The Psychological Evaluation (And Why It Isn’t As Scary As It Sounds)

Why a Psychological Evaluation in Surrogacy?

You may be wondering why surrogates and intended parents have to complete a psychological evaluation to go through surrogacy.

The first and easiest reason is this: the psychological evaluation is required by fertility clinics before they will help you create a baby through surrogacy. Most clinics need a professionally qualified record that all parties involved in a surrogacy matter are of sound mind to participate. A doctor wants to know that before they help a surrogate become pregnant on behalf of her intended parents that she is mentally capable of making that decision. Moreover, on the legal side, attorneys want to know that everyone is of sound mind and is not being coerced in this process. One simple appointment can take care of both requirements for your medical and legal team!

Complete Care

Because the psychological evaluation is such a critical part of the entire process, the surrogacy agency will work with you to make sure you have a professional experience and that it goes as smoothly as possible. They’ll help you meet with a licensed mental health professional who is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Anyone you meet with should follow ASRM’s mental health guidelines for surrogacy, or as they say, “third party reproduction”. Don’t worry — your agency will help answer all your questions along the way.

Peace of Mind

There are a few more reasons why the psychological evaluation is important.

First, both surrogates and intended parents must complete the psychological evaluation before their match meeting. During the appointment, the psychologist will talk through the process, help you face the parts of surrogacy you might be scared of and talk through the realities of the journey. You may talk about things you hadn’t thought about like your feelings about parts of the medical process or how you might talk to your kids about surrogacy. You’ll discuss how you could talk to the intended parents about some of the tough stuff —  bonding and bodies and money. You should come away from the appointment better prepared for your journey.

On top of that, you’ll know that whoever you’re matched with has gone through the same process, had the same counsel, faced some of the same questions, and gotten all the same information that you have. When you finally meet each other, you’ll know you’re on the same page.

The psychological evaluation is a necessary part of the surrogacy timeline. It can be an intimidating step, but it doesn’t need to be!