Requirements To Be A Surrogate

Being a surrogate is a selfless act that is both rewarding and a significant responsibility. At International Surrogacy Center (ISC), we understand the time, energy, and commitment it takes to be a surrogate, as over half of our staff have been surrogates themselves. That’s why we’ve established specific requirements that potential surrogates must meet before they start this incredible journey.

Some qualifications are easy to measure, while others are less straightforward. However, all of our surrogacy requirements ensure a positive and healthy experience for both surrogates and the intended parents. All of our surrogates are loving individuals who want to help others grow their dream families. They are also mothers themselves, so they understand the joy that children can bring to a family.

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.

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