Washington Surrogate Clinic Screening: What to Expect
June 12, 2025 by Frank Golden
If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in Washington, clinic screening might feel like one of the most intimidating steps ahead. That’s completely understandable! Washington surrogate clinic screening involves medical exams, evaluations, and appointments that can seem overwhelming at first. But here’s the truth: this process exists to protect you.
Clinic approval is required before any embryo transfer can take place. The fertility clinic wants to make sure your body is ready for pregnancy and that you’ll be safe and supported throughout. At Golden Surrogacy, we believe knowledge builds confidence. That’s why we’re walking you through exactly what to expect!
Table of Contents
- What Is Clinic Screening in Washington 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 Washington
- How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Surrogate Clinic Screening
- Moving Forward After Clinic Approval
What Is Clinic Screening in Washington Surrogacy?
Fertility clinics play a central role in every surrogacy journey. They’re responsible for the medical side of things, including embryo transfers and monitoring early pregnancy. Before any of that can happen, the clinic needs to evaluate and approve you as a Surrogate.
This is different from agency screening! Agency screening happens first and covers your general qualifications, background, and readiness. Once you pass agency screening and match with Intended Parents, you’ll move on to clinic screening.
Clinic screening is more focused on your medical and reproductive health. The fertility clinic wants to confirm that your body is ready to carry a pregnancy safely. This step must be completed before any embryo transfer can be scheduled.
If you haven’t reviewed the basic qualifications yet, check out our Washington Surrogate Requirements blog to see if you meet the initial criteria!
Medical History Review and Health Evaluation
One of the first things the clinic will do is review your medical history. This includes your prior pregnancies and deliveries. Clinics look for healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy histories because this indicates your body handles pregnancy well.
Your general medical records will also be collected. The clinic wants to understand your overall health picture. This isn’t about finding reasons to disqualify you. It’s about making sure pregnancy will be safe for you!
Your OB/GYN will typically provide a form confirming you’re medically approved for a Surrogate pregnancy. If there were any complications in past pregnancies, those will be discussed and evaluated.
This review protects you. Pregnancy puts demands on your body, and the clinic wants to ensure you’re starting from a strong, healthy place. It’s all about your wellbeing!
Diagnostic Testing and Medical Exams
After the history review, you’ll undergo diagnostic testing at the fertility clinic. This usually requires an in-person visit, often an overnight trip with all expenses covered by the Intended Parents.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
Blood work and laboratory testing checks for infectious diseases, STDs, blood type, and general health markers. This is standard and ensures a safe pregnancy environment.
Ultrasounds and imaging allow the clinic to view your reproductive organs. They’ll check that everything looks healthy and ready to support a pregnancy.
Uterine evaluations help the clinic assess your uterus specifically. These tests confirm your uterus can support embryo implantation and a healthy pregnancy.
A drug screening is also included. These tests are straightforward and designed to ensure the safest possible conditions for pregnancy.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), thorough medical screening is considered a best practice in assisted reproduction. It protects everyone involved!
Psychological Screening at the Clinic Level
Beyond physical health, clinics also evaluate emotional readiness. You’ll typically complete a video consultation with a licensed mental health professional. This conversation usually lasts about two to two and a half hours.
The psychologist will discuss your support system, your motivations for becoming a Surrogate, and how you handle stress. They want to make sure you feel prepared for this journey emotionally.
Communication is a big part of surrogacy. The screening may touch on your expectations around contact with Intended Parents and how you’ll navigate boundaries. This isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s about ensuring you’re set up for success!
You may also complete psychological testing, such as the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). A licensed psychologist interprets the results. This helps identify any areas where extra support might be helpful.
This step supports a healthy, positive experience for you. Surrogacy is rewarding, but it’s also a significant commitment. The clinic wants to make sure you feel confident and supported!
Why Fertility Clinics Take Screening Seriously
You might wonder why clinics are so thorough. The answer is simple: they care about your safety!
