What to Expect From a Surrogacy Screening as a Gestational Carrier
If you're exploring surrogacy for the first time, it's completely normal to wonder what screening involves and why so much of it is required. The short answer is that every part of it exists to protect you, support a healthy pregnancy, and set your entire journey up for success.
If you're exploring surrogacy for the first time, it's completely normal to wonder what screening involves and why so much of it is required. The short answer is that every part of it exists to protect you, support a healthy pregnancy, and set your entire journey up for success.
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Deciding to become a surrogate is a beautiful, generous choice, and one that comes with an important first step: the screening process. If you're exploring surrogacy for the first time, it's completely normal to wonder what screening involves and why so much of it is required. The short answer is that every part of it exists to protect you, support a healthy pregnancy, and set your entire journey up for success. Here's what the screening process actually looks like, from your initial application all the way to the clinic.
Deciding to become a surrogate is a beautiful, generous choice, and one that comes with an important first step: the screening process. If you're exploring surrogacy for the first time, it's completely normal to wonder what screening involves and why so much of it is required. The short answer is that every part of it exists to protect you, support a healthy pregnancy, and set your entire journey up for success. Here's what the screening process actually looks like, from your initial application all the way to the clinic.
Deciding to become a surrogate is a beautiful, generous choice, and one that comes with an important first step: the screening process. If you're exploring surrogacy for the first time, it's completely normal to wonder what screening involves and why so much of it is required. The short answer is that every part of it exists to protect you, support a healthy pregnancy, and set your entire journey up for success. Here's what the screening process actually looks like, from your initial application all the way to the clinic.
Phase One: Agency Screening with BornVia
Before anything medical happens, your journey begins with BornVia. This phase is all about getting to know you as a whole person and making sure surrogacy is the right fit for where you are in life right now.
Application and Initial Review
Your screening starts with a thorough application covering your health history, pregnancy and delivery history, lifestyle, living situation, and your personal motivations for wanting to become a surrogate. BornVia reviews this information carefully, because a strong foundation here makes every step that follows smoother.
Background Check
A standard background check is part of every surrogate's screening. This is a routine step across the industry and simply helps ensure the safety and trust of everyone involved in the journey. If you have a partner, or other adults over the age of 18 in your home, they will also have a background check completed.
Financial Security Review
A financial review is standard practice in the surrogacy industry, and it goes a bit deeper than a simple check of your income. BornVia reviews financial stability to ensure that you're entering this journey from a place of security rather than need.
This typically includes a look at household income, and overall financial wellness. It's not about having a perfect financial picture; it's about making sure compensation doesn't become a source of stress or conflict during your pregnancy. Surrogates who feel financially stable are better able to focus on what matters most: a healthy, supported pregnancy and their relationship with the Intended Parents.
Psychological Evaluation
One of the most meaningful parts of agency screening is meeting with a licensed mental health professional. This conversation is not something to be nervous about. It's a supportive, judgment-free space to explore your motivations, your emotional readiness, and your understanding of what it means to carry a baby for someone else.
If you have a partner or spouse, they'll be included in this evaluation as well. BornVia places a lot of value on this step because prepared surrogates consistently report more positive, fulfilling journeys.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Evaluation
One of the things that sets BornVia's screening process apart is the inclusion of a remote Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) evaluation. MFM specialists, also known as high-risk pregnancy specialists, review your full obstetric history to assess your suitability for a surrogate pregnancy from a clinical standpoint.
Having this evaluation happen during agency screening, rather than waiting until the clinic phase, means potential medical considerations are identified early. It saves everyone time, prevents difficult surprises down the road, and reflects BornVia's commitment to a thorough, thoughtful process from day one. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions to a medical doctor in the early stages of your journey.
One Screening, Multiple Doors
Here's something that makes working with BornVia genuinely unique in the surrogacy world: completing BornVia's screening doesn't just qualify you for one agency. BornVia operates as a screening partner across multiple agencies, meaning that once you've cleared the BornVia process, you gain access to a broader network of matching opportunities, all without having to repeat the agency screening process from scratch.
This is a significant advantage. Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right match matters enormously. Having access to a wider pool of intended parents through multiple agencies means a better chance of finding a connection that truly feels right for you. It's an efficient, expansive, and candidate-centered approach that sets BornVia apart from the traditional single-agency model.
Phase Two: Medical Screening at the Fertility Clinic
After your match with an agency and then your intended parents, the intended parents' fertility clinic takes the lead on a comprehensive medical evaluation. This is where the clinical side of your journey gets underway.
Physical Exam and Uterine Evaluation
The clinic will conduct a full physical exam along with a uterine evaluation, typically a sonohysterogram, to confirm your uterus is healthy and well-positioned to carry a pregnancy. This is a straightforward procedure and one of the most important checkpoints in the process.
Bloodwork and Infectious Disease Testing
Standard lab work and infectious disease screenings are required by the clinic and, in many cases, by legal and insurance requirements as well. These tests protect your health and the health of the baby throughout the pregnancy.
