Why We Do Extensive Background Checks And Psycho-social Counselling?
So you have made up your mind about Being Egg Donor or a Gestational Surrogate or Intended Parent….
Are you familiar with some of the Egg Donor, Surrogate Mother, and Intended Parents requirements like the background checks and psychological evaluations? They form part of the larger Egg Donor, Surrogate Mother, Intended Parent background checks that also includes the medical, health, and genetic evaluation. In third party reproduction, all parties involved must undergo psycho-social assessments and background checks as well.
But these controls shouldn’t make you fret…
As an Egg Donor or a Surrogate Mother, after making this selfless decision of helping another childless couple or individual establish a family of their own, you should understand that every check and question that follows is aimed at satisfying both your interests. You are ready to offer them their life’s desire; it is only prudent that you give them time to evaluate it. But don’t perceive this as a test of genuineness, they just want to know what they are getting into and prepare for it.
Background check
In most cases, this involves a peep into your medical and clinical history. Such checks inform the potential beneficiary of any allergies or another serious medical crisis you may have gone through that has the potent of being genetically transmitted. No one is perfect, and the Intended Parents understand that, especially because imperfection might be the primary reason they are seeking your assistance. Yet they too need to prepare for the unforeseen and ready themselves in advance.
The background check also reveals some of the serious illnesses you might have contracted along the way regardless of whether you fully recuperated.
Psych-social evaluation
This comes in handy when the egg donation is conducted on conditions of anonymity or in cases of gestational surrogacy. The psychologist or social worker, therefore, serves as the middle ground between the donor and the recipient. It is, however, important to note that the professional who assesses is there to orient you on the process you are about to endure and the impact it will have on your life. Regardless of the present motivation, the psychologist/social worker brings to your attention the fact that once the project kick-starts, there is no going back and that it will have a life-long impact in your life.
The psychologist or social worker will also estimate your mental aptitude as well as seek to explore your family history with mental health issues as well as other genetic incapacitations and talents. For instance, the evaluator might want to know about the general psychological and genetic of your family members as well as those of the immediate relatives. It is important to reinforce that all parties (Intended Parents, the evaluators, the Egg Donation and Surrogacy Consultancy, clinics) all understand that mental health issues are prevalent and just because you or your family members may have some mental health issues, it does not exclude you from becoming an Egg Donor or a Surrogate Mother! These professionals just want to be aware of your conditions and best accommodate them however minor they are.
Such information is then presented to the recipient and compared with that of the other gamete contributor. Its importance can never be overemphasized. For instance, both you and the recipient might be carriers of a genetically transmitted health disorders like the downs syndrome or have similar rhesus factors that might affect the health of the child and while the former is a lifetime condition the later may be voided through the administration of right medicine thus the need for honesty.
What can you take away from this article?
Based on the fact that no one is perfect and the understanding that the checks are for the common interest, it is imperative that you remain honest and open. Furthermore, what purpose would it serve you both if you lied only for you or the child to develop life-challenging complications later in life? Embrace the checks and psycho-social assessment as a positive experience, rather than a check-list requirement. Enjoy your Egg Donation and Surrogacy journey!