Fertility clinics have a medical and ethical responsibility to protect Surrogates. They follow national best practices established by organizations like ASRM. Screening helps reduce risks and ensures the best possible outcomes.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of maternal health in all pregnancies. For gestational surrogacy, careful screening helps identify any potential concerns before pregnancy begins.
This careful approach aligns with Golden Surrogacy’s ethics-driven standards. Founder Frank Golden leads our team with the belief that every Surrogate deserves to be treated like family. Clinic screening is one more layer of protection for you!
Common Reasons Clinics May Request Additional Review
Sometimes a clinic will request additional review or follow-up testing. If this happens, don’t panic! It’s more common than you might think.
Here are some reasons a clinic might need more information:
- Clarification of medical records – Sometimes records are incomplete or unclear. The clinic may simply need more details.
- Follow-up testing – A test result might need to be repeated or expanded upon.
- Timing or documentation issues – Paperwork delays happen! This doesn’t reflect on you.
Additional review does not mean you’ve failed. It just means the clinic is being thorough. Our team will help you navigate any follow-up requests smoothly.
For more details on how timing works throughout the journey, take a look at our Washington Surrogacy Timeline blog!
How Long Clinic Screening Takes in Washington
So how long does Washington surrogate clinic screening actually take? The answer varies, but most Surrogates complete this phase within four to eight weeks or sooner.
Several factors can affect the timeline:
- Clinic schedules – Fertility clinics are busy! Appointment availability plays a role.
- In-person screening must align with menstrual cycle timing – Certain tests need to happen at specific points in your cycle.
- Record gathering – How quickly medical records are obtained can speed things up or slow things down.
- Follow-up needs – If additional testing is required, that adds time.
Patience during this phase is important. The clinic is being careful because they want to set you up for the best possible experience. Rushing isn’t the goal. Your safety is!
Once clinic screening is complete, the legal process begins only after medical clearance. You’re making real progress!
How Golden Surrogacy Supports Surrogates Through Clinic Screening
At Golden Surrogacy, we don’t leave you to figure this out alone. Our dedicated Care Team supports Surrogates throughout every step!
Here’s how we help during clinic screening:
Preparation before appointments – We’ll make sure you know what to expect and feel ready for each visit.
Coordination of medical records and scheduling – Our team handles the logistics so you don’t have to chase down paperwork.
Communication with fertility clinics – We stay in touch with the clinic and keep you updated.
Emotional support and Surrogate advocacy – Our Agency Director is available via phone, text, and email. You always have someone in your corner!
We believe in transparency and education. The more you understand about the process, the more confident you’ll feel. That’s why resources like our Washington Surrogacy Laws blog and Washington Surrogate Compensation blog exist. Knowledge is power!
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Surrogate Clinic Screening
Do all Surrogates have to pass clinic screening?
Yes! Every Surrogate must be approved by the fertility clinic before an embryo transfer can occur. This is a standard requirement in gestational surrogacy.
What happens if a clinic requests more testing?
Additional testing is common and nothing to worry about. The clinic may simply need more information. Your Care Team will guide you through any follow-up steps.
Can clinic screening delay the surrogacy timeline?
It can, depending on factors like appointment availability and test results. However, this phase is essential for your safety and the success of the journey.
Can a Surrogate decide not to proceed?
Absolutely. At any point, you have the right to step back if surrogacy no longer feels right for you. We support informed decision-making, not pressure.
Moving Forward After Clinic Approval
Once the fertility clinic approves you, that’s a big milestone! It means your body is ready and you’ve been cleared to move forward with the embryo transfer process.
Clinic approval also opens the door to the legal phase. During the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence. Each step brings you closer to helping create a family!
If you’re curious about whether surrogacy might be right for you, we encourage you to keep learning. Visit our Become a Surrogate page to explore the journey at your own pace.
There’s no rush. When you feel informed, supported, and ready, we’ll be here. Golden Surrogacy is proud to walk alongside Washington Surrogates every step of the way!
