Clinic screening can feel like one of the most intimidating steps in your surrogacy journey! But here’s the truth: New Jersey surrogate clinic screening exists to protect you, ensure your safety, and confirm that carrying a pregnancy is the right choice for your body and health.

If you’re a woman in New Jersey considering gestational surrogacy, understanding what happens during clinic screening can ease your nerves and help you feel prepared. The fertility clinic will conduct a series of medical tests, psychological evaluations, and record reviews before approving you for embryo transfer.

Under New Jersey law, your gestational carrier agreement must be finalized before any medical procedures begin. This means the legal phase and clinic approval work together to protect your rights and your health!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the New Jersey surrogate clinic screening process so you know exactly what to expect.

Table of Contents

• What Is Clinic Screening in New Jersey Surrogacy?
• Medical History Review and Health Evaluation
• Diagnostic Testing and Physical Exams
• Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level
• How Clinic Screening Fits Into New Jersey Law
• Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review
• How Long Clinic Screening Takes in New Jersey
• How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
• Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Surrogate Clinic Screening
• Moving Forward After Clinic Approval

What Is Clinic Screening in New Jersey Surrogacy?

Clinic screening is the medical evaluation process conducted by the fertility clinic chosen by the Intended Parents. This step happens after you’ve completed Golden Surrogacy’s Surrogate Intake Process, initial agency-level screening, and after you’ve been matched with Intended Parents.

Here’s why it matters: the fertility clinic needs to confirm that your body is ready to carry a healthy pregnancy and that embryo transfer will be safe for you!

Agency Screening vs. Clinic Screening

Golden Surrogacy conducts a thorough pre-screening process that includes collecting your medical records, reviewing your pregnancy history, performing background checks, and conducting psychological assessments. This agency-level screening helps us determine if you’re a strong candidate for surrogacy.

Once you’re matched with Intended Parents, the fertility clinic performs its own independent evaluation. The clinic’s doctors want to see your medical records firsthand and conduct their own tests!

This dual-layer approach protects you. Both the agency and the clinic are working to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.

Why Clinic Approval Is Required Before Embryo Transfer

New Jersey’s Gestational Carrier Agreement Act requires that all legal contracts be finalized before embryo transfer takes place. But beyond the legal requirement, clinic approval ensures your health and safety come first!

The clinic’s reproductive endocrinologist will evaluate whether your uterus is healthy, your hormone levels are appropriate, and your overall health supports a safe pregnancy. Without clinic approval, embryo transfer cannot proceed.

Think of it this way: the clinic is your medical advocate! They’re making sure everything is in place for a successful and healthy journey.

Medical History Review and Health Evaluation

Your medical history is the foundation of your clinic screening. The fertility clinic will request detailed records from your previous pregnancies, deliveries, and overall health!

Review of Prior Pregnancies and Deliveries

The clinic needs to understand your pregnancy history. How many times have you been pregnant? How many children have you delivered? Were your pregnancies and deliveries uncomplicated?

If you’ve had previous C-sections, the clinic will review how many you’ve had and assess your uterine health. Most clinics prefer that Surrogates have no more than three prior C-sections to minimize risk during pregnancy!

If you’ve experienced miscarriages or pregnancy complications in the past, the clinic will review those circumstances carefully. This isn’t about disqualifying you! It’s about ensuring your body is ready for another pregnancy.

General Medical History

Your overall health matters too! The clinic will review:

• Chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues
• Medications you’re currently taking
• Any surgeries or hospitalizations
• Allergies or adverse reactions to medications

The clinic wants to see that your health is stable and that any existing conditions are well-managed. This review protects you from unnecessary health risks!

Importance of Uncomplicated Pregnancy History

Most fertility clinics prefer that Surrogates have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. This means you carried your own children to term without major complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes (unless well-controlled), preterm labor, or severe postpartum issues.

Why does this matter? Because your past pregnancy history is the best predictor of how your body will respond to a surrogate pregnancy!

If you’ve delivered healthy babies with minimal complications, the clinic can feel confident that your body is capable of carrying another pregnancy safely.

