If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in Colorado, you’ve probably heard about clinic screening. And honestly? It can sound a little intimidating at first!

But here’s the thing. Colorado surrogate clinic screening isn’t designed to be a roadblock. It’s designed to protect you, your health, and your future pregnancies. It’s one of the most important steps in the surrogacy journey, and it exists to make sure everyone moves forward safely and confidently.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens during clinic screening in Colorado, why fertility clinics take it so seriously, and how Golden Surrogacy supports you every step of the way. By the end, you’ll understand the process, feel more prepared, and know what to expect when the time comes!

Table of Contents

• What Is Clinic Screening in Colorado Surrogacy?
• Medical History Review and Health Evaluation
• Diagnostic Testing and Medical Exams
• Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level
• Why Fertility Clinics Take Screening Seriously
• Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review
• How Long Clinic Screening Takes in Colorado
• How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
• Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Surrogate Clinic Screening
• Moving Forward After Clinic Approval

What Is Clinic Screening in Colorado Surrogacy?

Let’s start with the basics. Clinic screening is the in-person medical evaluation that happens at the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic after you’ve been matched.

You might be wondering, “Wait, didn’t I already go through screening with the agency?” Yes! And that’s exactly right. But there’s an important difference between agency screening and clinic screening.

Agency screening happens first. That’s when Golden Surrogacy collects your medical records, conducts background checks, schedules your home visit, arranges your psychological evaluation, and gets your OB clearance. All of that happens before you’re matched with Intended Parents.

Clinic screening happens next. After you’ve matched with Intended Parents and everyone is excited to move forward, you’ll attend an in-person appointment at their fertility clinic. This is where the clinic’s medical team conducts their own evaluation to confirm you’re medically ready for embryo transfer and pregnancy.

Think of it this way: the agency gets you ready, and the clinic gives you the final green light!

Clinic approval is required before the legal phase begins. No contracts are signed until the clinic confirms that everything looks great from a medical standpoint. This protects you, the Intended Parents, and the entire journey ahead.

Medical History Review and Health Evaluation

The first part of clinic screening is a thorough review of your medical history. The clinic will want to know about your previous pregnancies, deliveries, and overall health.

Here’s what they’re looking for:

Prior pregnancies and deliveries. Clinics want to see that you’ve had at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. This helps them understand how your body responds to pregnancy and confirms that you’re a great candidate for carrying again.

General medical history. They’ll review any past surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, or hospitalizations. This isn’t about disqualifying you. It’s about making sure they have the full picture so they can support you safely.

Current health status. Are you in good physical health? Do you have any conditions that might need extra monitoring during pregnancy? The clinic needs to know so they can plan accordingly.

Why does this matter? Because your health comes first! The clinic’s job is to make sure that carrying a pregnancy won’t put you at risk. They’re looking out for you just as much as they’re looking out for the Intended Parents and the baby.

If you’ve had straightforward, healthy pregnancies in the past, this part of the screening is usually very smooth. But even if you have questions or concerns about your medical history, the clinic will work with you to understand what’s safe and what’s not.

Diagnostic Testing and Medical Exams

Once the clinic has reviewed your history, they’ll move on to diagnostic testing. This is where things get a little more hands-on, but don’t worry. These tests are routine, and they’re all designed to confirm that your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy.

Here’s what you can expect:

Blood work and laboratory testing. The clinic will run blood tests to check for things like hormone levels, blood type, immunity to certain diseases, and overall health markers. These tests give the medical team a clear snapshot of your current health.

Ultrasounds and imaging. You’ll likely have a transvaginal ultrasound to examine your uterus and make sure everything looks healthy. This is a quick, painless procedure that provides important information about your reproductive health.

Uterine evaluations. In some cases, the clinic may perform additional evaluations to confirm that your uterine lining is thick enough and that there are no abnormalities that could affect embryo implantation. This might include a saline sonogram or other imaging techniques.

