When you’re choosing a surrogate—or considering becoming one—one of the most important questions you might ask is: Does a surrogate mother undergo drug and medical screening? The short answer is yes. At Made in the USA Surrogacy, every surrogate we work with must pass a thorough, multi-phase medical screening and psychological evaluation process designed to ensure the surrogate applicant is qualified, to protect the baby, and give peace of mind to the intended family.
We understand that trust, transparency, and medical safety are at the heart of every successful gestational surrogacy journey. That’s why our agency takes great pride in the fact that all of our surrogate mothers must pass our strict screening process before ever being presented to intended parents. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly what that screening involves, why it’s important, and how our high standards make all the difference.
Why Surrogate Screening Is Essential
Before a surrogate can be matched with intended parents and proceed with any IVF process, it’s critical to verify that she is physically healthy and emotionally prepared to carry a baby. The surrogate screening process involves not only detailed medical testing and background checks, but also mental health evaluations to assess a candidate’s overall readiness for gestational surrogate pregnancy.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we believe in giving intended parents the confidence to move forward, knowing that their surrogate has been fully vetted and approved by both our agency and the IVF clinic. Our trusted surrogacy agency prioritizes both ethical practices and safety throughout the journey.
Initial Application Screening Process
The journey to becoming a surrogate begins with a comprehensive application and early screening. We review essential eligibility criteria such as:
- Age range (typically 21–38)
- U.S. citizenship
- Healthy BMI (body mass index < 30)
- No history of drug abuse or smoking
- At least one child born and raised by the applicant
- No major pregnancy complications or complex delivery history
We also conduct a preliminary medical records review, looking at prior birth records, OB/GYN visits, and any instances of major complications in prior pregnancies. This helps us identify any red flags early in the surrogacy screening process and ensures only qualified applicants move forward.
Drug Screening for Surrogate Mothers
What’s Included in a Surrogate Drug Test?
All surrogate mothers at Made in the USA Surrogacy must undergo surrogate testing for drugs as part of our rigorous intake standards. This includes a toxicology screen that tests for substances including:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Nicotine
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Use of any of these substances, regardless of state legality, is considered disqualifying. It’s crucial to prevent risks during surrogate pregnancy and meet the standards set by our partnered reproductive medicine specialists and IVF clinics.
When and How Drug Tests Are Performed
Drug testing occurs in multiple phases during the surrogate screening. Our agency conducts an initial screen early in the application process. If the surrogate is selected by an intended parent, she will undergo a second round of drug testing as part of the surrogate medical screening process at the fertility clinic.
This secondary screening often involves blood tests and urine analysis to evaluate drug history and ensure no lingering substances could interfere with the upcoming in vitro fertilization cycle.
Partner Drug Testing (When Applicable)
Some Reproductive Endocrinologist or fertility clinics also require a surrogate’s partner to undergo drug screening, ensuring the home environment is substance-free and supportive. If a surrogate candidate or her partner test positive, than they will be deemed ineligible to proceed.
Medical Screening for Surrogates: What to Expect
Full Physical Evaluation
The medical screening process begins with a complete physical examination, typically performed by a fertility doctor or reproductive endocrinologist affiliated with the intended family’s IVF clinic. This includes evaluating overall health, vitals, weight, and OB/GYN background.
The physical examination confirms that the surrogate has a healthy BMI, no underlying health conditions, and a stable pregnancy history free from serious pregnancy complications.
Reproductive Health Assessment
Next comes an in-depth reproductive review. The surrogate’s uterus and ovaries are examined via ultrasound and often through a saline sonogram (also called a saline infusion sonogram or SIS), which helps specialists identify fibroids, scarring, or other uterine abnormalities.
This part of the surrogate medical screening also includes reviewing pap smear results, menstrual regularity, and any prior complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Laboratory Testing
Extensive lab work is a vital part of the medical testing process. This includes:
- Testing for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, STIs)
- Complete blood tests and hormone panels
- Blood type and Rh factor
- Immunity to rubella and varicella
- AMH and estradiol levels for ovarian function
These labs ensure that the surrogate is not only healthy, but capable of successfully carrying a baby during a gestational surrogate pregnancy. In some cases, additional labs may be ordered to follow up on irregular results or medical concerns.
Psychological Evaluation
Mental Health Readiness for Surrogacy
A formal psychological evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional. This ensures the surrogate is not only mentally and emotionally stable, but also fully prepared for the journey ahead. Topics discussed may include:
- Emotional expectations and boundaries
- Coping mechanisms and past trauma
- Relationship support and communication skills
- Long-term impact on mental health and mental well being
This part of the surrogacy screening process is crucial to avoid emotional distress or misunderstandings later in the journey. It also allows the surrogate to be fully informed of what’s expected and required.
Partner Psychological Screening
In many cases, the surrogate’s spouse or partner will also meet with the psychologist. Their readiness and support are essential for maintaining a nurturing environment during the surrogate pregnancy.
Made in the USA Surrogacy’s Screening Standards
What Makes Our Process Unique?
Unlike some surrogacy agencies that may rush through screening, we go above and beyond. Our dual-layer process includes:
- Agency-level drug screening for early detection
- Full review of all medical records related to the past pregnancies and deliveries.
- Honest communication and personal support from day one
Our goal is to ensure that every surrogate who proceeds with in vitro fertilization is medically and emotionally equipped to do so—leading to safer, more successful matches and journeys.
Celebrating Medical Clearance
When a surrogate officially passes all phases of the surrogate medical screening process, we celebrate it as a milestone. It means she’s met every requirement, passed every test, and is cleared to move forward with her intended family.
What Happens After Medical Clearance?
After passing the surrogate medical screening, a surrogate is ready to move forward with legal contracts. Surrogates have passed medical screening once they have:
- Completed all medical testing
- Cleared psychological evaluations
- Proven a healthy and stable pregnancy history
- Provided full medical records and background checks
From there, legal contracts are signed, and the surrogate begins medications to prepare for vitro fertilization. Embryo transfer follows, leading into a hopeful, well-supported pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Does a Surrogate Mother Undergo Drug and Medical Screening Questions
Do surrogates get drug tested?
Yes, all surrogates working with Made in the USA Surrogacy are required to undergo thorough drug testing as part of our comprehensive screening process. This includes testing for nicotine, marijuana, and other substances to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the baby. We’re proud to maintain the highest standards of care and transparency for both our surrogates and intended parents.
How are surrogate mothers screened?
Surrogate mothers at Made in the USA Surrogacy go through a detailed, multi-step screening process to ensure they’re physically, emotionally, and medically prepared for the journey. This includes a full review of medical records, psychological evaluations, drug testing, and a comprehensive medical exam performed by a fertility clinic. Our goal is to ensure every surrogate meets the highest standards for safety, health, and readiness.
What happens if a surrogate fails screening?
If a surrogate fails part of the medical screening process or is flagged for unresolved issues, she may be disqualified or deferred. In some cases, she can reapply after addressing concerns.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safe, Ethical Surrogacy from Day One
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, our commitment to thorough surrogate screening isn’t just about compliance—it’s about care. Our surrogates go through one of the most detailed medical screening processes in the industry because we know how important safety, preparation, and trust are to your journey.
Whether you’re a hopeful parent searching for a qualified surrogate, or you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate yourself, we invite you to reach out and learn more. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—ethically, compassionately, and with your future in mind.
Ready to take the next step?
Learn more about our Surrogacy Requirements, or explore what it means to Become a Surrogate.
For intended parents, check out our Surrogacy Process to understand how we support you from screening to delivery.
