone “interview” with you. This call is a way for us to learn more about you, gain a better understanding of your personality, and also discuss some of the more delicate aspects of the journey directly and share more information about the process.
Phase #3: Medical Records, Pap and Clearance Letter
Next, our team will work with you to obtain your medical history with particular attention to your previous pregnancy(ies) and birth(s). We reward your assistance with this process, as your assistance ensures we can move forward on your timeline and not be bogged down by administrative paperwork. Our team will guide you through each step.
Our staff will also prompt you to provide your most recent pap results and request that you obtain a “clearance letter” from your current doctor. A “clearance letter” is simply a communication from your doctor stating that he or she feels that you are healthy enough to become pregnant.
Phase #4: Background and Credit Check
As the process moves along, we will run both a background and credit check on yourself and your spouse or live-in partner. We run these checks to learn a bit more about you and your family. We are always hoping these checks will confirm what you have already told us.
We should say right here and now that having debt or a less-than-perfect credit score will NOT automatically disqualify you. We are not that picky. A lot of people have debt in this day and age. We just need to confirm that your financial life does not have undue stressors.
Phase #5: Psychological Evaluation and Virtual Home Check
Your psychological evaluation is an important step in the process to become a surrogate. Your evaluation will always be conducted by a licensed mental health professional who will take the time to understand your motivations, address some of the more challenging aspects of the journey and ultimately provide an assessment of both your and your partner’s mental fitness for this pending experience.
The virtual home check will be conducted by a ConceiveAbilities professional at an agreed upon time. The objective of the visit is for us to confirm the safety and health of your environment..
Once the home check and psychological evaluation have been completed, you are nearly at the end of the screening process. It should not be long until you receive your final approval and are ready to be matched with your intended parents – the family you were meant to help!
Less than two percent of applicants are accepted into our program. Passing our entire screening makes you a part of a very elite group of women. ConceiveAbilities surrogates are uniquely qualified (medically, psychologically, physiologically, and logistically) to help make dreams come true! Being a part of this community is something to be proud of and we know you will be welcomed and supported throughout your surrogacy journey.
Are you a woman who enjoyed a healthy and successful pregnancy? Do you have friends or family who have suffered from infertility or need assistance from someone else to build their family? Have you ever considered the role you could play in helping someone else build their family – as a surrogate? Talk to us to learn more about the possibilities to help someone else’s dream come true.