If you’re thinking of being a surrogate in Pennsylvania, you are probably asking yourself a few key questions:

Should I become a surrogate mother?

What are the things to consider before being a surrogate in Pennsylvania?

Is surrogacy right for me?

If you’re asking yourself these questions, congratulations — you are taking the responsible route when considering this life-changing path. Surrogacy is not a journey for everyone, and it’s something to think about thoroughly before committing to it. Learning as much as you can as early as you can is the best way to determine whether being a gestational carrier is right for you.

Fortunately, the surrogacy professionals at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly are here to help. When you contact our surrogacy team, they can answer all of your questions about the surrogacy process in Pennsylvania and detail all of the important things to consider before being a surrogate in the Keystone State. If you’re thinking of being a surrogate in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to contact our offices today for more information: 814-237-7900.

When you speak with our surrogacy professionals, they’ll ask you a few important questions to help you determine if you should continue on this path. To help you get started, we’ve listed them below. So, before deciding to be a surrogate in Pennsylvania, ask yourself these questions first:

Do You Meet Surrogacy Requirements?

Any woman considering being a surrogate in Pennsylvania must first meet the basic requirements for this journey. Not every woman can become a gestational carrier; there are certain standards set to protect her safety, as well as the best interest of the intended parents she eventually matches with.

In order to answer the question, “Should I become a surrogate?” first ask yourself, “Can I become a surrogate?” You can generally answer “yes” to this question if you:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 45
• Have had at least one successful, uncomplicated pregnancy
• Have had no more than five previous deliveries or three deliveries via cesarean section
• Had your last pregnancy at least 12 months ago
• Have a healthy BMI, usually between 19 and 30
• Are not a current or former smoker or drug user
• Have no ongoing mental health issues, and have not used antidepressant or antianxiety medication for at least 12 months
• Can pass a medical screening for certain health conditions and sexually transmitted infections

Exceptions to these rules may be made on a case-by-case basis and only at the recommendation of an experienced medical professional. When you work with our surrogacy program, our professionals will confirm you meet these requirements through interviews and psychological and mental health screening and testing. You will also need to pass criminal and background clearances.

Only after you have met these basic requirements can you seriously start considering becoming a surrogate mother in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, if you don’t meet these basics requirements, carrying a child for someone else will not be a safe process for you.

Do You Understand What the Surrogacy Process Means for You?

Once you have determined you are eligible for the surrogacy process, it’s important that you consider exactly what this process will involve. Being a gestational carrier is not for the faint of heart; it is a journey that will require a year or more of your time, energy and, of course, your body to help someone else reach their parenthood dreams.

If you’re asking, “Should I become a surrogate?” you need to think about what it will really be like for you to follow this path. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I comfortable with all the risks and challenges of pregnancy? Even if you pass medical screening to become a surrogate, there are still inherent risks of being pregnant that you will incur. Pregnancy requires a lot from a woman, both physically and mentally. You should think about whether these challenges will still be worth it to you if you are not bringing home a child of your own after nine months.
• Is my family supportive of my decision? Becoming a gestational carrier doesn’t just impact you; it will impact your entire family. Your spouse should be supportive of your decision and be comfortable with the risks you are taking. He or she will be required to sign your surrogacy contract, too. Think about your children: Are you ready to explain to them this process and guide them through any complicated emotions they have along the way?
• Am I ready for the lifestyle changes that being a surrogate will bring about? When you become a surrogate, you will need to make certain sacrifices to keep yourself and the intended parents’ baby safe. You will need to take time out of your everyday schedule to attend appointments and communicate with the intended parents. You may need to take time off of work for these appointments, as well as your delivery and postpartum recovery. You may not be able to complete your normal responsibilities or spend as much time with your family as you normally do. These are all things to consider before being a surrogate — a decision that will change your life.

Do You Know Why You Want to Become a Surrogate?

There are many reasons to become a surrogate mother in Pennsylvania, and every woman considering this journey may have unique motivations for moving forward. But, you should fully evaluate your goals for choosing this path to make sure you’re considering being a surrogate for the right reasons.

You may think that surrogate compensation is a big reason why to become a surrogate in Pennsylvania. While this compensation can be helpful to gestational carriers and their families, it should not be the main reason why a woman embarks on this journey. Any woman who is thinking of being a surrogate for purely financial reasons will be disqualified from the journey. Only women who have altruistic motives for carrying a child for someone else will be fully prepared for the challenges and sacrifices this process involves.

Instead, if you are thinking of being a surrogate, it should come from an intrinsic desire. You probably like being pregnant, and you have a beautiful, selfless desire to help someone else become a family, regardless of the sacrifices you may have to make to help them. Know that, as part of your surrogacy screening, you will speak at length with a mental health professional about your motivations for surrogacy to ensure you are making the right choice for you and your family.

Whatever your situation, if you are asking, “Should I become a surrogate in Pennsylvania?” we encourage you to reach out to our surrogacy professionals today. They can answer any questions you have and provide the information you need to decide whether this path is the right one for you.