If you are thinking about becoming a surrogate, you may be wondering whether you will qualify. Many women are excellent candidates, but there are specific guidelines that every potential surrogate must meet before beginning the process.
We know that the desire to help another family through surrogacy comes from a place of generosity and love. While a woman’s willingness to become a surrogate is truly admirable, surrogacy agencies do not create the requirements on their own. These guidelines are set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and followed by the fertility clinics that work with intended parents and surrogates.
Each clinic may have its own specific standards in addition to ASRM recommendations, but all reputable programs in the United States use ASRM guidelines as the foundation for determining eligibility. These standards exist to help ensure the safest possible experience for the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.
Why surrogacy requirements exist
Surrogacy is a unique kind of pregnancy. It involves advanced medical treatments, legal contracts, and a high level of emotional commitment. The requirements are in place to protect the health and well-being of the surrogate and the baby, as well as to safeguard the emotional and financial investment of the intended parents.
Fertility clinics follow ASRM guidelines to reduce risks and ensure that the surrogate is physically and emotionally prepared for the journey.
Medical factors that could disqualify you
Your medical history is one of the most important parts of the screening process. You may be disqualified if you have:
- Complicated pregnancy history, such as severe preeclampsia, preterm delivery before 34 weeks without a clear cause, or gestational diabetes requiring insulin
- Chronic health conditions like uncontrolled hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes, or autoimmune disorders that could make pregnancy unsafe
- BMI outside the acceptable range (most clinics require a BMI between 19 and 32)
- Reproductive health concerns, such as multiple C-sections beyond the clinic’s limit, uterine abnormalities, or certain past surgeries
These medical standards are not a judgment about your ability to have a healthy pregnancy for yourself. They are simply in place because surrogacy adds extra medical considerations, and clinics want to keep risks as low as possible.
Lifestyle and personal factors
Certain lifestyle choices or circumstances can prevent you from qualifying as a surrogate, including:
- Tobacco, vaping, or recreational drug use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Lack of a stable home environment or support system to help you during the pregnancy
- Inconsistent work or childcare arrangements that could make attending medical appointments difficult
A stable home life is required to ensure the surrogate can focus on a healthy pregnancy without avoidable stress or disruptions.
Mental health and emotional readiness
Emotional readiness is just as important as physical health. Some mental health factors that could disqualify you include:
- Severe or untreated depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Current use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
- A history of psychiatric hospitalization without demonstrated stability afterward
Having experienced postpartum depression in the past does not automatically disqualify you, especially if it was treated and resolved. Every potential surrogate completes a psychological evaluation to ensure she is prepared for the emotional aspects of carrying a baby for another family.
Legal and geographic considerations
Where you live can also play a role in whether you qualify. US surrogacy laws vary from state to state, and some states have restrictions on surrogacy that may make it difficult or impossible to proceed.
Your residency status can also matter. For example, some contracts require permanent residency or citizenship to ensure the agreement is legally enforceable.
If you are unsure about your state’s laws, you can view our US surrogacy law map to see how surrogacy works where you live.
How to improve your chances of qualifying
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate but are unsure if you meet all the requirements, there are steps you can take to improve your chances:
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
- Keep complete medical records from your previous pregnancies.
- Build a strong support system of friends and family.
Be honest and open during your application and screening process so your agency and clinic can give you accurate guidance.
Remember, not meeting one agency’s or clinic’s criteria does not always mean you will be disqualified everywhere. Some requirements vary slightly from clinic to clinic.
But can’t you make an exception?
We understand it can be disappointing to learn that you do not meet one of the requirements, especially when your heart is in the right place. However, surrogacy agencies cannot make exceptions to these rules on their own. The qualifications are set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and upheld by the fertility clinics they partner with. While each clinic may have slightly different criteria, all must follow ASRM guidelines to move forward with a match.
Even if an agency wanted to make an exception, the clinic would not be able to proceed unless the surrogate meets their medical, lifestyle, and legal standards. These standards are in place to help ensure the safest possible journey for the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.
Taking the next step
Becoming a surrogate is a generous and life-changing decision, and the screening process is designed to make sure everyone involved has the best possible chance for a safe, healthy, and successful journey.
If you are ready to learn more about the qualifications for becoming a surrogate, contact Shining Light Baby today. We will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you find out if you are a good fit for our program.