Do I have to have my own child to be a surrogate?

Yes. To be a gestational surrogate with SAI, you must have given birth to at least one child of your own and be parenting. This helps doctors understand how your body responds to pregnancy and reduces unknown risk.

Is there a maximum age to be a surrogate?

In most cases, surrogates in our program are between 21 and 38 at the time of application. Exact guidelines come from fertility clinics and may vary slightly.

Does my BMI automatically disqualify me?

Clinics usually have BMI guidelines because higher BMIs can increase pregnancy risks. If you're close to the guideline, we may be able to review your overall health and discuss options instead of giving an automatic "no."

Can I be a surrogate if I'm on medication for anxiety or depression?

Being on medication doesn't automatically disqualify you. What matters is stability over time and whether your provider believes surrogacy would be emotionally safe. Some histories or medications may require extra review.

Do I need my partner's approval to be a surrogate?

If you have a spouse or long-term partner, we want them to be fully informed and supportive before you move forward. Surrogacy impacts your household: appointments, medications, possible travel, and recovery time. In some cases, a spouse may also be involved in parts of the legal process. If you're unsure how this applies to you, we'll explain it clearly and privately.

What if I don't meet every requirement?

Many women don't match every guideline perfectly. If you meet most requirements but are unsure about one or two, reach out. We can review your situation with you and, when appropriate, with medical partners to see whether a surrogacy journey could still be safe and realistic.

Requirements to Be a Surrogate with Surrogate Alternatives

Learn what clinics and agencies look for in a surrogate, and why these requirements are designed to protect you and the baby, not judge you.

If you're thinking about becoming a surrogate, one of the first questions is usually, "Do I even qualify?" A list of requirements can feel intimidating, especially if you're unsure whether one detail in your history matters.

These guidelines exist for a simple reason: safety. Many come directly from fertility clinic standards and medical best practices. Others come from decades of supporting real surrogates through real life, including work schedules, family responsibilities, and the emotional side of the journey.

You don't have to be "perfect" to start a conversation. If you meet most requirements but feel unsure about one or two, reach out. We'll talk through your situation honestly and respectfully.

Surrogate Alternatives has been screening and supporting surrogates since 1998, with 28 years of continuous agency experience in 2026.

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Why Are There Requirements to Be a Surrogate?

Surrogacy is different from a typical pregnancy. It involves IVF, legal agreements, and carrying for another family. Because of that, doctors, therapists, and agencies follow specific guidelines about who is most likely to have a safe and emotionally steady journey.

Requirements exist to:

Protect your physical health throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy
Reduce the risk of serious complications for you and the baby
Support your emotional well-being during an intense and meaningful experience
Make sure surrogacy is practical for your family, work, and life right now
Give intended parents confidence that their surrogate has been carefully screened

If you're wondering why requirements can feel so specific, the short answer is that safety and stability come first for everyone involved.

Safety.
Stability.
Support.

Basic Surrogate Qualifications at a Glance

While every situation is reviewed individually, most surrogates with SAI share a few core qualifications.

Health & pregnancy

Have had at least one healthy pregnancy and birth of your own
Are currently parenting
Have generally uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, with medical records available for review
Are typically between ages 21 and 38, based on clinic guidance
Have a BMI within the range required by the fertility clinic (or close enough to discuss next steps)

Lifestyle, stability & legal

Live in the United States and can work with one of our partner clinics
Are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Do not smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs
Have a stable home environment and reliable transportation for appointments
Have a supportive home environment for the time and logistics surrogacy requires

Have a stable financial foundation so surrogacy is not being used as an emergency plan. If this applies to you and you have questions, talk with us. We handle these conversations privately and respectfully.

These are starting points, not the full list. In the next sections, we'll go deeper into health, lifestyle, support, and legal considerations.

Health & Pregnancy Requirements

Your body has already done something extraordinary: you've carried and delivered at least one child of your own. Surrogacy builds on that history. Clinics review your medical background carefully to help ensure another pregnancy is likely to be safe for you and the baby.

