Can't anyone be a surrogate?
Many women enjoy being pregnant and would offer to carry for someone else. Yes, this is an essential prerequisite, but it isn’t enough to actually qualify as a surrogate. Not just anyone should be a surrogate. A surrogate must be medically fit, mentally ready, and legally able to be a gestational carrier. The requirements keep surrogates safe and give intended parents the best chance at having a baby.
People often wonder why a surrogate needs to have a child of her own, for example. Well, it’s like the saying, “the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.” The best way to know how a potential surrogate would handle pregnancy is to look at her past pregnancies. If she hasn’t gotten pregnant and carried to term, how do we know she can?
Surrogate requirements are about lowering risks
Intended parents (IPs) have a lot on the line and shouldn’t take risks. Often they come to surrogacy with a history of loss, and this loss could be multiple pregnancies or fertility in general. A surrogacy journey is time-consuming and pricey, even for IPs who have not faced losses. Embryos are precious, limited, created out of love, and deserve to be respected.
IPs want the best shot of bringing home a healthy baby. Surrogacy, therefore, is about maximizing chances for success and lowering risks as much as possible. While there are no guarantees, fertility specialists and IPs are looking for potential surrogates who are most likely to become pregnant, stay pregnant, and deliver a healthy baby.
Beyond a surrogate’s ability to carry a pregnancy, surrogacy must also be legal and ethical. In the United States, IPs can pay surrogates for their time and efforts, but this compensation should not be mistaken for financial coercion. Surrogates are expected to be adults, make their own informed decisions, and be financially stable.
Surrogacy is widely allowed throughout the US, but not it is not legal in every state. In unapproved states, surrogacy arrangements can lead to custody disputes and legal battles. It is advised to work only in surrogacy-friendly states.
What are The requirements to be a surrogate?
Medical
- Between ages 21-45
- BMI under 32
- Free of most medical conditions
- History of smooth, uncomplicated pregnancies
- Given birth and is raising at least one healthy child
- No more than 3 c-sections
- No more than 5 births total
- No tobacco, recreational drug use, or alcohol abuse
Mental & Social
- Generous heart
- Solid support system – from spouse/partner, friends, family
- Stable, responsible, mature
- Willing to undergo extensive testing
- Happy with size of own family
Legal & Financial
- Financially stable
- Not on government assistance
- Live in a surrogacy-friendly state
- Willing to undergo background checks
Not just anyone can be a surrogate. Surrogates are a select bunch and should be the best chance to deliver a healthy baby. A great surrogate has to be able to check off the items on this list. Knowing these requirements is essential if you’re a potential surrogate or an intended parent selecting a surrogate. They will help to keep your journey medically and legally sound.
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