Who Needs a Surrogacy Evaluation?

If you’re new to the surrogacy process, it’s natural to wonder exactly who needs to complete a mental health evaluation — and whether that includes you.

The Short Answer

In most surrogacy arrangements, a mental health evaluation is required for:

• Gestational surrogates — nearly universally required by agencies, clinics, and often by state law

• Intended parents — required by most agencies and increasingly by fertility clinics as part of the overall screening process

• Surrogates’ partners or spouses, in many cases — since the surrogacy journey affects the whole household, not just the surrogate herself

Requirements vary depending on your agency, your fertility clinic, and the state where the arrangement is taking place, so it’s worth confirming the specific requirements for your situation early in the process.

Why Surrogates Need an Evaluation

For a gestational surrogate, the evaluation exists to assess psychological readiness for the physical and emotional realities of carrying a pregnancy for someone else — including the process of relinquishment after birth. It also helps confirm that a surrogate has a strong support system and realistic expectations going into the arrangement, which protects her wellbeing throughout the pregnancy.

Why Intended Parents Need an Evaluation

For intended parents, the evaluation looks different. It typically explores the emotional path that led to pursuing surrogacy — which often includes grief around infertility or loss — along with expectations for the surrogacy relationship, coping resources, and readiness to navigate a nontraditional path to parenthood. This isn’t about qualifying as “worthy” of becoming a parent; it’s about making sure you’re entering the process with support and clarity.

What If You’re Unsure Whether You Need One

If you’re early in exploring surrogacy — whether as a potential surrogate or as someone considering intended parenthood — understanding what the evaluation actually involves can make the requirement feel far less intimidating. It’s designed to support you, not to create an obstacle.

Getting Started

If you know an evaluation is required for your specific situation, working with a therapist who has direct experience with surrogacy evaluations can make the process smoother and more personalized to your role in the journey.

Tálor Hawkins provides surrogacy mental health evaluations for surrogates, intended parents, and their partners. If you’re beginning this process, book a free consultation to find out what’s required for your situation.