At Delivering Hope Surrogacy, we believe the screening process should feel supportive, personal, and transparent from the very beginning. Becoming a surrogate is a huge decision, and we never want women to feel like they are simply filling out paperwork or trying to “pass” a process. This is a life-changing journey, and the way someone is cared for during the very first steps matters.
When women first reach out to us, many are excited, but also nervous. Some have been quietly researching surrogacy for months. Others have questions they feel embarrassed to ask. Some are worried they will not qualify. Some are trying to figure out whether surrogacy is something they could realistically balance with work, motherhood, and everyday life.
That is why we try very hard to make the screening process feel approachable and human.
What To Expect To Start The Surrogate Journey
When you first connect with Delivering Hope, your intake call will usually be with me, Holly, the Surrogate Director here. During that first conversation, we talked through the entire process together. We discuss qualifications, timelines, compensation, support systems, medical requirements, and what surrogacy actually looks like in real life, not just the polished version people see online.
One of my favorite parts of this role is getting to know our surrogates as actual people. We talk about families, work schedules, childcare, personalities, fears, motivations, and what drew them to surrogacy in the first place. No two women come into this process for the exact same reason, and we never want anyone to feel like “just another profile.”
That relationship and connection do not disappear after screening, either. Even once a surrogate is matched and officially assigned a case manager, I remain behind the scenes throughout the journey, supporting both the surrogate and the team. One thing we hear often from our surrogates is that they appreciate how connected and involved our staff is from beginning to end.
After the intake call, the next step is completing our full application. This helps us gather more detailed information about medical history, pregnancy experiences, lifestyle, support systems, and preferences for a future match.
Following The Surrogate Application Being Submitted
Once the application is submitted, I send over a Release of Information form so we can begin requesting medical records. Medical records are one of the most important pieces of the screening process because they help determine whether surrogacy is medically safe for the surrogate and a future pregnancy. We review previous pregnancies, deliveries, complications, recovery, and overall reproductive health very carefully.
This is also usually the part of the process where patience becomes important. Medical records can sometimes take a while to come in, especially depending on the hospital or provider’s office. We know waiting can be frustrating, so we try to stay in regular communication throughout this stage to ensure no one feels forgotten or unsure about where things stand.
While we wait for records, we continue moving through the rest of the screening process together.
One important piece is references. We ask for three references from people who know the surrogate well and would realistically be part of her support system if complications or bed rest ever occurred during pregnancy. Surrogacy is not something women should go through alone, and having a strong support system matters tremendously.
We also review health insurance during this time. Insurance can be one of the more confusing parts of surrogacy, and many women are surprised to learn that some plans include surrogacy exclusions. We help review policies and explain options if changes or additional coverage are needed. Our goal is always to make sure surrogates fully understand things up front, rather than running into stressful surprises later.
The Virtual Home Visit
This is something women are often nervous about initially, but it usually ends up being one of the easiest and most relaxed parts of the process. We are absolutely not looking for a “perfect” home or expecting spotless houses and Pinterest-worthy kitchens. Most of us are moms ourselves — we understand real life.
The purpose of the home visit is simply to make sure the surrogate has a safe, stable environment to go through pregnancy and recovery. During this visit, we also spent more time getting to know the surrogate and her family in a more casual setting. We also complete an at-home drug test during this step.
This stage is also where we begin working on the surrogate’s profile and compensation package. We review compensation together carefully to ensure it feels supportive and appropriate for her specific situation and needs. Every surrogate is different, and we want women to feel comfortable asking questions and advocating for what is important to them.
At this point, we also collect items such as copies of driver’s licenses, proof of auto insurance, and photos that will eventually help create the surrogate’s profile for the intended parents to view.
Another important step is obtaining OB clearance. Surrogates will need to schedule an appointment with their OB provider to confirm they are medically appropriate for another pregnancy. This sign-off helps ensure that the surrogate’s own physician feels comfortable with her moving forward with surrogacy. If a Pap smear has not been completed recently, that may need to be updated as well.
Finally, we conduct background checks on all adults over 18 living in the home. Safety is incredibly important in surrogacy — for surrogates, intended parents, and ultimately the baby involved in the journey. While background checks may feel formal, they are simply one of the many ways we help create a safe and secure process for everyone involved.
One thing we believe strongly in at Delivering Hope is communication.
Screening can sometimes feel like a waiting game, especially when records, appointments, or outside offices are involved. We never want surrogates sitting at home, wondering if anyone remembers them or questioning what comes next. I check in with our surrogates at least weekly, and often much more frequently, to provide updates, answer questions, and walk through next steps together.
Sometimes that communication is about paperwork or timelines. Other times it is simply reassuring someone who is nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or second-guessing themselves a little. All of those feelings are normal.
The full screening process typically takes 30–60 days, though timelines may vary depending on how quickly records are received and how quickly appointments can be scheduled. Some women move through very quickly, while others may need a little more time. We never want women to feel rushed through such an important decision.
At the end of the day, screening is about much more than checking boxes or meeting requirements.
It is about making sure women feel educated, emotionally prepared, medically safe, and genuinely supported before beginning a surrogacy journey. It is also about building trust and relationships from the very beginning, because those relationships matter deeply throughout the process.
Surrogacy is an incredible thing, but it is also a major commitment that deserves honesty, communication, and care every step of the way. We truly want our surrogates to feel seen, valued, and supported here — not only for what they are doing for intended parents, but for who they are as people.
That has always been the heart behind how we approach screening at Delivering Hope, and it always will be.
Written by Holly Lundberg, Surrogate Director