Becoming a surrogate is a selfless and rewarding experience that allows you to help individuals or couples who are unable to conceive a child on their own. If you want to be a surrogate you need to meet these requirements and qualifications to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved.
1. Age
Surrogacy agencies typically set an age range between 21 and 42 years old. This range ensures that your are mature enough to make informed decisions, understands the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, and you have a lower risk of complications during the pregnancy.
2. Body Mass Index (BMI)
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for a successful surrogacy journey. Surrogacy agencies often ask surrogates to have a BMI between 18 and 32. A healthy BMI shows that the surrogate is physically fit and capable of carrying a pregnancy without significant risks.
3. At least one full-term pregnancy and delivery
Having already given birth to at least child is typically a requirement for becoming a surrogate. Agencies look for previous successful pregnancies and deliveries, as this indicates that the surrogate’s body has already proven its ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
4. No more than 3 C-sections
While it is not always a strict requirement, some agencies prefer surrogates who have no more than 3 C-sections or complicated surgical births. This is because a previous C-section can increase the risks and potential complications during subsequent pregnancies.
5. Non-smoker and non-drug users
You require to be a non-smoker and non-drinker. Tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy can pose significant health risks to the developing fetus, so it is essential for surrogates to maintain a healthy lifestyle free from these substances.
6. Physically and mentally healthy
You should be in good overall physical and mental health. This means being free from any major medical conditions that could pose a risk to both yourself and the pregnancy. Mental health is equally important. Surrogacy can be emotionally demanding, so it is crucial for you to be emotionally stable and capable of handling the potential challenges and complexities that may arise during the process.
7. Not receive government financial assistance
The main reason why a requirement to be a surrogate is not to receive government financial assistance is because the compensation received for being a surrogate would likely make the surrogate ineligible for those government benefits.
8. United States citizen or legal resident
To be a surrogate you are required to be either a US citizen or a legal resident. must also live in a surrogacy-friendly state where commercial surrogacy is legal.
9. Other requirements
- Agree to psychological, drug & criminal screening: Your are required to undergo psychological assessments to ensure you are mentally prepared for the surrogacy journey. You may also need to undergo drug and criminal screenings to ensure the safety of the intended parents and the child.
- Have a supportive partner, friend, or family member: Surrogacy can be physically and emotionally challenging, so having a strong support system in place is crucial. Surrogates are often required to have a supportive partner, friend, or family member who can provide them with emotional support throughout the process.
- Have a car or reliable method of transportation: Surrogacy involves frequent medical appointments, including prenatal visits and embryo transfers. Having a car or reliable transportation method is important to ensure that you can attend these appointments without any issues.
- Not have a criminal background: Surrogacy agencies conduct background checks to ensure the safety of the child. Surrogates with a criminal background may be disqualified from participating in the surrogacy process.
