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Why Rigorous Surrogate
Pre-Screening Matters
Your choice of surrogate is the cornerstone of a safe, positive surrogacy journey—for both your family and your future child. At Giving Tree, we accept only 1–2% of applicants, continually refreshing our pool of ready-to-match surrogates to ensure you have access to the very best candidates. Every step below confirms our surrogates are not just compassionate and committed—but also medically and emotionally equipped for the path ahead.
Our Comprehensive, Multi-Tiered Pre-Screening Process
1. Application Review​
Each candidates begin by completing an application and a detailed questionnaire covering medical history, support system, and motivations. We carefully review these materials to identify those with uncomplicated obstetric histories and strong personal support. This is a document-based filter that helps us determine on-paper eligibility before any live conversation.
2. Evaluation Consultation (via Zoom)
Next, candidates take part in a 1–2 hour video consultation with one of our experienced Surrogate Consultants. During this conversation, we explore their background, pregnancy history, and motivations in greater depth, ask follow-up questions about their application and questionnaire, and assess emotional readiness and alignment with intended parents’ values. Many candidates who appear qualified on paper may be ruled out at this stage.
3. Criminal Background Check
Together with any cohabiting partner, the candidate undergoes national, county, and federal background checks. This step helps us confirm a safe and stable home environment.
4. IVF Nurse Medical Records Review​
Before we create a profile to share with intended parents, our IVF nurses review pregnancy and delivery records. By doing this early, we can identify potential red flags, reduce the risk of late-stage disqualification, and support a smoother path to medical clearance at the IVF clinic. Since only an IVF clinic can grant final clearance, this step provides an expert pre-screening perspective rather than a final approval. Unlike many agencies that wait until after a match, we invest in this review upfront to protect both our candidates and intended parents.
5. External Health Insurance Review
An independent reviewer evaluates the candidate’s health insurance policy to determine whether the plan may cover prenatal care, delivery, and potential complications. This review is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee coverage.​
6. OBGYN Clearance
The candidate’s personal OBGYN provides written clearance confirming reproductive health and readiness to pursue pregnancy. This statement supports our pre-screening process but does not replace the IVF clinic’s final medical decision.
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7. Virtual Home Visits
Through a virtual home tour, we confirm that the surrogate’s living environment is safe, stable, and supportive during pregnancy.​
8. Psychological Evaluation & Clearance
Candidates meet with licensed mental health professionals for a formal evaluation. These assessments help confirm emotional resilience, coping skills, and preparedness for the surrogacy journey.
Final Onboarding & Match Readiness
Once all pre-screening steps are complete, we welcome the candidate into our Match Pool. At this stage, intended parents receive a thoroughly reviewed, pre-approved surrogate profile (supporting documents are not shared at this point).
Additional Screening
​9. Drug Screening by Independent National Lab
Before beginning any IVF procedures, candidates complete an off-site drug pre-screening with an independent national laboratory. This early check supports health, safety, and readiness.
