Requirements to Be a Surrogate Mother: Eligibility Guide

Our surrogate requirements have changed throughout the years as laws and industry standards have changed. For instance, many considered California to be the only state where you could become a surrogate and while California is the most open state when it comes to surrogacy, we still have certain requirements or criteria to be a surrogate to uphold. Learn more about how to become a gestational surrogate or the qualifications to be a gestational surrogate with SAI now!

Our surrogate requirements or qualifications are meant to protect all parties involved and to make sure that we have successful surrogacy in all areas from pregnancy to birth. Some of the surrogate mother requirements you see below are also different from clinic to clinic which means they’re not set in stone. For example, BMI acceptance differs from clinic to clinic and if your BMI is over or under by a point it doesn’t completely rule you out. Your best option is to speak to our Program Director, Rebecca, so that you can go over all the other surrogacy requirements and she’ll be able to best advise you on your potential as a surrogate as well as how to become a surrogate with SAI.

Remember, our surrogacy guidelines or requirements for becoming a surrogate mother aren’t made to hinder your journey but instead they’re made to help you on your journey. You and your IP’s deserve the best opportunity at success possible and throughout our 21 years in surrogacy we’ve managed to accept many surrogates from many walks of life who want nothing more than to help make a difference.

Whether you’re a surrogate or an IP and are working with Surrogate Alternatives, Inc. on the East or West coast there are a number of factors or variables that can complicate surrogacy laws so it’s always important to consult with our agency Director and a reproductive attorney in the state where your surrogacy is taking place.

We’re excited that you’re interested in the process and look forward to sharing this journey with you. If you have any questions about our requirements for surrogacy, the process to become a surrogate, surrogate qualifications or our surrogate application, please feel free to contact Surrogate Alternatives. We are happy to tell you more about how to be a surrogate with SAI! How much do surrogates make? Learn more on our surrogate compensation page now!

Has given birth to and be raising that child

This is the number one requirement for becoming a surrogate with Surrogate Alternatives as well as all IVF clinics. The reason is that once a woman gives birth, it shows she is able to become pregnant and establishes fertility. The IVF clinic will also require OB records from the surrogate, so the IVF physician can review them to make sure the surrogate had an uneventful and uncomplicated pregnancy. The reason Surrogate Alternatives likes to know you are raising your child, is that it shows stability as not only a mother and but also in life.

Has a healthy lifestyle

This is very important to all parties involved. Our surrogates must live a healthy lifestyle to be given the trust to take care of someone else’s child. Intended parents basically want to make sure their surrogate mother is taking care of the pregnancy like they would if it was their own child they were carrying. We all know as mothers, that it’s important to eat healthy and exercise while we are pregnant to avoid possible complications. This also ensures that the baby has a great start to life.

Be financially stable

It’s very important to Surrogate Alternatives that our surrogate mothers are financially stable and not collecting government assistance. The reason that this matter’s to us it that we have to make sure they are becoming a surrogate for the right reasons and just not solely on the funds they will receive. Women who sign up to become surrogates understand that it takes sacrifice and time to be a surrogate mother. It’s also a great thing to receive the extra funds for your future, whether used to go back to school or save for a down payment on a first home.

Responsible lifestyle

Surrogate Alternatives feels that the two above requirements fit into this category. We feel a surrogate must live a stable lifestyle in order to qualify to become a surrogate. This means no drugs of any kind, whether it is street or prescription pills without your OB’s consent. The child is the most important part of the surrogacy process and ensuring the babies health and wellbeing is expected.

Be a non-smoker

This is a very important requirement for becoming a surrogate. Smoking during pregnancy can cause a stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight. It will also cut the oxygen off to the baby by narrowing blood vessels throughout your body, including the ones in the umbilical cord. So you see why we do not accept smokers into our program.

BMI under 32

IVF clinics have become very strict in regards to the body mass index (BMI) a surrogate mother must be, in order to become a surrogate. The reason for this is, if you are over the normal BMI you are at a greater risk of developing diabetes, which can be a risk not only to you but also, to the pregnancy.

No history of mental illness

To be a surrogate mother you have to be able to schedule appointments, remember to attend them and take the proper medication when the time comes. You have to also be able to read and understand the legal contract you will be entering into with the couple you help. Being a surrogate requires you to relinquish your rights to the baby once you deliver, as you are only the carrier and not the biological or legal parent. We have to be sure our surrogates are stable enough to be able to do that.

Your age is between 21-40

We often get the question, “How old can a surrogate be?” During our 20+ years of experience in operating a surrogacy and egg donation agency, we feel that our surrogates need to be at least 21 years of age to be a surrogate; this is also an IVF clinic requirement. Our maximum age for surrogates is 40, since of course it’s the egg donors or intended mothers who provide their eggs, and not the surrogate.

Must agree to psychological & drug screenings

This is one of the standard requirements of our program and the IVF clinic. The IVF clinic not only requires it, but it is important as you are carrying someone else’s child and we must make sure you are healthy. The intended parents must put their trust in you, a complete stranger and this only helps them through this emotional process.

IUD’s will have to be removed

If you have an IUD for birth control, you will have to schedule an appointment with your OB or primary care doctor to have it removed. You cannot proceed with an IVF cycle if you have an IUD, as the IVF doctor will need to look at your uterus to make sure there is no scarring or fibroids and he cannot do this with an IUD in place. You cannot have an IUD in you while attempting an embryo transfer.

Tubal ligation is OK

It’s ok if you have had your tubes tied. As a surrogate, your eggs will not be used, only your uterus as the carrier.

Surrogate Requirements

Surrogate Requirements

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