Hi Intended Parents,
Congratulations on beginning your journey to parenthood! Certainly allow your agency to screen any candidates you find on your own. It is important to have someone who meets your needs and expectations and you need to meet hers as well. I have been a gestational surrogate twice and both times my IPs lived in other states and I couldn't have asked for more as far as our realtionships! Is there a particular reason you want an Ohio surrogate? Are you aware of the surrogacy laws in Ohio for the type of embryo you will be using (donor egg/ sperm, donor embryo, genetic embryo?) Of course location plays an important role, but there are so many other issues to consider as well like their views on termination and selective reduction, number of embryos to transfer, allowing IPs in the delivery room, personalities, and many more issues. I can tell you from experience the match is everything. I can't stress it enough! Talk to your agency about a custom match and see if they can find someone just for you and your needs if they aren't already doing so. You should be able to choose whether your surrogate is single or married, has insurance to cover surrogate pregnancy, you should know her complete background, etc. And if you find someone on your own do not spend any money until you have run a background check on her and her spouse or partner, but your agency can do that for you. You would be surprised what can show up that has not been disclosed. I am not talking about a quick instant results online check; you need a reputable company with a lot of experience.
Being in Ohio (my office) we have many experienced carriers we match left and right, matter of fact we matched 2 Ohio surrogates last week alone (!) Ohio is a popular state I am sure you will find someone without a problem! Consider opening your states up and match according to needs and expectations of all parties and "hot- make it or break it" topics unless Ohio is your make it or break it issue. Your ideal match is out there just waiting to find her ideal IPs! Your match will happen and it will be GREAT!!! Just remember the match is everything, don't settle just because someone is in Ohio.
I wish you the absolute best and hopefully at this time next year you will be holding your little miracle!
Warm Regards,
Dana