How This Protects Your Health

The medical history review isn’t just a formality. It’s a critical step that ensures carrying a pregnancy won’t put your health at risk!

If the clinic identifies any concerns, they may request additional testing or consultations with specialists. This level of care ensures that every decision is made with your well-being in mind.

Diagnostic Testing and Physical Exams

Once the clinic has reviewed your medical records, it’s time for diagnostic testing and physical exams. These tests give the clinic a clear picture of your current health and reproductive readiness!

Blood Work and Infectious Disease Screening

You’ll have blood drawn to test for:

• Infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis
• Immunity to vaccinated illnesses like rubella and varicella
• Blood type and Rh factor
• Hormone levels

These tests protect both you and the Intended Parents. The clinic needs to confirm that you’re healthy and that there are no underlying infections that could affect pregnancy!

Most Surrogates pass these tests with no issues. If any results come back abnormal, the clinic will discuss next steps with you.

Ultrasounds and Uterine Evaluation

An internal pelvic ultrasound is a key part of your clinic screening! This ultrasound allows the reproductive endocrinologist to examine your uterus and ovaries closely.

The doctor will look for:

• Uterine shape and size
• Uterine lining thickness
• Presence of fibroids, polyps, or cysts
• Ovarian health

This ultrasound must be timed with your menstrual cycle to get the most accurate results. Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will help you coordinate the timing!

If the ultrasound reveals any abnormalities, the clinic may request additional imaging or procedures like a saline sonogram or hysteroscopy. These follow-up tests help the doctor see your uterus more clearly.

Hormone Testing

Hormone levels play a big role in pregnancy success! The clinic will test your estrogen, progesterone, and other reproductive hormones to ensure your body is ready for embryo transfer.

If your hormone levels need adjustment, the clinic may recommend medications to optimize your uterine lining before transfer. This is a routine part of the process!

Why These Tests Ensure Safe Embryo Transfer

Diagnostic testing gives the clinic confidence that your body is ready to carry a pregnancy. The goal is to minimize risk and maximize the chances of a healthy pregnancy!

These tests also protect you. If the clinic identifies any health concerns, they can address them before embryo transfer takes place. Your safety is always the top priority.

Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level

In addition to medical testing, the fertility clinic will conduct a psychological evaluation to assess your emotional readiness for surrogacy!

Purpose of Clinic-Based Psychological Evaluation

You’ve already completed a psychological assessment during your agency screening with Golden Surrogacy. So why does the clinic conduct another evaluation?

The clinic wants to confirm that you understand the surrogacy process, that you’re emotionally prepared for the journey, and that you have a strong support system in place. This evaluation protects your mental health and well-being!

Emotional Readiness

The clinic’s psychologist or counselor will ask about your motivations for becoming a Surrogate, your expectations for the journey, and how you plan to cope with the emotional aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.

They’ll also discuss your relationship with the Intended Parents and your understanding of your role as a gestational carrier. This conversation ensures you feel confident and supported!

Communication Expectations

Effective communication between you and the Intended Parents is essential for a positive surrogacy experience. The clinic’s psychological screening will explore how you plan to communicate throughout the pregnancy!

You’ll discuss boundaries, expectations, and how you’ll handle any challenges that arise. The goal is to ensure everyone is on the same page before moving forward.

Why Mental Health Review Protects You

Surrogacy is an emotional journey, and the clinic wants to make sure you’re prepared for the highs and lows! The psychological screening ensures you have the emotional resilience and support system you need to navigate the process.

If the psychologist identifies any concerns, they may recommend counseling or additional support before approving you for embryo transfer. This level of care ensures your mental health is protected throughout the journey.

How Clinic Screening Fits Into New Jersey Law

New Jersey has strong legal protections for Surrogates, and clinic screening is an important part of the legal process!

Gestational Carrier Agreement Must Be Finalized Before Transfer

Under the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act, your legal contract must be fully executed before embryo transfer can take place. This law protects your rights and ensures you’re compensated fairly!

