Requirements To Be A Surrogate

SURROGACY REQUIREMENTS

Health Requirements

Physical health plays a significant role in facilitating a happy and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Potential surrogates must meet a variety of qualifications regarding age, weight, past pregnancies, and lifestyle habits, including:

• Being between the ages of 21 and 40
• Having a body mass index (BMI) no higher than 33
• Having a history of giving birth to and currently raising at least one child
• Experiencing no significant complications during previous pregnancies or deliveries
• Being a non-smoker
• Not using illegal substances or taking any medications that haven’t been prescribed by a physician

Lifestyle Requirements

Potential ISC surrogates must also meet certain lifestyle requirements, including:

• Being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Having a positive support system to help throughout the surrogacy process
• Having reliable transportation for appointments

It’s essential for surrogates to be prepared for the extra time and effort required during this journey. We recommend that women apply only when they are confident they have the necessary time and support to prioritize the surrogacy process.

Financial Requirements

Surrogates receive generous compensation for their time and effort; however, they should also be able to maintain other sources of income. While compensation for surrogacy is excellent, it shouldn’t be the sole means of financial support. We may consider applicants who receive government assistance, but this will depend on the type and extent of that assistance. Surrogacy compensation covers appointments, procedures, and stipends for clothing and additional needs. Nonetheless, our surrogates should also be able to support their families through other income sources.

Legal Requirements

Surrogacy laws can vary significantly from state to state. In many states, the requirements for gestational surrogacy include being over 21 years of age, having previously given birth to a child, and undergoing comprehensive physical and mental health screenings to ensure that the surrogate is capable of handling in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy. We also conduct background screenings to exclude applicants with criminal records.

Requirements by State

Our surrogate criteria involve living in the U.S. in a surrogacy-friendly state. While state laws share many similarities, some states simplify the surrogacy process more than others. For example, some states allow legal representatives to establish parental rights for the intended parents before the end of the pregnancy. In contrast, other states require this paperwork to be initiated after the birth of the child. Some states also set limits on the intended parents.

Why Should I Choose ISC?

At International Surrogacy Center, we specialize in helping surrogates and intended parents navigate the complicated and rewarding process of surrogacy. We establish requirements to be a surrogate that give our surrogates the best chance of a healthy pregnancy and a reliable result for the intended parents. For surrogates who meet our requirements, we provide continual support throughout the journey, including financial benefits, monthly Zoom support group meetings, and more. We aim to create the best environment for surrogates and intended parents alike to feel that their needs are important and prioritized throughout the process.

If you have any questions about surrogacy or the requirements of becoming a surrogate, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices (619) 591-9113 (CA) or (303) 539-9345 (CO). We are happy to clarify and discuss any concerns that you may have prior to taking the next step. For those that meet the surrogate requirements and would like to move forward with our program, we invite you to fill out our initial contact form.

What are the basic surrogacy requirements?

To become a surrogate with ISC, candidates must meet several core surrogacy requirements to help ensure a healthy and positive experience. These include being between the ages of 21 and 40, having given birth to and currently raising at least one child, having no major pregnancy complications, and being a non-smoker with no history of illegal substance use. Surrogates must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a supportive home environment, and be financially stable. These surrogate criteria help protect everyone involved and lay the foundation for a successful surrogacy journey.

What are the BMI requirements to be a surrogate?

One of the key health-related surrogate criteria is maintaining a body mass index (BMI) of 33 or lower. This is important because BMI can affect both fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A BMI within this range supports a safer embryo transfer process and reduces risks during pregnancy. If you’re unsure whether you meet the BMI guidelines, our team can walk you through the Surrogate BMI Requirements and answer any questions you may have. At ISC, we want every surrogate to feel informed, supported, and confident before starting this life-changing journey.

What criteria can disqualify me from becoming a surrogate?

At ISC, we’re committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved, which means that certain surrogate criteria may disqualify someone from participating. Common disqualifiers include a BMI over 33, significant complications in past pregnancies, smoking or illegal substance use, and unmanaged medical or mental health conditions. In addition, applicants must be financially stable and have a strong support system at home. A criminal background or lack of reliable transportation may also be disqualifying. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out — many women are surprised to learn they’re eligible after speaking with our team.