Michigan Surrogate Clinic Screening: What to Expect
July 31, 2025 by Frank Golden
If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in Michigan, the clinic screening process might feel a little overwhelming at first. That’s completely normal! Michigan surrogate clinic screening is designed with one main goal in mind: protecting your health and safety throughout the journey. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Clinic screening is a required step before any embryo transfer can happen. It’s thorough, thoughtful, and rooted in Michigan’s careful, ethics-driven approach to surrogacy. Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might feel. Let’s walk through everything together!
Table of Contents
- What Is Clinic Screening in Michigan Surrogacy?
- Medical History Review and Health Evaluation
- Diagnostic Testing and Exams
- Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level
- Why Michigan Clinics Are Especially Thorough
- Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review
- How Long Clinic Screening Takes in Michigan
- How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
- Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Surrogate Clinic Screening
- Moving Forward After Clinic Approval
What Is Clinic Screening in Michigan Surrogacy?
Clinic screening is the medical evaluation process conducted by a fertility clinic before you can move forward with an embryo transfer. It’s separate from the screening you complete with a surrogacy agency like Golden Surrogacy.
Think of it this way: agency screening confirms you meet basic eligibility requirements and are a good fit for the surrogacy journey. Clinic screening digs deeper into your medical and psychological readiness from a clinical perspective.
The fertility clinic works directly with Intended Parents. Their job is to make sure your body is healthy and ready to carry a pregnancy safely. Without clinic approval, the embryo transfer cannot proceed.
This step exists to protect you! It ensures that moving forward is safe for your body and overall well-being. Michigan clinics take this responsibility seriously, and that’s a good thing.
For more details on eligibility, check out our Michigan Surrogate Requirements blog!
Medical History Review and Health Evaluation
The first part of clinic screening involves a detailed review of your medical history. The clinic wants to understand your overall health and pregnancy background.
What They’ll Review:
- Your prior pregnancies and deliveries
- Any complications you experienced during past pregnancies
- Your general health history, including chronic conditions
- Medications you currently take
- Previous surgeries or hospitalizations
Clinics look for uncomplicated pregnancy histories because it signals your body handles pregnancy well. This isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about identifying any factors that might put you at risk.
If you’ve had healthy, straightforward pregnancies before, that’s a great sign! The clinic uses this information to ensure surrogacy is a safe choice for you.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Surrogates should have at least one prior uncomplicated childbirth. This guideline exists because it demonstrates your body can carry and deliver a baby safely.
Diagnostic Testing and Exams
After reviewing your history, the clinic will conduct various diagnostic tests. These tests give the medical team a clear picture of your current health.
Common Tests Include:
- Blood work to check hormone levels, blood type, and RH factor
- Infectious disease screening (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and others)
- Drug screening
- Pap smear
- Ultrasound to evaluate your uterus
- Uterine evaluation to assess the health of your uterine lining
These tests might sound like a lot, but they’re all standard procedures. The clinic performs them in a professional, respectful environment. You’ll know what to expect before each appointment.
The ultrasound and uterine evaluation help the clinic confirm your uterus is healthy and ready for an embryo transfer. These aren’t invasive or painful procedures. The team will explain everything step by step!
All of this testing matters because it catches potential issues early. Addressing concerns before pregnancy begins keeps you safer throughout the journey.
Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level
Clinic screening isn’t just about your physical health. It also includes a psychological evaluation. This step focuses on your emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey.
You’ll meet with a licensed mental health professional, usually through a video or phone consultation. This session typically lasts about two hours, though some clinics split it into shorter sessions.
Topics You Might Discuss:
- Your motivations for becoming a Surrogate
- Your support system at home
- How you handle stress and challenging situations
- Your understanding of the surrogacy process
- Communication preferences with Intended Parents
You may also complete psychological testing, such as the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). This helps the psychologist understand your emotional profile better.
This screening isn’t about judging you! It’s about making sure you feel prepared and supported. Surrogacy is a meaningful commitment. The clinic wants to confirm you’re entering the journey with realistic expectations and strong emotional foundations.
Why Michigan Clinics Are Especially Thorough
Michigan has a unique legal environment when it comes to surrogacy. The state’s laws create a more restrictive framework compared to some other states. Because of this, fertility clinics in Michigan tend to be especially careful and thorough during screening.
