This is a list of basic requirements to be a surrogate. Every situation is different and requires evaluation by the whole team. The surrogate requirements will depend on the preferences of the intended parents, legal requirements that vary by state, specific requirements by clinics, and recommendations of the reproductive endocrinologist and psychologist.
Requirements to become a gestational surrogate
- Had at least one term, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, as recommended by ASRM and legally required by many states. Also, a general guideline is less than three c-sections.
- Currently raising the child that was delivered. This is a best practice that legally could vary by state and would depend heavily on recommendations from the psychologist or counselor.
- Successful psychological evaluation and counseling.
- Have the full support of her spouse or partner and support by her wider family.
- Healthy lifestyle, including no drugs or smoking and willingness to refrain from consuming alcohol during the pregnancy.
- No medications that would interfere with pregnancy, of particular note are antidepressants as some doctors recommend a surrogate having been off of them for at least 6 months prior.
- Healthy BMI. (this one fluctuates depending on medical history and preferences of doctor and IPs)
- Financially stable and not receiving any government assistance.
- Age 21 to 40ish.
Next Steps
For Intended Parents:
– Trying to find a surrogate? Join my Independent Surrogacy Matching Group on Facebook.
– Don’t know where to start? Check out my Complete Guide to Independent Surrogacy.
– Wondering how much this will cost without an agency? Grab my cost guide here.
For Surrogates:
Do you want to be a surrogate and are trying to find the perfect person or family? Join my matching group on Facebook.
