The decision to become a surrogate is not for the faint of heart. It takes a courageous and selfless woman to want to help another person, who otherwise would never have the opportunity to experience parenthood.
When you sign up to become a surrogate, you have to undergo certain medical and psychological evaluations. In the medical evaluation, your overall health, physical health, genetic history and current medical history will all be collected and assessed. A psychological assessment is conducted to gauge how well you will be able to handle the surrogacy process. It is designed to protect the interests of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Listed Below is What You can Expect at a Surrogacy Psychological Assessment:
Components of a Psychological Assessment
The assessment consists of two parts: a clinical interview and a psychological test. After completing both, the surrogate will meet with the agency’s psychologist to discuss the results. Most women do not mind this process at all. Provided that honest answers are being given on the test and in the interview and the qualifying criteria are met, the potential surrogate candidate will be approved to continue.
If an issue is discovered during the assessment, the agency has the right to refuse a potential surrogacy candidate. This decision is not personal rather it is based on the results of the clinical interview and personality test.
Clinical Interview
After completing an application stating your intent to become a surrogate, the prospective candidate will meet with the agency’s psychologist. During the interview process, the psychologist will ask questions related to your background. Some topics of discussion include educational history, medical background, mental health and social support. If you are married or have a common law partner, he or she may also be interviewed. They will be asked similar questions.
During the interview, certain sensitive issues will come up related to the surrogacy process. You might be asked about how you feel regarding terminating a pregnancy because of health issues or complications for the baby or multiple embryo transfers. You may face topics you’ve never seen or heard of before. Some topics may cause you to rethink your decision about becoming a surrogate.
Personality Test
In the second part of the psychological assessment, you will have to complete a personality test called the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or MMPI-2. This is a research-based standardized assessment which consists of over 500 true or false questions. This test assesses various clinical conditions namely hysteria, paranoia, depression, hypochondriasis, hypomania, social introversion, schizophrenia, psych asthenia, psychopathic deviate and masculinity/femininity. The MMPI-2 is administered by a registered clinical psychologist.
What To Expect After The Psychological Assessment?
After both the interview and personality tests are complete, the psychologist will assess and review your responses. He or she will then generate a report. If approved, you will be well on your way to becoming a surrogate. The next requisite is the medical assessment.
To learn more about what to expect on a surrogacy psychological assessment, contact Rite Options.