Your clinic screening and legal contract work hand in hand. The clinic won’t proceed with embryo transfer until they know the legal agreements are finalized.

Clinic Approval Precedes Embryo Transfer

Even if your legal contract is signed, the clinic must approve you medically and psychologically before embryo transfer can happen. This two-step process ensures everything is in order!

Your attorney and the clinic’s medical team will coordinate to make sure all requirements are met before scheduling your transfer date.

Pre-Birth Order Process Occurs Later in Pregnancy

Once you’re pregnant, the legal team will begin the pre-birth order process. This legal document establishes the Intended Parents as the legal parents before the baby is born!

New Jersey law allows for pre-birth orders, which streamline the legal process and ensure the Intended Parents’ names appear on the birth certificate. This process typically occurs during your second trimester.

Why Coordination Between Medical and Legal Teams Is Essential

Clinic screening and legal preparation must happen simultaneously to comply with New Jersey law! Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will coordinate between the clinic, your attorney, and the Intended Parents’ attorney to ensure everything stays on track.

This level of coordination protects your rights and ensures the entire process runs smoothly.

Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review

Sometimes, the clinic may request additional testing or clarification before approving you for embryo transfer. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean you’re disqualified!

Clarification of Medical Records

If your medical records are incomplete or unclear, the clinic may reach out to your previous doctors for more information. This can delay the screening process slightly, but it’s a necessary step!

Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will help gather any missing records and ensure the clinic has everything they need.

Follow-Up Testing

If initial test results are borderline or inconclusive, the clinic may request follow-up testing. For example, if a uterine ultrasound shows a small fibroid, the clinic may order a saline sonogram for a closer look!

Follow-up testing gives the clinic more information to make an informed decision about your approval.

Minor Documentation Issues

Sometimes, documentation issues arise. Maybe your PAP smear is slightly out of date, or your OB clearance form needs updated information. These are easy fixes!

Your Golden Surrogacy team will work with you to resolve any documentation issues quickly so your screening can move forward.

Additional Review Is Common and Not a Rejection

If the clinic requests additional review, don’t panic! This is a normal part of the process. The clinic is simply being thorough to ensure your safety and the success of the pregnancy.

Most Surrogates who go through additional review are ultimately approved for embryo transfer. The clinic’s goal is to gather all the information they need to make the best decision for you!

How Long Clinic Screening Takes in New Jersey

One of the most common questions Surrogates ask is: “How long does clinic screening take?” The answer varies, but understanding the typical timeline can help you plan!

Typical Screening Timelines

Most clinic screenings take 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. However, this timeline depends on several factors, including:

• How quickly medical records are retrieved
• The clinic’s scheduling availability
• Testing windows that must align with your menstrual cycle
• Any follow-up testing or evaluations needed

Some Surrogates move through clinic screening quickly, while others experience delays. Every journey is unique!

Factors Affecting Timing

Several factors can affect how long your clinic screening takes:

• Record retrieval: If your previous OB office is slow to release records, this can delay the process.
• Clinic scheduling: Fertility clinics are busy! Scheduling your initial consultation and testing appointments may take a few weeks.
• Menstrual cycle timing: Your pelvic ultrasound must be performed during a specific phase of your cycle, which means you may need to wait for the right timing.
• Follow-up testing: If the clinic requests additional tests, this adds time to the screening process.

Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will keep you updated throughout the process and help minimize delays wherever possible!

Why Patience During This Phase Is Important

Waiting for clinic approval can feel frustrating, especially if you’re excited to move forward! But remember, the clinic is being thorough to protect your health and ensure the best outcome.

Use this time to stay connected with your Intended Parents, ask questions, and prepare for the next steps. Your patience during this phase will pay off!

How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening

At Golden Surrogacy, we don’t just connect you with Intended Parents and step away! We support you every step of the way, including during clinic screening.

Preparation Before Clinic Visits

Before your clinic appointments, your Care Team will help you understand what to expect. We’ll review the types of tests you’ll undergo, answer your questions, and make sure you feel prepared!

We’ll also coordinate the scheduling of your clinic visits to align with your menstrual cycle and minimize disruptions to your daily life.

