Psychological assessment of gestational carrier candidates: current approaches, challenges, and future considerations

Surrogates’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: mental health, social support, and relationship with intended parents

“…Nonetheless, our findings are relevant to fertility clinics, ART practitioners, mental health professionals, and all parties involved in third-party reproduction. They use clinical parameters to identify surrogates who are more susceptible to mental health challenges but may be more reluctant to seek help, so that psychological support can be offered proactively instead of relying on their initiation until crises happen [ 4 , 14 ]. Future studies are needed to understand surrogates’ attitudes and perceived barriers to help-seeking behaviors, the reasons for some surrogates’ reluctance to see mental health practitioners and receive professional help, and how mental health services can be tailored to meet surrogates’ needs without stigmatizing them.…”

“…The fertility and prenatal care disruptions during COVID-19, its impact on personal life, infection fears, and restrictions on health facilities created an unprecedented challenge to surrogacy care, putting surrogates at higher risk of experiencing mental health symptoms. Fertility clinics should ensure adequate psychological screening of surrogate candidates and counsel them appropriately on the potential induced stress of surrogacy commitment on personal and family life for preparation [ 4 , 14 , 30 ]. ART practitioners and mental health professionals should offer proactive psychosocial support services to surrogates who are highly susceptible to mental health challenges based on certain clinical parameters, for example, a prior mental health history [ 4 ].…”

“…ASRM practice guidelines recommend the consideration of surrogates’ circumstances and family context for evaluation and preparation [ 5 ]. It is paramount that surrogates’ short-term and long-term psychological well-being is at the forefront of considerations to mitigate risks, eliminate potential harm, and minimize premature withdrawal [ 4 , 14 ]. To our knowledge, no research data exist concerning the mental health of surrogates during a global public health emergency.…”

Gestação de Substituição em Portugal: Orientações para a prática clínica

“…Tal como sugerido na literatura, todos os peritos concordaram que o acompanhamento psicológico dos intervenientes deve iniciar-se ainda antes da conceção e manter-se durante a gravidez e no pós-parto. Este acompanhamento deve estar disponível, não só para a gestante e parte beneficiária, mas igualmente para o marido e filhos da gestante (25). As publicações propõem um modelo de acompanhamento psicológico que apoie estas famílias a longo prazo, especificamente na forma como elucidar a criança acerca das suas origens e sobre o processo de conceção (26).…”

Commercial Surrogacy: An Overview

“…The optimal selection of GC candidates also includes assessment of their mental health, since this may be a very demanding process. 116 Adequate medical counseling to the surrogate candidates must be done in order to promote healthy habits both before and during pregnancy. Women must be encouraged to receive preconception immunizations, if applicable, to avoid potential teratogenic medications, to take folic acid supplements, to restrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and excessive caffeine intake.…”