Surrogacy is a selfless act that sees many families with conceiving difficulties and the LGBTQI+ community fulfil their dreams of becoming parents.
This involves a process where parents who can’t conceive or do not wish to physically carry for themselves go through an in- vitro fertilization (IVF) in order for the surrogate to carry their offspring.
The are many reasons why people decide to be surrogates. Some do it for fulfillment, knowing they are the reason people get to hold kids of their own. Some do it because of their love for pregnancy itself, while some do it for financial gain.
Often those who are interested in becoming surrogates wonder what the requirements are, Conceiving Abilities- a surrogacy and egg donation agency shares that age, mental and physical health matter.
The agency adds that previous pregnancies are also looked at when one screening a potential surrogate mother. They add that these requirements should not scare anyone off, as experts at different agencies often informs surrogate hopefuls of the step to take in order to realize their surrogate dream.
The South African egg donation agency that connects egg donors and recipients at clinics Baby2Mom shares the following requirements to become a surrogate in Mzansi:
- You have to at least have one living child.
- You should reside in South Africa – or intended the to permanently be in South Africa.
- As a surrogate, you must avail yourself for medical and psychological testing as they form part of the surrogacy screening process.
- You must take part in the process of discussion with parents to reach a surrogate agreement.
- Sign a High Court approved surrogate motherhood agreement.
- You must give away all rights and responsibilities concerning the child at birth.
- Be able to de-attach physically and emotionally from the child after carrying them.
- You must be 18 years and older but not over 50 years.
Also see: Foods to not eat during pregnancy
