Surrogacy is a life-changing journey, one that requires compassion, commitment, and a strong desire to help others. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you probably have a big heart and a deep sense of purpose. To ensure the health and well-being of everyone involved, there are some important requirements in place. And even if surrogacy isn’t the right fit, there are still meaningful ways to support hopeful parents on their path to parenthood.
How Do I Know If I Qualify to Be a Surrogate?
Surrogacy requirements exist not to judge anyone’s past or current health and lifestyle, but to safeguard the well-being of everyone involved. All pregnancies come with risks, and surrogacy agencies strive to minimize those risks as much as possible. Qualifiers include:
- Age: Many agencies specify an age range for surrogates, typically between 21 and 40 years, to enhance the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Surrogates need to have a BMI of no more than 33. Being underweight can also disqualify you.
- Birth history: Many agencies require surrogates to have already successfully given birth to at least one child without any complications.
- Lifestyle: A history of alcohol or drug abuse, or current smoking, is a disqualifier.
Misconceptions About Surrogacy Requirements
Some women assume they won’t qualify to be a surrogate based on their medical or personal history, but many of these concerns turn out to be misunderstandings. In reality, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and you may still be a great candidate even if your journey hasn’t been completely straightforward.
For example, a prior C-section doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Most agencies allow surrogates with up to two or three previous C-sections, as long as your recovery was smooth and your doctor approves.
Another concern we hear is whether a history of abortion affects eligibility. In most cases, this is not an issue, especially if there were no complications and you’ve had a healthy pregnancy since.
Finally, some potential surrogates wonder if it’s possible to carry for a relative, such as a sibling or cousin. The answer is yes — this is known as “compassionate surrogacy.” Because gestational carriers are not genetically related to the baby, carrying for a family member is often considered both safe and emotionally meaningful when everyone involved is aligned and medically cleared.
Ineligible for Surrogacy? You Can Still Make a Difference
If you ultimately aren’t eligible for surrogacy, it doesn’t diminish your willingness to offer the most precious gift to someone else, and there are still ways you can make a difference. You may be eligible to donate eggs, as the requirements for surrogacy and egg donation are different. Additionally, you can support organizations that provide grants and scholarships to help families overcome the financial challenges associated with fertility treatments.
Learn More From International Surrogacy Center
Becoming a surrogate involves more than just having a big heart; it requires meeting specific health and legal criteria to ensure everyone’s health and happiness. At International Surrogacy Center, we specialize in guiding both surrogates and intended parents through the complex yet rewarding journey of surrogacy. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, our experienced team is here to guide you through the screening process with care and transparency.
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). If you meet the basic requirements and would like to proceed with our program, we invite you to complete our initial contact form.