Do Intended Parents Undergo Psychological Screening?

The journey to parenthood through surrogacy is deeply personal, often emotional, and always complex. One key question that intended parents frequently ask is: Do intended parents undergo psychological screening? The short answer is yes—though the extent and nature of this screening can vary depending on the clinic, agency, and legal requirements of the state.

In this article, we’ll dive into the why and how of psychological evaluations for intended parents, what it takes to qualify, and how surrogates can have a say in who they match with. We’ll also explore whether intended parents can be rejected, what to expect during the screening process, and how to prepare for it.

Are There Requirements to Be an Intended Parent?
Yes, there are—and they go beyond simply having the desire to start or grow a family.

While surrogacy laws vary from state to state in the U.S., most agencies and fertility clinics establish baseline qualifications to ensure the safety, emotional readiness, and legal clarity of everyone involved. Common requirements for intended parents may include:

• Being of legal age (typically 21+)
• Demonstrating stable mental and emotional health
• Having a clean criminal background
• Possessing financial stability to support the surrogacy process
• Passing medical evaluations (especially in cases of gestational surrogacy)

Some clinics and agencies may also assess marital status, sexual orientation, or citizenship—though reputable programs prioritize inclusivity wherever the law allows.

Importantly, emotional readiness is a big piece of the puzzle. Surrogacy isn’t a shortcut to parenting; it’s a complex, layered process that requires maturity, patience, and trust.

Is It Possible to Get Rejected to Be an Intended Parent?

Yes, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Rejection can sound harsh, but in the world of surrogacy, it’s more about alignment and preparedness than judgment. A potential intended parent may be “rejected” or asked to delay their journey for a variety of reasons:

• Untreated mental health issues (e.g., severe anxiety, unresolved trauma, depression)
• Financial instability
• Unrealistic expectations about the surrogacy process
• Inability to commit to open and respectful communication

Clinics and mental health professionals are not there to shame or shut doors—they’re gatekeepers of a safe, ethical process. If concerns are flagged, it’s often an invitation to pause, reflect, and do the work before stepping into a legally and emotionally demanding journey.

Do Intended Parents Complete Formal Psychological Evaluations?

Yes—most reputable clinics and agencies require a formal psychological evaluation for intended parents, and it’s a standard best practice in the industry.

This isn’t a pass/fail test, and it’s not designed to dig into every corner of your past. The purpose is to ensure that you:

• Understand the emotional realities of surrogacy
• Are prepared to support your surrogate ethically and respectfully
• Have processed any grief related to infertility or medical conditions
• Are aligned with your partner (if applicable) about expectations and roles

Evaluations are usually conducted by a licensed mental health professional, often a clinical psychologist or therapist experienced in third-party reproduction.

Here’s what that process might include:

• A clinical interview (sometimes in-person, sometimes virtual)
• Standardized psychological assessments (e.g., MMPI-2 or PAI)
• Discussions about parenting goals, motivations, and support systems
• Education about the surrogate’s role and emotional needs

It’s typically a one-time appointment, though some clinics may request follow-ups or counseling depending on the outcome.

How Can You Prepare for Screening at Your Clinic?

Being honest is your most powerful tool here.

The psychological screening isn’t something you “study for,” but preparation can make the process smoother and more meaningful. Here’s how to show up as your best self:

1. Reflect on Your Motivation
   Why are you choosing surrogacy? Are you ready to release control over pregnancy details? Have you fully accepted that someone else will carry your child? If you’ve experienced infertility, have you grieved that path?
2. Talk Openly with Your Partner
   If you’re going through this process as a couple, alignment is key. Disagreements about embryo use, contact with the surrogate, or disclosure to your future child can raise red flags during screening.
3. Gather Your Support System
   Mental health professionals may ask about who’s in your corner. Surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster—you’ll need people to lean on.
4. Be Ready for Some Discomfort
   The screening may surface sensitive topics: past mental health diagnoses, relationship issues, parenting fears. This is not to shame or disqualify—it’s to equip you for a successful experience.

You can read more about psychological screening standards in reproductive medicine through national guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Can Surrogates Establish Their Own Criteria to Match With Intended Parents?

Absolutely—and they should.

Just as intended parents undergo screening, surrogates also go through psychological evaluations and matching interviews. Many surrogates choose to work only with intended parents who:

• Share similar values or religious beliefs
• Are open to ongoing communication post-birth
• Support the surrogate emotionally during pregnancy
• Live in a specific region or state

Most agencies allow both parties to set preferences, which are carefully considered during the match process. It’s not speed dating—it’s more like crafting a partnership. The goal is mutual trust, shared vision, and emotional safety for everyone involved.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emphasizes the importance of mental wellness and ethical alignment in any third-party reproduction process.

Additionally, guidelines from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend comprehensive emotional and psychological readiness for all parties.

And when legal implications come into play—such as who’s recognized as the legal parent—state-level rules may apply. Always check with legal professionals and refer to resources like the USA.gov directory for government services.

Conclusion

So—do intended parents undergo psychological screening? Yes, and for good reason.

The process is designed to protect everyone involved: the intended parents, the surrogate, and most importantly, the future child. Emotional preparation, honest reflection, and expert guidance all lay the foundation for a successful, respectful, and joyful surrogacy journey.

If you’re considering surrogacy as an intended parent, see the screening as an opportunity—not a hurdle. It's your chance to build emotional tools, clarify expectations, and step confidently into one of life’s most meaningful roles: parenthood.

Let your surrogacy journey begin with clarity, compassion, and a deep understanding of what it truly means to become a parent—with a little help.