Why do clinics do all of this testing? Because they want to make sure that when the embryo is transferred, it has the best possible chance of implanting successfully. And they want to make sure that carrying the pregnancy won’t cause complications for you.

These tests aren’t invasive or dangerous. They’re standard medical procedures that help the clinic make informed, safe decisions. And if anything needs clarification or follow-up, the clinic will walk you through it step by step.

Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level

You’ve already completed a psychological evaluation with Golden Surrogacy during the agency screening phase. But some fertility clinics also conduct their own psychological screening as part of the clinic approval process.

Why the extra step? Because clinics want to make sure you’re emotionally ready for the unique challenges of surrogacy. Carrying a baby for someone else is an incredible gift, but it’s also an emotional journey. The clinic wants to confirm that you:

• Understand the surrogacy process and what it entails.
• Have realistic expectations about the pregnancy and relationship with the Intended Parents.
• Feel supported by your family and have healthy coping strategies.
• Are prepared to communicate openly and set healthy boundaries.

This isn’t a judgment. It’s a safeguard. The clinic wants to make sure you’re entering this journey with your eyes wide open and your emotional well-being protected.

The evaluation is usually conducted by a licensed mental health professional who specializes in reproductive medicine or surrogacy. They’ll ask questions about your motivations, support system, stress management, and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.

If you’ve already completed your agency psychological screening, this clinic-level evaluation is often shorter and more focused. The goal is simply to confirm that you’re ready, willing, and able to move forward with confidence!

Why Fertility Clinics Take Screening Seriously

You might be wondering, “Why is clinic screening so thorough?”

Great question! Fertility clinics take screening seriously because they have a medical and ethical responsibility to protect everyone involved in the surrogacy process. That includes you, the Intended Parents, and the baby.

Here’s why it matters:

Medical responsibility. Clinics are held to high medical standards. They want to make sure that every surrogacy journey is as safe and successful as possible. Thorough screening helps them identify any potential risks early on.

Risk reduction. By carefully evaluating your health, the clinic can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. This protects your well-being and increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

National best practices. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines for surrogate screening and medical evaluations. Fertility clinics follow these best practices to ensure ethical, safe care.

Legal and ethical alignment. In Colorado, surrogacy is legally supported, but Colorado surrogacy laws require that medical and psychological evaluations happen before any legal agreements are signed. The clinic’s approval is a key part of that process.

The bottom line? Clinic screening isn’t about making the process harder. It’s about making the process safer. And that’s something everyone can feel good about!

Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review

Sometimes, the clinic may request additional testing or clarification before giving final approval. This is completely normal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong!

Here are some common reasons why a clinic might ask for more information:

Clarification of medical records. Maybe a detail in your medical history needs more explanation. Or maybe the clinic needs updated records from your OB. This happens all the time and is easy to resolve.

Follow-up testing. If a blood test or ultrasound shows something that needs a closer look, the clinic may ask for follow-up testing. This is a precaution, not a red flag.

Timing or documentation issues. Sometimes, the clinic needs to schedule additional appointments based on your menstrual cycle or other timing factors. Or they may need specific documents that weren’t included in the initial submission.

Coordination with your OB. The clinic may want to speak directly with your OB to confirm details about your previous pregnancies or current health status.

Here’s the important thing to remember: additional review is common and doesn’t mean you’re being disqualified. It just means the clinic wants to be thorough and make sure they have all the information they need to move forward safely.

Golden Surrogacy will help coordinate any additional testing or documentation the clinic requests. You’re not navigating this alone!

How Long Clinic Screening Takes in Colorado

So, how long does clinic screening take?

The short answer: it varies. But in general, the in-person clinic appointment and any follow-up testing can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish.

Here’s what affects the timeline:

Scheduling. The clinic will need to schedule your appointment based on your menstrual cycle, which can affect timing. Some tests need to be done at specific times during your cycle.

