For those considering becoming a surrogate, there are a series of requirements for surrogacy in Alabama that you need to meet to move along with the process.
To get more information about what eligibility for surrogacy in Alabama looks like, contact our surrogacy specialists today by calling 1-800-875-2229 or fill out our online form.
Surrogacy is a physically and emotionally committed process, and we want you to be able to prepare for success in your surrogacy journey. If you are seriously considering becoming a surrogate, read on to learn more about the basic requirements and approval process.
Requirements for Surrogacy in Alabama:
There are some basic requirements when it comes to becoming a surrogate. These initial requirements can tell you whether becoming a surrogate is right for you. These requirements include:
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Between the ages of 21 – 40
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At least one successful pregnancy, but not more than five vaginal births and no more than three Caesarean births
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Currently raising a child
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No major complications from previous pregnancies
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No felony convictions
Step 1: Initial Application
If you meet the basic requirements to become a surrogate in Alabama, you can continue with the surrogate screening process. The first step is to fill out our initial application for surrogates. The application ensures you meet the requirements listed above. One of our surrogacy specialists will review your application and be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Step 2: Social and Medical History
The next step in the requirements to become a surrogate in Alabama is to obtain your social and medical history. During this stage, we will gather information about you and your family’s medical background to ensure you are medically viable as a candidate for surrogacy. Our agency will collect information and documents such as:
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Your insurance card and policy manual in a PDF
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A copy of your driver’s license
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A signed medical release for us to access your medical records from past pregnancies and deliveries
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A letter from your OB/GYN recommending you as a surrogate
We understand that this may be a daunting part of the process. However, your surrogacy specialist will be there to assist you whenever you need it.
Step 3: In-Home Assessment
The goal of the in-home assessment is to determine if your home environment is safe for the health of you and the baby. A licensed social worker will visit your home and sit down with you and each of the adults living with you. The social worker will ask questions about your motivation for surrogacy and any fears or concerns, and learn more about what your spouse or partner’s commitment to surrogacy is like.
During this time we will also conduct a background check and social media check for you and your spouse.
Step 4: Complete a Psychological Evaluation
Next, you and your spouse will take steps to emotionally prepare for the journey to ensure a more positive process. In the interviews between you, your significant other and a licensed therapist, we will include various topics, including:
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Personality testing (MMPI or the PAI)
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The “what-ifs” that could happen during the process
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How you might feel when giving the baby to their parents after delivery
While this step might feel intimidating, this is just a precautionary step to ensure everyone feels prepared to assist you in your journey through surrogacy.
How Alabama's IVF Law May Impact Your Journey
You will need to complete these screening requirements before you can move forward with the matching and medical processes, but you should be aware of what lies ahead. The Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children, which puts the parents and the IVF provider at legal risk in the case of accidental or intentional disposal of unused embryos.
This ruling may discourage couples in the state from pursuing surrogacy because of the use of IVF and may affect the availability of IVF services. It's unclear, but surrogates would most likely not be legally affected in such a situation since the embryos do not consist of your genetic material and your surrogacy contract establishes the intended parents as the legal parents.
If you're considering becoming a surrogate in Alabama, make sure you partner with an ART attorney who specializes in your state's reproductive laws. We can connect you with an attorney from our network of professionals. If you're an Alabama resident but have reservations about pursuing surrogacy in Alabama due to the current law, we can connect you with intended parents from out-of-state.
Have questions about surrogacy requirements in Alabama? Reach out to one of our surrogacy specialists to begin the process.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended as a general guide and should not be considered legal advice. For specific legal advice related to surrogacy, it is recommended to consult with an attorney specializing in reproductive law.