Surrogacy is a unique and generous way to help someone grow their family. For many women, it becomes an experience they carry with them long after the journey is complete. Because carrying a baby for another family involves physical commitment, emotional readiness, and coordination among doctors, lawyers, and intended parents, there are thoughtful requirements for who can become a surrogate.
These guidelines are not meant to discourage potential surrogates. Instead, they help make sure the journey is as safe and positive as possible for everyone involved, especially the surrogate herself.
Prior Pregnancy and Health Experience
A foundational part of becoming a surrogate is having experienced pregnancy before. Agencies, like Family Choice Surrogacy, require that surrogates have delivered at least one child of their own and are either currently raising that child or have raised them. This ensures that the surrogate knows what pregnancy and childbirth entail and that her body has demonstrated the ability to carry a pregnancy safely.
Age is also considered. The general range of 21 to 45 reflects the time in which most women are best positioned to carry a healthy pregnancy.
Surrogacy also involves taking an active role in one’s health. Candidates should be in good physical health, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 34 or lower, and have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. Because the well-being of the surrogate and baby is central to the process, surrogates cannot smoke, use recreational drugs, or abuse alcohol. Those with implant birth control need to have discontinued it for at least six months to allow their reproductive cycle to reset before entering IVF protocols.
Consistency and Daily Life
Surrogacy isn’t only a medical experience; it unfolds within the rhythm of the surrogate’s everyday life. For this reason, agencies also look at stability, consistency, and lifestyle.
Financial stability is one of these considerations. Candidates should not be relying on government or public financial assistance and should be in a position where surrogacy is a choice, not a necessity. This helps support a positive and empowered experience.
Reliable transportation is also important, as appointments can be frequent and may involve travel, depending on where the fertility clinic is located. To maintain a safe environment, both the surrogate and any spouse or partner must have no criminal history.
Overall, surrogacy works best for women who lead responsible, stable lives and can manage the ongoing communication, scheduling, and care that the journey requires.
Legal Eligibility
Because surrogacy involves legal agreements and parentage establishment, surrogates must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, or otherwise permitted to live in the United States. This allows the legal aspects of the journey to move forward without complications and ensures intended parents can complete the process smoothly.
Why These Requirements Are in Place
Each of these guidelines serves a purpose. They support the surrogate’s health, the baby’s well-being, and the intended parents’ experience. They also ensure that the surrogacy journey is ethical, safe, and respectful of everyone involved. Surrogacy is not just a medical treatment; it’s a partnership, and these standards help create a foundation of trust.
Surrogacy at Family Choice Surrogacy
At Family Choice Surrogacy, we believe in centering the surrogate’s experience from the very beginning. Our requirements align closely with the standards above, and include:
- Ages 21–45
- Has delivered at least one child, they are raising or have raised
- U.S. citizen, legal resident, or legally permitted to reside in the U.S.
- BMI of 34 or below
- Non-smoker
- No recreational drug use or alcohol abuse
- No implant birth control within the last 6 months
- Previous healthy pregnancy and delivery
- Financially stable and not participating in government/public financial aid programs
- Reliable transportation (appointments may be out of state)
- No criminal history (including spouse/partner)
- Lives a stable and responsible lifestyle
At our agency, these requirements are paired with ongoing education, advocacy, and support. We want our surrogates to feel informed, cared for, and confident in the journey they are choosing to take.
Considering Becoming a Surrogate?
Surrogacy begins with the desire to help someone else grow their family, and the women who choose this path often describe it as one of the most rewarding decisions they have made. If you’ve loved being pregnant, are drawn to helping others, and meet the general requirements, surrogacy may be a meaningful next step. Reach out today to learn more!