Test results. Blood work and lab results usually come back within a few days to a week. Imaging and ultrasounds are often reviewed the same day.

Additional testing. If the clinic requests follow-up testing or clarification, that can add time to the timeline. But again, this is normal and not a cause for concern.

Clinic workload. Fertility clinics are busy places! Sometimes, scheduling and processing times depend on the clinic’s availability and workload.

Patience is key during this phase. It’s exciting to be so close to moving forward, but rushing the medical process doesn’t serve anyone. The clinic wants to be thorough, and that takes time.

If you’re curious about how clinic screening fits into the overall surrogacy timeline, check out our guide on the Colorado surrogacy timeline for a full breakdown of what to expect!

How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening

At Golden Surrogacy, we believe that Surrogates deserve support, advocacy, and clear communication every step of the way. That includes clinic screening!

Here’s how we support you:

Preparation before your appointment. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect at your clinic appointment. We’ll review the process with you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident walking in.

Coordination of medical records and scheduling. We’ll work with the clinic to make sure all of your medical records are submitted on time and that your appointment is scheduled at the right time in your cycle.

Communication with the fertility clinic. If the clinic has questions or needs additional information, we’ll act as the bridge. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening or what’s needed.

Emotional support and surrogate advocacy. We know that medical appointments can feel stressful, especially when you’re waiting for approval. We’re here to reassure you, answer your questions, and advocate for your needs throughout the process.

Guidance on next steps. Once the clinic gives approval, we’ll help you understand what comes next and how the legal phase will unfold.

You’re not just a Surrogate to us. You’re part of the Golden Surrogacy family. And we’re with you every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Surrogate Clinic Screening

Do all Surrogates have to pass clinic screening?

Yes! Clinic screening and approval are required before you can move forward with embryo transfer. This protects your health and ensures that the surrogacy journey is safe for everyone involved.

What happens if a clinic requests more testing?

If the clinic requests additional testing or clarification, Golden Surrogacy will help coordinate it. Additional testing is common and doesn’t mean you’re being disqualified. It just means the clinic wants to be thorough!

Can clinic screening delay the surrogacy timeline?

Sometimes, yes. Scheduling, test results, and follow-up appointments can add time to the timeline. But remember, the clinic is being thorough to protect you and the pregnancy. Patience during this phase is important!

Can a Surrogate decide not to proceed after clinic screening?

Absolutely. You are in control of your journey. If you decide at any point that surrogacy isn’t right for you, you have the right to step back. Your well-being and comfort come first.

Does clinic screening cost anything for the Surrogate?

No! All clinic screening costs are covered by the Intended Parents. You won’t pay for medical appointments, tests, or travel related to the clinic screening process.

For more information about financial aspects of surrogacy, check out our guide on Colorado surrogate compensation to see what Surrogates can expect!

Moving Forward After Clinic Approval

Congratulations! Once the clinic gives you final medical approval, you’re officially cleared to move forward!

So, what happens next?

The legal phase begins. With clinic approval in hand, it’s time to start the legal process. Both you and the Intended Parents will work with attorneys to draft and review the surrogacy agreement. This is where everything is formalized, including your Colorado surrogate compensation, medical coverage, and legal protections.

Preparing for embryo transfer. Once the legal agreements are signed, the clinic will schedule your embryo transfer. You’ll start medications to prepare your uterine lining, and the clinic will guide you through each step.

Excitement and confidence. Clinic approval is a huge milestone! It means you’ve been medically cleared, you’re ready to carry, and the journey ahead is full of possibility.

Remember, you didn’t get here alone. Golden Surrogacy has been with you from the beginning, and we’ll be with you through embryo transfer, pregnancy, delivery, and beyond!

If you’re ready to learn more about becoming a Surrogate in Colorado or want to see if you meet the qualifications, explore our Colorado surrogate requirements guide or visit our Become a Surrogate page to take the next step.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you!