Surrogate Requirements: Do You Qualify for Surrogacy?

The idea of becoming a surrogate is the first step in an amazing journey to help intended parents grow their families. But before starting the surrogacy process, it’s important to understand the medical and lifestyle requirements that determine who can qualify to become a surrogate. These guidelines exist to protect both surrogates and the babies they carry.

Why Surrogate Requirements Matter

Not every woman who is willing to give the gift of life by becoming a surrogate mother will qualify. This doesn’t mean you aren’t healthy or capable of carrying your own children—it simply means that a surrogate pregnancy comes with additional risks, and specific criteria are in place to reduce complications.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) sets the standard medical requirements for surrogates. Fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies, including Pathways to Parenthood, follow these guidelines during the evaluation of surrogate candidates and may add additional qualifications depending on the needs of intended parents, or the fertility clinics they partner with.

The surrogacy requirements listed below are not all inclusive. They cover most of the health and lifestyle criteria that need to be met to begin the surrogacy process. If you are unsure whether you qualify based on these requirements, Pathways To Parenthood surrogacy specialists can answer any questions you may have. Contact us today about your next steps in the surrogacy process.

Medical Requirements for Surrogates

To qualify as a surrogate, you must meet certain health and medical criteria:

• Age: Between 22 and 39 years old
• A qualified candidate must have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery with no major complications
• You must have a healthy body mass index (BMI) between 18–33
• No current sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis
• You must be in both good physical and mental health
• You must not have any medical conditions that pregnancy could worsen
• You must not have had a tattoos or new piercing within the last six months

These requirements help ensure that both you and the baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. 

Lifestyle Requirements for Surrogates

In addition to medical qualifications, surrogate candidates must meet lifestyle criteria that demonstrate stability and support:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
• Be a non-smoker with no exposure to secondhand smoke
• Must not use any illegal drugs
• Live in a stable, supportive home environment
• Have healthy coping strategies for life’s stressors
• You (or your partner) must not have a felony criminal history
• Not dependent on public assistance or government aid

The Screening and Evaluation Process

After the surrogacy matching process is completed, a full medical evaluation will be done by the fertility clinic your intended parents are working with. The medical evaluation includes:

• Physical examination (uterine and pelvic assessment)
• Bloodwork for hormones, infectious diseases, and general health
• Urine drug and nicotine screening

Ultimately, it will be up to the fertility clinic to assess all of the necessary surrogacy requirements and make the final determination as to whether it is medically advisable for you to be pregnant as a surrogate. There are times a particular situation will allow for an exception depending on specific surrogate circumstances.

The surrogacy requirements and medical evaluation are important because they ensure that you and the baby you carry are healthy throughout the surrogacy pregnancy and delivery.  Although there are always risks during pregnancy, these requirements and evaluation greatly reduce the likelihood that certain complications and outcomes will occur.  Your safety and well-being, as well as the baby you will carry, are the most important aspects of the entire surrogacy process.

If you have questions about the requirements to become a surrogate and wonder about your personal situation and if you qualify, our surrogacy specialists are ready to answers your questions so you know your next steps. Please contact us with any questions you may have, and we will be in touch within 24 hours with answers.

What If You Don’t Qualify for Surrogacy?

We understand that it is incredibly difficult and disappointing to learn that you may not quality for surrogacy. Disqualifying a woman who desires to be a surrogate mother is not an easy decision and certainly not one we take lightly. At Pathways to Parenthood, we consider surrogates on a case-by-case basis, and always take the time to understand your personal health history and life situation before making any decisions. Unlike some agencies that automatically deny candidates without knowing the specifics, we believe every woman deserves a thoughtful review of her individual circumstances.

We believe you are worth our time and make the extra effort to learn about you — this includes your health history and personal life situation, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Why Choose Pathways to Parenthood?

Pathways to Parenthood works with surrogate candidates nationwide, with a special focus on the Midwest, including Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado. Based in Overland Park, Kansas (Kansas City area), our central location allows us to serve both surrogates and intended parents across the country.

We have families waiting to be matched with women like you who are ready to take this life-changing step. Our surrogacy specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Pathways to Parenthood today to learn if you qualify to become a surrogate and begin your journey.