We typically look for surrogates who:

Have had at least one full-term pregnancy and delivery without major complications
Have not had more deliveries than recommended by clinic guidelines (vaginal births and C-sections reviewed by the clinic)
Have OB and hospital records available so an IVF physician can review pregnancy and delivery history
Are generally in good overall health, without uncontrolled medical conditions that could make pregnancy unsafe
Meet the clinic's BMI guideline, or are close enough to discuss a plan if appropriate

What if I've had a complication before?

A past complication doesn't automatically disqualify you. The key question is whether your doctor and the IVF clinic believe pregnancy would be safe for you moving forward. This is why medical records and clear conversations matter more than any single line on a list.

If you're unsure whether your health history is a fit, start with the Quick Surrogate Interest Form and we'll review it with you

Lifestyle, Family & Support Requirements

Surrogacy touches your whole life: your schedule, your relationships, your work, and your emotional energy. Requirements in this area are about making sure you'll have the support you need, not about judging your choices.

Lifestyle & stability

You have a stable living situation and can attend appointments and follow medical guidance
You do not smoke or vape and do not use illegal drugs
You are willing to follow clinic guidance on alcohol, medications, and wellness during the process
You have reliable transportation for local appointments and are willing to travel when necessary (with costs covered per your agreement)

Family & emotional support

You are currently parenting at least one child you've given birth to
You are open to psychological screening and check-ins to help you prepare and feel supported
You can communicate clearly, set boundaries, and ask questions when something doesn't feel right
If you have a spouse or long-term partner, they need to be fully informed and genuinely supportive

Surrogacy should not create stress at home. It affects your household: medications, appointments, possible travel, and recovery time. A supportive partner helps keep the journey calm and sustainable. If your partner is unsure, we can help you talk through what the process actually looks like so you both feel prepared.

It's okay if your life isn't "perfect." What matters is enough stability and support to add a surrogacy journey in a way that feels sustainable for you and your family.

Legal & Location Considerations

Surrogacy law varies by state. Part of our job is to make sure your journey takes place in a legal framework that protects you and the intended parents, and that your clinic and legal partners can support.

Location & citizenship

You live in the United States in a state that works with SAI's program and legal partners
You are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
You are willing to travel to the intended parents' IVF clinic for screening and embryo transfer, which may involve overnight stays

Legal screening

Before you move forward, attorneys experienced in reproductive law review contracts and any special circumstances. The goal is to protect your rights, clarify expectations, and avoid surprises later.

If your current location or situation isn't a fit, we'll tell you respectfully and, when possible, suggest options to explore.

Common Disqualifications and "Maybe" Areas

Some situations make surrogacy unsafe or not recommended. Others fall into a gray area where we need more information and may need to review your records with medical partners.

Situations that often disqualify a surrogate candidate

Uncontrolled medical conditions that make pregnancy high-risk
A pattern of severe pregnancy complications that doctors believe are likely to recur
Current substance abuse
Serious, untreated, or unstable mental health conditions
Active criminal charges or serious recent criminal history for you or your partner

Areas where we may need more information

Past postpartum depression or anxiety that is treated and stable
Prior complications that were resolved with clear medical explanations
BMI slightly outside clinic guidelines but otherwise strong health indicators
Complex family or work situations that may require extra planning and support

Being transparent with us helps us be honest with you in return. Even when the answer is "not right now," you deserve an explanation and, when possible, guidance on what could make a future journey safer.

Talk with Our Team for a private, judgment-free conversation

Not sure if you qualify?

Share a few details and we'll help you understand whether surrogacy might be a fit for you.

Quick Surrogate Interest Form

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Next Steps If You
Think You Might Qualify

If you've read through these requirements and think surrogacy could be a fit, or you're still unsure, you don't have to figure it out alone. There are a few simple ways to explore your options.

Quick Surrogate
Interest Form

Share a few basic details about your health, pregnancies, and where you live. Our team will review it and let you know whether you're likely to qualify and what next steps could look like.

Start
Surrogate Application

If you already feel confident that you meet the requirements and you're ready to move forward, you can begin the full Surrogate Application. This is the first step toward screening, matching, and planning your journey.

Not ready for forms yet? Talk with Our Team for a calm, honest conversation about your questions, history, and whether now is the right time for you.