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Surrogacy requirements are set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, not the agency. Experts in the assisted reproduction field have come together to set standards for gestational carriers that best predict a woman’s success in this journey moving forward.

Physical Qualifications to Become a Surrogate
 

You know that being pregnant can be complicated and come with risks. A pregnancy that you carry for someone else is no different. Physical qualifications for being a surrogate ensure that you are capable of carrying a gestational pregnancy at minimal risk to yourself and the intended parents’ baby.
 

 The basic required standards you must meet to become a gestational carrier:
 

• Be at least 21 years old and younger than 42

• Have a healthy BMI, between 19-32

• Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term

• Be raising a child of your own in your own home

• No major complications in your previous pregnancies

• Be off anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months

• Have no new tattoos or piercings within 12 months of starting the process

• Not receiving any government assistance

• Have no more than 3 c-sections
   

If you meet these basic surrogate qualifications, you may be a good candidate for surrogacy. It’s always a good idea to contact a professional, even if you don’t meet a certain qualification; many professionals approve surrogates on a case-by-case basis and may make an exception to the rules.
 

However, if you are not of a proper age or have not been pregnant before, you will be hard pressed to find a surrogacy professional or clinic that will approve you moving forward with the surrogacy process.

Psychological Considerations for Becoming a Surrogate

Qualifying as a surrogate is about more than just meeting medical requirements. Every woman considering this path should be aware of the emotional and psychological challenges of this journey before they get started.

When you become a surrogate, you commit yourself (and your family) to a partnership of a year or more with intended parents. You will have to give up a great deal of your time and energy to help them become parents. You’ll be attending doctor’s appointments before and throughout your pregnancy, and you’ll need to set up meetings and calls with your intended parents as your pregnancy progresses. Being a surrogate is like a full-time job, so it’s important that you and your spouse are prepared for the extra stresses it may cause in your everyday routine.
 

At the same time that you handle your everyday responsibilities, you will also be coping with the hormonal changes (and emotional stressors) of being pregnant. While it’s rare for a surrogate to get “attached” to the baby she is carrying, it’s normal to feel some conflicting emotions during your pregnancy. Being in a solid emotional place before starting can help prepare you for this.

To qualify as a surrogate, you will need to speak in depth with a surrogacy professional, who will explain what you can expect moving forward and prepare you for the challenges you may experience.

Screening

Before you can become a surrogate, you will need to undergo medical and psychological screening. Both of these will confirm your readiness to be a gestational carrier. First, you and your partner (if you have one) will complete a psychological screening with a mental health professional. They will ask you about your feelings on surrogacy, as well as your plans for handling some of the practical and emotional challenges that may arise. 

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To become a surrogate, you will undergo medical clearance with the parents fertility clinic. Medical clearance consists of ultrasounds, standard blood work, a drug screen, and STD screening. If you have a partner, they will be required to do blood work, drug screen, and STD screening as well. If you match with parents that are using a clinic out of state, be aware that will have to travel to their clinic for 1-2 days. All travel expenses are covered by the parents. 

If you meet all of the physical requirements and you are interested applying to become a surrogate, please click the button below.