Medical History Review
The reproductive endocrinologist will take a close look at your full obstetric history. Most clinics follow guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), which generally require that a surrogate has had at least one prior uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery - we have also already covered this as part of your screening with BornVia.
Communicable Disease Screening for Household Members
In many cases, the clinic will also require basic screening for your partner. This is a routine part of protecting everyone involved and is nothing to worry about.
You're in Good Hands Every Step of the Way
Screening can feel like a lot on paper, but in practice it's a guided, supportive process. BornVia's team is with you from the very first conversation through your match and beyond, making sure you always know what's coming next and never feel like you're navigating it alone.
If you're ready to learn more about becoming a surrogate with BornVia, we'd love to hear from you.
Phase One: Agency Screening with BornVia
Before anything medical happens, your journey begins with BornVia. This phase is all about getting to know you as a whole person and making sure surrogacy is the right fit for where you are in life right now.
Application and Initial Review
Your screening starts with a thorough application covering your health history, pregnancy and delivery history, lifestyle, living situation, and your personal motivations for wanting to become a surrogate. BornVia reviews this information carefully, because a strong foundation here makes every step that follows smoother.
Background Check
A standard background check is part of every surrogate's screening. This is a routine step across the industry and simply helps ensure the safety and trust of everyone involved in the journey. If you have a partner, or other adults over the age of 18 in your home, they will also have a background check completed.
Financial Security Review
A financial review is standard practice in the surrogacy industry, and it goes a bit deeper than a simple check of your income. BornVia reviews financial stability to ensure that you're entering this journey from a place of security rather than need.
This typically includes a look at household income, and overall financial wellness. It's not about having a perfect financial picture; it's about making sure compensation doesn't become a source of stress or conflict during your pregnancy. Surrogates who feel financially stable are better able to focus on what matters most: a healthy, supported pregnancy and their relationship with the Intended Parents.
Psychological Evaluation
One of the most meaningful parts of agency screening is meeting with a licensed mental health professional. This conversation is not something to be nervous about. It's a supportive, judgment-free space to explore your motivations, your emotional readiness, and your understanding of what it means to carry a baby for someone else.
If you have a partner or spouse, they'll be included in this evaluation as well. BornVia places a lot of value on this step because prepared surrogates consistently report more positive, fulfilling journeys.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Evaluation
One of the things that sets BornVia's screening process apart is the inclusion of a remote Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) evaluation. MFM specialists, also known as high-risk pregnancy specialists, review your full obstetric history to assess your suitability for a surrogate pregnancy from a clinical standpoint.
Having this evaluation happen during agency screening, rather than waiting until the clinic phase, means potential medical considerations are identified early. It saves everyone time, prevents difficult surprises down the road, and reflects BornVia's commitment to a thorough, thoughtful process from day one. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions to a medical doctor in the early stages of your journey.
One Screening, Multiple Doors
Here's something that makes working with BornVia genuinely unique in the surrogacy world: completing BornVia's screening doesn't just qualify you for one agency. BornVia operates as a screening partner across multiple agencies, meaning that once you've cleared the BornVia process, you gain access to a broader network of matching opportunities, all without having to repeat the agency screening process from scratch.
This is a significant advantage. Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right match matters enormously. Having access to a wider pool of intended parents through multiple agencies means a better chance of finding a connection that truly feels right for you. It's an efficient, expansive, and candidate-centered approach that sets BornVia apart from the traditional single-agency model.
Phase Two: Medical Screening at the Fertility Clinic
After your match with an agency and then your intended parents, the intended parents' fertility clinic takes the lead on a comprehensive medical evaluation. This is where the clinical side of your journey gets underway.
Physical Exam and Uterine Evaluation
The clinic will conduct a full physical exam along with a uterine evaluation, typically a sonohysterogram, to confirm your uterus is healthy and well-positioned to carry a pregnancy. This is a straightforward procedure and one of the most important checkpoints in the process.
Bloodwork and Infectious Disease Testing
Standard lab work and infectious disease screenings are required by the clinic and, in many cases, by legal and insurance requirements as well. These tests protect your health and the health of the baby throughout the pregnancy.
Medical History Review
The reproductive endocrinologist will take a close look at your full obstetric history. Most clinics follow guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), which generally require that a surrogate has had at least one prior uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery - we have also already covered this as part of your screening with BornVia.
Communicable Disease Screening for Household Members
In many cases, the clinic will also require basic screening for your partner. This is a routine part of protecting everyone involved and is nothing to worry about.
You're in Good Hands Every Step of the Way
Screening can feel like a lot on paper, but in practice it's a guided, supportive process. BornVia's team is with you from the very first conversation through your match and beyond, making sure you always know what's coming next and never feel like you're navigating it alone.
If you're ready to learn more about becoming a surrogate with BornVia, we'd love to hear from you.
