Looking to become a Surrogate? First see if you meet the requirements below.
The Requirements to become a Surrogate:
To find out if YOU qualify, you can take this quick 5-minute quiz.
According to standards set by American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the general qualifications for becoming a surrogate may include:
Have at least one previous successful pregnancy and no more than five vaginal births or three cesarean deliveries.
Be currently raising your child(ren).
Have no major complications from previous pregnancies.
Be between the ages of 21 and 39, but many be approved if older, if they are in excellent health.
Most doctors require that surrogates have a BMI of 33 or less (calculate your BMI).
No smoking or illegal drug use.
Have a good support system and be financially stable without reliance on government aid. (Having health insurance through the State is okay).
Have no felony convictions.
Be off all mental health medications for at least 6 months prior to starting a surrogacy journey and be feeling good without meds!
Be able to travel as needed for appointments. Depending on who you decide to match with, you may need to travel by air or car at least twice.
Medical Requirements for Surrogates
Because your health is so central to a successful surrogacy, it will be closely monitored throughout your journey from the time you are screened until the delivery of the baby. As a surrogate, you will be required to undergo several medical tests and procedures and take fertility medications throughout the process.
The medical requirements for surrogates can be thought of in several stages:
Medical screening: This is part of the screening process. It will likely involve a physical as well as a variety of laboratory testing. You will be screened for sexually transmitted diseases and other communicable diseases, as well as certain viruses and infections that can affect your fertility. You may need to undergo an ultrasound to determine the health of your uterus, and there is a possibility that you will be screened for drug use. Your spouse or partner will likely also need to be screened for STDs and drug use.
Fertility treatments: After signing legal contracts with the intended parents, you will need to prepare for surrogate pregnancy with multiple fertility treatments, blood tests, injections and ultrasounds throughout the embryo transfer process (as well as through the beginning of your pregnancy). You will be prescribed several medications such as birth control pills and other hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone, which will help regulate your cycle and prepare you for in vitro fertilization (IVF). (See my “How To PIO Injection” video HERE)
Embryo transfer: The intended mother’s (or donor’s) egg will be fertilized in the laboratory using the intended father’s (or donor’s) sperm. After a brief incubation period, it will be time to transfer the fertilized embryo into your uterus for implantation. This procedure is relatively quick and painless and usually does not require medication or anesthesia. You may be required to stay at the fertility clinic for a few hours and rest for a few days after the transfer.
Prenatal care: You will be required to make routine visits to the fertility clinic to receive regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Once a heartbeat is heard and a healthy pregnancy is confirmed, you may be transferred to your own OB. You will continue to receive prenatal care as you would with any pregnancy, though checkups may be more frequent to ensure the health of the baby. (See how my First Ultrasound went HERE) The Intended Parents come to you when it’s time for the delivery and they usually stay at an AirBNB or hotel near the hospital.
Throughout these medical processes and your entire pregnancy, you will maintain regular communication with the intended parents. If you are both comfortable, they may want to be present for doctor appointments so they can experience all of the excitement of the pregnancy along with you.
Legal Requirements for Surrogates
One of the most important requirements in any surrogacy arrangement is the legal contract. Every surrogacy agreement is different depending on your circumstances and your relationship with the intended parents. Your specific legal rights and obligations will be outlined in your contract.
Prior to beginning any medical procedures, you and the intended parents must agree to and sign the contract, which will clearly outline all of the legal aspects of the surrogacy, including:
Compensation
Your responsibilities as the surrogate
Relinquishment of the child
And more
The intended parents’ attorney will draft the contract. You will then review the contract with your own attorney to ensure that all of your requests have been included. Once all necessary revisions have been made and both parties agree to the terms of the contract, you and the intended parents will sign the paperwork and the contract becomes legally binding. At that point, you can begin receiving payments and prepare for the embryo transfer.
Surrogacy laws vary by state and the legal process can be complex, so it is important to work with experienced legal counsel to ensure your rights are protected. It is highly recommended that you obtain your own attorney to represent your interests throughout the process.