Screening Process
The Surrogate Screening Process
Are you considering becoming a surrogate and wondering what the surrogacy screening process looks like? At Circle Surrogacy, we are a full-service surrogacy agency with a 3-step screening process designed to make sure you're fully informed about what being a surrogate entails, so you can decide if it's the right fit for you and your family.
During screening, you'll work closely with our team, and we will walk alongside you through each step. Many of them know this process from the inside: nearly 50% of our staff have been a surrogate, intended parent, or egg donor, or have grown their families through surrogacy, IVF, or adoption. We understand that the screening process may feel a little intimidating, and once we receive your application, we'll contact you within 1-2 business days.
How Surrogates Are Screened
With more than 30 years of experience, we've seen what's needed for surrogates and intended parents to have a healthy relationship and build a genuine connection. That's why we created this 3-step screening process. This process looks at your mental, physical, and social health, because these factors are the foundation for ensuring you're well-prepared for the journey ahead. We've screened 150,000+ applicants, and that experience shaped every step of this process.
1
Surrogate Prescreening
A history of uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries
Your age is between 21 and 42
A Body Mass Index (BMI) of under 33. Calculate My BMI.
In addition, we will:
Run criminal and financial background checks
Collect health insurance information
Review medical records
Confirm U.S. residence in a surrogate-friendly state (we cannot accept applicants who live in Nebraska or Louisiana)
Please review our surrogate screening requirements for more details about the qualification process. If, after the Prescreening process, you seem like a good fit for surrogacy — and you feel it’s a good fit for your life — you will move on to the second step of the process: the Surrogacy Consultation with a licensed mental health professional.
2
Your Surrogacy Consultation
Your surrogacy consultation is done with a licensed mental health professional who is experienced in speaking with and screening surrogate candidates. This conversation can last approximately 2 hours, and you can split that into two shorter meetings.
During your Surrogacy Consultation, you will answer questions and share information on the following:
Your motivation for wanting to become a surrogate
Your pregnancy history
Your family and interpersonal relationships
Your hobbies, interests, and life experiences
Who your support network will be, including identifying your Primary Support Person
Medical Records
During this phase, your Primary Support Person will also have a separate screening with a licensed mental health professional to ensure they are ready to take on the significant role of supporting you.
3
Psychological Assessment
Your third step in the surrogate screening process is a psychological assessment. Each surrogate must complete psychological testing through the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), which is interpreted by a licensed psychologist.
This test typically takes around 30-45 minutes, and helps us get a full picture of where you are emotionally and mentally as you prepare to be a surrogate. A surrogacy journey can be complex, and we work to confirm up front whether you and your family are ready to begin this meaningful commitment.
A mental health assessment matters as much as the physical requirements because it helps us assess your:
Emotional Readiness: Surrogacy can be a deeply emotional journey. The psychological assessment helps ensure you are mentally prepared for the unique experience of carrying a child for someone else.
Understanding and Commitment: The psychological assessment confirms that you fully understand what's involved in being a surrogate and feel prepared for the commitment ahead.
Support System and Mental Wellness: The overall screening process confirms you have a strong support system and healthy emotional foundation, so you and your family are well-prepared throughout your journey.
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What Happens After the Surrogacy Screening Process?
Once you complete the three steps of the screening process and all parties agree that surrogacy is a great fit for you and your family, you will review and sign our Journey Acknowledgment Form, and you’ll be ready to be matched with intended parents through our proprietary MatchMade™ process. This process involves meeting with a Matching Specialist who will get to know you and learn about your preferences, like the level of communication you wish to have with intended parents and your preference regarding where they live. These questions help us match you with intended parents whose preferences and expectations align with yours, helping everyone begin the relationship with clarity and shared expectations.
Once you're matched, you'll complete a medical screening at your intended parents' fertility clinic to make sure you're ready to begin the embryo transfer process.
Want to learn more about the entire surrogacy journey? Visit our surrogacy process page for a detailed breakdown of each step, from the moment you complete an application to delivery day.
Surrogate Screening FAQs
We know the screening process raises real questions. Here are some of the most common ones applicants ask us.
The prescreening and screening process generally takes two to four weeks total — roughly one to two weeks for prescreening and another one to two for your Surrogacy Consultation and screening — but this can vary depending on how quickly you submit paperwork and medical records. Once you submit your application, we'll be in touch within one to two business days to help you take the next step.
Matching typically takes anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your preferences and how quickly a compatible match is found. Matches are mutual, so you'll both need to agree to start the surrogacy journey together before it's official. What's most important is to find intended parents who you can be genuinely comfortable starting the journey with.
Not at all. We work with surrogates across the country, so there's no need to live near one of our offices. The only geographic requirement is that you live in a surrogate-friendly U.S. state, meaning you live in a state where surrogates are legally allowed to be compensated for their journey. Most U.S. states are surrogate-friendly, but unfortunately we cannot accept applicants from Nebraska and Louisiana due to state laws.
Yes. Your health and the health of the baby you carry are why drug screening is part of our prescreening process. We ask that all applicants abstain from illegal drug use, cigarette smoking, and alcohol abuse. If you're a former smoker, you'll need to have quit at least six months before applying, and a nicotine/cotinine blood test is included in the surrogate medical screening process.
Yes, reputable surrogacy agencies run background checks as part of screening. At Circle, we conduct both criminal and financial background checks during the prescreening phase. These background checks are one part of understanding your circumstances, alongside your medical history and support network. The goal is to make sure you're in a stable, supported place to take on this meaningful commitment.
Your Surrogacy Journey Starts With People Who Understand
The screening process is part of your surrogacy journey, and we understand it can feel like a lot to take in. Just know that we created every step with your well-being in mind, from the prescreening paperwork to your Surrogacy Consultation.
Ready to get on the path toward surrogacy? Complete your application today.
Testimonials
"Working with Circle was amazing! Their commitment and reliability made it easy for me to trust them and feel eager to start a journey. I had a great support system and always felt advocated for. I wasn't just another surrogate. I was a friend, and that meant so much. I couldn't have asked for more.”
Ashtin
Circle Surrogate
"I had such an incredible experience as a surrogate with Circle Surrogacy! The process was very thorough, which is exactly what I would want if I were on the other side of things as well. They helped me through every step of the journey and made me feel so comfortable.”
Alexandra
Circle Surrogate
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"I'm in the screening process to become a first-time surrogate. I am already so in LOVE with this agency! My surrogate advisor is wonderful! I'm not even accepted yet and already feel loved and supported.”
Kristin
Circle Surrogate
Testimonials
"Working with Circle was amazing! Their commitment and reliability made it easy for me to trust them and feel eager to start a journey. I had a great support system and always felt advocated for. I wasn't just another surrogate. I was a friend, and that meant so much. I couldn't have asked for more.”
Ashtin
Circle Surrogate