Phase One: Agency Screening with BornVia
Before anything medical happens, your journey begins with BornVia. This phase is all about getting to know you as a whole person and making sure surrogacy is the right fit for where you are in life right now.
Application and Initial Review
Your screening starts with a thorough application covering your health history, pregnancy and delivery history, lifestyle, living situation, and your personal motivations for wanting to become a surrogate. BornVia reviews this information carefully, because a strong foundation here makes every step that follows smoother.
Background Check
A standard background check is part of every surrogate's screening. This is a routine step across the industry and simply helps ensure the safety and trust of everyone involved in the journey. If you have a partner, or other adults over the age of 18 in your home, they will also have a background check completed.
Financial Security Review
A financial review is standard practice in the surrogacy industry, and it goes a bit deeper than a simple check of your income. BornVia reviews financial stability to ensure that you're entering this journey from a place of security rather than need.
This typically includes a look at household income, and overall financial wellness. It's not about having a perfect financial picture; it's about making sure compensation doesn't become a source of stress or conflict during your pregnancy. Surrogates who feel financially stable are better able to focus on what matters most: a healthy, supported pregnancy and their relationship with the Intended Parents.
Psychological Evaluation
One of the most meaningful parts of agency screening is meeting with a licensed mental health professional. This conversation is not something to be nervous about. It's a supportive, judgment-free space to explore your motivations, your emotional readiness, and your understanding of what it means to carry a baby for someone else.
If you have a partner or spouse, they'll be included in this evaluation as well. BornVia places a lot of value on this step because prepared surrogates consistently report more positive, fulfilling journeys.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Evaluation
One of the things that sets BornVia's screening process apart is the inclusion of a remote Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) evaluation. MFM specialists, also known as high-risk pregnancy specialists, review your full obstetric history to assess your suitability for a surrogate pregnancy from a clinical standpoint.
Having this evaluation happen during agency screening, rather than waiting until the clinic phase, means potential medical considerations are identified early. It saves everyone time, prevents difficult surprises down the road, and reflects BornVia's commitment to a thorough, thoughtful process from day one. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions to a medical doctor in the early stages of your journey.
One Screening, Multiple Doors
Here's something that makes working with BornVia genuinely unique in the surrogacy world: completing BornVia's screening doesn't just qualify you for one agency. BornVia operates as a screening partner across multiple agencies, meaning that once you've cleared the BornVia process, you gain access to a broader network of matching opportunities, all without having to repeat the agency screening process from scratch.
This is a significant advantage. Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right match matters enormously. Having access to a wider pool of intended parents through multiple agencies means a better chance of finding a connection that truly feels right for you. It's an efficient, expansive, and candidate-centered approach that sets BornVia apart from the traditional single-agency model.
Phase Two: Medical Screening at the Fertility Clinic
After your match with an agency and then your intended parents, the intended parents' fertility clinic takes the lead on a comprehensive medical evaluation. This is where the clinical side of your journey gets underway.
Physical Exam and Uterine Evaluation
The clinic will conduct a full physical exam along with a uterine evaluation, typically a sonohysterogram, to confirm your uterus is healthy and well-positioned to carry a pregnancy. This is a straightforward procedure and one of the most important checkpoints in the process.
Bloodwork and Infectious Disease Testing
Standard lab work and infectious disease screenings are required by the clinic and, in many cases, by legal and insurance requirements as well. These tests protect your health and the health of the baby throughout the pregnancy.
Medical History Review
The reproductive endocrinologist will take a close look at your full obstetric history. Most clinics follow guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), which generally require that a surrogate has had at least one prior uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery - we have also already covered this as part of your screening with BornVia.
Communicable Disease Screening for Household Members
In many cases, the clinic will also require basic screening for your partner. This is a routine part of protecting everyone involved and is nothing to worry about.
You're in Good Hands Every Step of the Way
Screening can feel like a lot on paper, but in practice it's a guided, supportive process. BornVia's team is with you from the very first conversation through your match and beyond, making sure you always know what's coming next and never feel like you're navigating it alone.
If you're ready to learn more about becoming a surrogate with BornVia, we'd love to hear from you.
Become a Surrogate
Create a legacy of kindness while securing a brighter future for your own family.
Create a legacy of kindness while securing a brighter future for your own family.
Become a Surrogate
Create a legacy of kindness while securing a brighter future for your own family.
For Partners
Disclaimer: Bornvia works exclusively on behalf of surrogates and does not provide legal or medical advice.
©
2026
Bornvia.
All rights reserved.
For Partners
Disclaimer: Bornvia works exclusively on behalf of surrogates and does not provide legal or medical advice.
©
2026
Bornvia.
All rights reserved.
For Partners
Disclaimer: Bornvia works exclusively on behalf of surrogates and does not provide legal or medical advice.
©
2026
Bornvia.
All rights reserved.
For Partners
Disclaimer: Bornvia works exclusively on behalf of surrogates and does not provide legal or medical advice.
©
2026
Bornvia.
All rights reserved.