- 1). Make sure that you meet the standard criteria to become a surrogate mother. Those considering surrogate motherhood should be in prime health, both mentally and physically. This means achieving a healthy weight, addressing alcohol or substance abuse issues and refraining from smoking. If you have a terminal illness, a sexually transmitted disease, or any other congenital disorder that may be transmitted to the child that you would be carrying, you might be disqualified from acting as a surrogate. Additionally, many surrogate agencies in Maryland require their surrogates to have previously given birth to one child and be of an age that is appropriate for carrying and giving birth to a child. Typically these ages range from 18 to 40 years of age.
- 2). Contact a reputable surrogate agency in Maryland (see Resources). Unless you are acting as a surrogate for an immediate family member or other person that you know intimately, you should work through an agency to provide surrogacy services. A service will match you with a person or couple seeking the services of a surrogate, facilitate contractual issues, provide counseling services and support groups when necessary, see that medical needs associated with the pregnancy are attended to and paid for, and ensure that you are compensated according to your surrogacy agreement.
- 3). Complete the surrogacy application procedure. This procedure entails filling out a written application with personal information about your background. Some of the questions posed by Maryland surrogacy agencies might include questions about your age, mental health, relationship status and whether you have been the victim of domestic violence, medical history, children, current living conditions or situation, whether you have or currently use tobacco products, and whether you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. After completing a written application, request that your primary physician or gynecologist send your medical records to the surrogacy agency that you have selected. If your medical history is satisfactory, an agent from the surrogacy agency will contact you to set up a meeting in your home to inspect your current living conditions.
- 4). Complete a contract with the person or couple that you are matched with by the agency. Maryland does not currently have specific laws or regulations regarding surrogacy contracts, rather, these arrangements are governed by traditional Maryland contract law principles. Your contract will include the terms of conception, how frequently you will be required to visit a doctor for checkups, the method of delivery, the amount of your compensation and whether or not you will be entitled to see, visit or receive updates regarding the child after delivery. Make sure that you understand when and how you will be compensated. It is in your best interests to request weekly or monthly payments. In the event that you are to be paid in one lump sum upon delivery, request that your payment be placed into an escrow account. If you are not satisfied with the terms of the surrogacy contract, do not sign. Once the contract is signed, you have an obligation to comply with all of the terms that you agreed to.
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