Intended Parents
For the Love of Family
Support for the journey
At VIVO Surrogacy, we go above and beyond to make sure that at every step along the way, you are fully informed and supported. We will be your guide throughout this incredible journey and we are committed to making the surrogacy experience a successful and joyful one. From Beginning to Baby, we are by your side!
Our Surrogate Screening Process
A successful surrogacy journey begins with a surrogate who is physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. That is why we diligently screen all potential surrogates and strictly adhere to the guidelines laid out by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). We never compromise on our high standards, which is why only 3% of our surrogate applicants make the cut! When you choose VIVO Surrogacy, you can rest assured that all of our surrogates are the best of the best.
STEP 1
Phone Intake
After a potential surrogate has passed our initial online application and screening process, we schedule a phone intake with one of our Case Managers, or our Program Director. During this 30 - 45 minute phone call, we ask additional screening questions, discuss the surrogacy journey, and get to know her on a more personal level.
STEP 2
Application
We thoroughly review potential surrogates’ medical history, pregnancy history, employment status, and lifestyle/behaviors. Potential surrogates answer questions about their family life, personality traits, motivations to become a surrogate, and their expectations for surrogacy.. A potential surrogate must also submit photos and a referral letter from a non-family member stating why she would be the ideal choice for surrogacy.
STEP 3
Surrogate medical records review
A Reproductive Endocrinologist double Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, thoroughly examines all potential surrogates’ medical records. Surrogates must have an up-to-date well-woman exam and a medical clearance letter from their OB/GYN.
STEP 4
Criminal background checks and DMV reports
We perform DMV and criminal background checks on all potential surrogates and their partners/spouses (if applicable). We also run a DMV check on anybody over the age of 18 who lives on the same property as the surrogate.
STEP 5
Home Visit
Social workers or Case Managers visit the homes of potential surrogates to assess their neighborhood and living environment. It is important to ensure their environments are safe, secure, and stable for a pregnancy.
STEP 6
Psychological Pre-screenings
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist pre-screens every surrogate and (if applicable) their partner/spouse.
STEP 7
Medical Insurance Review
A third party agency reviews the insurance policy of potential surrogates and provides a written analysis for intended parents.
STEP 8
Surrogate Medical Screenings
Prior to being accepted into our surrogate program, potential surrogates must have completed the following:
An up-to-date, within 1-year, Well Woman's exam including blood work
Medical clearance letter signed by OBGYN clearing for surrogate pregnancy
Immediately post-match, your surrogate will complete her medical screening with your Reproductive Endocrinologist. This screening will likely include:
FDA-mandated infectious disease screenings for the surrogate and her partner/spouse
Urine drug screen for the surrogate
Surrogate blood work - any additional or follow-up blood work
Hysteroscopy procedure (possibly)
All screening tests/procedures must be current, meaning they were performed within the previous 12 months.
FAQs
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Most of our surrogates describe it as a calling. Because surrogates must have given birth to and parented their own child, these women are mothers who know how life-changing and rewarding a baby is for families. Our surrogates feel deep satisfaction from helping loving families grow. And, surrogacy is a great way for mothers to bring in additional income to their household, especially for stay-at-home moms.
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No, the surrogate does not keep the baby. Binding legal documents are taken care of before the IVF process even begins. This is why VIVO Surrogacy only works with surrogates living in states that protect surrogacy rights. And, because our surrogates are not biologically related to the baby, this gives an extra layer of protection for the intended parents.
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You can theoretically find your own surrogate. Usually when people use their own surrogate it is because she is a family member or friend. But, finding a stranger you can trust can be difficult and extraordinarily time-consuming. You have to make sure that your surrogate has undergone a background check and you must screen for both physical and mental health. And you need to make sure that you and your surrogate have compatible preferences, expectations, and personalities.
Finding a surrogate on your own means that you will probably need to meet with several candidates before you find the right one. Not only is this time-consuming and costly, but it can also be extremely emotionally draining for parents. At VIVO Surrogacy, we pre-screen our surrogates and our matching process is successful on the first try over 95% of the time!
If you do decide to go it alone, you will then need to handle all aspects of IVF and the pregnancy. At VIVO Surrogacy, we do that for you. We help coordinate and act as the liaison between you, your surrogate, and the IVF clinic. We make the necessary appointments, coordinate medical care, deal with insurance companies, and provide resources and support for surrogates to ensure that they have healthy, low stress pregnancies. And we keep you up-to-date and informed.