What Qualifies a Woman to be a Surrogate?

Every woman that applies to be a surrogate with Heart to Hands has a generous heart.  However, while a generous heart draws women to surrogacy, it's not enough by itself.  A surrogate must also be physically and emotionally healthy, financially stable, and have a wonderful support system.

All surrogates that work with Heart to Hands Surrogacy have several things in common: 

• Is healthy physically and mentally, and willing to undergo extensive screenings
• Is over 21 years of age
• Does not use tobacco, illegal drugs, or abuse alcohol
• Has no current use of anti-depressants (within the last 6-12 months)
• Has given birth to a healthy child
• Has had no more than 2 previous cesarean births
• Is not receiving any form of government assistance
• Is Willing to commit time and energy to the surrogacy process
• Is Stable and mature
• Has support of spouse, family and friends
• Has medical insurance (strongly suggested but may not disqualify a surrogate)
• Lives in a surrogate friendly state  (We are very sorry but we can not work with surrogates who live in Washington, Nebraska, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Wyoming, Delaware, or anywhere outside of the United States.)

All surrogates that apply to work with Heart to Hands goe through an intensive screening process. First she fills out an extensive questionnaire that is reviewed by the agency owner.  The review is followed by an in-person or telephone interview.

If the surrogate passes the questionnaire and interview, a background check is performed on the surrogate and anyone over 18 living in the surrogate's household. 

If all parties pass the background check, personal references are called and personal details are verified. 

Health records are requested and reviewed.

Finally, if the surrogate passes all of the initial agency screenings, a surrogate and her husband or significant other meet with a counselor for an in-person interview and either the MMPI or the PAI.

Only after the surrogate has passed each of these steps is she allowed to proceed with a match.

Heart to Hands believes in presenting only the best prepared surrogates to Intended Parents, and always chooses only the best surrogates.