Coordination of Records and Scheduling

Gathering medical records and scheduling appointments can be overwhelming! Your Golden Surrogacy team will handle the coordination for you.

We’ll communicate with your previous doctors, the fertility clinic, and your attorney to ensure everyone has the information they need. You can focus on preparing for your journey!

Communication Between Clinic and Legal Teams

Clinic screening and legal preparation must happen simultaneously under New Jersey law. Your Golden Surrogacy team will ensure the clinic and legal teams are in constant communication!

This coordination ensures your gestational carrier agreement is finalized before embryo transfer can take place.

Emotional Support Throughout the Process

Clinic screening can feel stressful, especially if the clinic requests additional testing or clarification. Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team is here to provide emotional support and reassurance!

We’ll check in with you regularly, answer your questions, and help you navigate any challenges that arise. Founder Frank Golden and our dedicated Agency Director are available by phone, text, and email whenever you need us.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Surrogate Clinic Screening

Let’s answer some of the most common questions Surrogates ask about clinic screening in New Jersey!

Do All Surrogates Have to Pass Clinic Screening?

Yes! Clinic screening is a mandatory step for all Surrogates before embryo transfer can take place. The fertility clinic must approve you medically and psychologically before moving forward.

This requirement exists to protect your health and ensure the best outcome for everyone involved!

What Happens If a Clinic Requests More Testing?

If the clinic requests additional testing, don’t worry! This is a normal part of the process. The clinic may need more information to make an informed decision about your approval.

Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will help you schedule any follow-up tests and keep you updated on the results. Most Surrogates who undergo additional testing are ultimately approved!

Can Screening Delay Embryo Transfer?

Yes, screening can sometimes delay embryo transfer. Factors like record retrieval, follow-up testing, and scheduling availability can extend the timeline!

While delays can feel frustrating, remember that the clinic is being thorough to protect your health. Your Golden Surrogacy team will do everything possible to minimize delays and keep the process moving forward.

Can I Decide Not to Proceed After Screening?

Absolutely! If at any point during clinic screening you feel uncomfortable or decide surrogacy isn’t right for you, you have the right to withdraw!

Your well-being is the most important thing. No one will pressure you to continue if you’re not ready. Golden Surrogacy is here to support your decision, whatever it may be.

Moving Forward After Clinic Approval

Congratulations! Once the clinic approves you, you’re one step closer to embryo transfer!

What Clinic Approval Means

Clinic approval means the fertility clinic has determined that your body is ready to carry a pregnancy and that you’re emotionally prepared for the journey ahead. This is a huge milestone!

The clinic will coordinate with your Golden Surrogacy team and your attorney to finalize the next steps.

Next Steps: Legal Contracts and Embryo Transfer

If your gestational carrier agreement isn’t already finalized, your attorney will work to complete it before embryo transfer can be scheduled. Under New Jersey law, the contract must be signed before any medical procedures begin!

Once your contract is finalized and the clinic has given its approval, the clinic will schedule your embryo transfer. This is the moment you’ve been preparing for!

Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team will be with you every step of the way, from transfer day through delivery and beyond.

Encouragement to Proceed Only When Comfortable

Even after clinic approval, it’s okay to take your time and make sure you’re ready! Surrogacy is a big decision, and you should only move forward when you feel confident and supported.

Talk to your Care Team, ask questions, and trust your instincts. We’re here to guide you, not rush you!

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Ready to Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate in New Jersey?

Clinic screening is an essential part of your surrogacy journey, and understanding the process can help you feel prepared and confident! If you’re ready to explore whether becoming a Surrogate in New Jersey is right for you, Golden Surrogacy is here to support you.

We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from initial screening to embryo transfer and beyond. You’re not just a Surrogate to us. You’re family!

Learn more about New Jersey Surrogacy Laws, New Jersey Surrogate Compensation, New Jersey Surrogate Requirements, and the New Jersey Surrogacy Timeline to continue your research!

When you’re ready, explore our Become a Surrogate page to take the next step. We can’t wait to meet you!