Clinics prioritize detailed documentation and cautious evaluation. They want to make sure every step of the process is handled correctly from the start.
This extra attention to detail actually benefits you as a Surrogate! Thorough screening reduces risks for everyone involved. It ensures that when you move forward, you’re doing so with confidence and clarity.
For more information on how Michigan’s laws affect surrogacy, visit our Michigan Surrogacy Laws blog. Understanding the legal landscape can help you feel more prepared!
Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review
Sometimes, a clinic may ask for more information or additional testing before giving approval. This can feel stressful, but it’s important to know: this is not a failure!
Reasons for Additional Review May Include:
- Prior pregnancy complications that need clarification
- Medical records that are incomplete or unclear
- Timing or scheduling needs related to your cycle
- Follow-up testing to confirm initial results
If the clinic requests more information, it simply means they want to be thorough. They’re doing their job to protect your health. Golden Surrogacy will help you navigate any additional requests calmly and efficiently.
Many Surrogates who receive additional review requests go on to be fully approved! It’s just part of the process for some women. Stay patient and trust the system.
How Long Clinic Screening Takes in Michigan
Clinic screening timelines can vary based on several factors. Generally, you can expect the process to take approximately two to four weeks.
Factors That Affect Duration:
- Your menstrual cycle timing (in-person screening must align with your cycle)
- How quickly medical records are gathered
- The clinic’s current scheduling availability
- Whether additional testing is needed
Patience is important at this stage! Rushing through screening doesn’t benefit anyone. The goal is to ensure everything is properly evaluated before moving forward.
For a broader look at the surrogacy timeline, check out our Michigan Surrogacy Timeline blog. It covers every stage from application to delivery!
How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
At Golden Surrogacy, we don’t just match you and walk away. Founder Frank Golden leads our team with a simple philosophy: every Surrogate is treated like family.
Our dedicated Care Team supports you throughout the entire clinic screening process. Here’s how we help:
Education Before Appointments
We make sure you understand what each appointment involves before you arrive. No surprises!
Coordination of Records and Scheduling
We help gather your medical records and coordinate scheduling with the clinic. This saves you time and stress.
Communication with Clinics
Our Agency Director stays in touch with the clinic on your behalf. You can reach us by phone, text, or email whenever you have questions.
Emotional Support and Advocacy
Clinic screening can feel overwhelming. We’re here to listen, reassure, and advocate for you every step of the way.
You deserve a team that genuinely cares about your experience. That’s what Golden Surrogacy provides!
Learn more about what makes our approach different on our Why Golden page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Surrogate Clinic Screening
Do all Surrogates have to pass clinic screening?
Yes! Clinic screening is required for every Surrogate before an embryo transfer can happen. It’s a universal standard in gestational surrogacy.
What happens if a clinic asks for more testing?
Additional testing is common and not a cause for alarm. The clinic may need more information to make a confident decision. Golden Surrogacy will guide you through any additional steps.
Can clinic screening delay the timeline?
It can, depending on scheduling and testing needs. However, delays are usually measured in days or weeks, not months. Patience during this phase leads to a smoother journey overall.
Can a Surrogate decline to proceed?
Absolutely. You always have the right to make informed decisions about your body and your journey. If something doesn’t feel right, you can pause or step back at any time.
Are travel expenses covered for clinic appointments?
Yes! Intended Parents typically cover travel expenses for clinic screening appointments, including overnight trips if needed.
Moving Forward After Clinic Approval
Once the clinic approves you, it’s a big milestone! Clinic approval means the medical team has confirmed you’re healthy, prepared, and ready for the next steps.
After approval, the legal process begins. You’ll work with an independent attorney to review and sign your surrogacy agreement. Legal work only starts after medical clearance is complete.
From there, you’ll move into the embryo transfer phase. The clinic will coordinate timing based on your cycle and medical readiness.
Clinic approval is something to celebrate! It means you’ve passed a thorough evaluation and are one step closer to helping create a family.
For details on compensation during your journey, visit our Michigan Surrogate Compensation blog.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious about becoming a Surrogate in Michigan, we’d love to help you explore your options. Clinic screening is just one part of a well-supported, carefully managed journey.
Take your time. Ask questions. Learn what feels right for you.
When you’re ready, visit our Become a Surrogate page to see the full timeline and take the next step at your own pace!
