In this guide for surrogates and intended parents, we break down the key surrogate requirement qualifications and disqualifications, state-specific criteria, and the screening process-all in one place.
Surrogacy requirements exist to protect surrogates and ensure they feel supported, medically safe, emotionally prepared, and legally protected throughout the entire process.
Before starting this incredible journey of becoming a surrogate mother, it’s essential to understand what’s required. Taking a surrogacy questionnaire can help you understand if you meet the requirements and determine your next steps.
Key Insights
What are the general requirements for surrogacy?
Physical health and psychological health qualifications set by health professionals, existing support system, and supporting lifestyle.
Why is having surrogate requirements important?
To protect the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby, surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics follow strict eligibility guidelines. These requirements form the foundation of a safe and successful surrogacy journey: facilitate the screening process and next steps of becoming a surrogate, and mitigate risks of surrogacy.
Basic Surrogate Qualifications: Health, Lifestyle, Stability
Physical Health
Good physical health is essential. Most surrogacy journeys require candidates to be between the ages of 21 and 40, have a healthy BMI (usually between 18 and 32), and have given birth to at least one child of their own.
Clinics also look for a history of uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries (vaginal or cesarean births with no major complications, healthy birth weights for previous babies, smooth postpartum recovery, no history of preterm labor). A strong and healthy pregnancy history gives clinics confidence in a candidate’s ability to carry another healthy pregnancy to term.
Lifestyle Choices
Healthy lifestyle choices are equally important. Surrogates must be non-smokers, free from substance abuse, and live in a stable, supportive environment.
Responsible health choices, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding high-risk behaviors, play a direct role in supporting a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
Financial Stability
Surrogacy requires time, focus and emotional commitment, which is why financial stability is an important consideration. While surrogates are compensated, compensation should not be the primary motivation for applying.
Candidates who rely entirely on surrogacy income to address urgent financial needs may experience added stress that could affect the journey. Having a stable foundation allows a surrogate to take part for the right reasons, with a genuine desire to help create a family, while feeling secure and supported throughout the journey.
Full List of Surrogate Qualifications
While agency processes may vary, reputable surrogacy agencies are expected to follow the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines to ensure medical safety and ethical standards are met for all parties.
Surrogate Qualifications are based on ASRM Guidelines
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine, whose members are made up of top fertility experts.
They published the latest recommendations in 2022 with the intention to minimize risks for surrogate (gestational carrier), fetus and intended parents.
10 Basic Surrogacy Requirements
- Age: 21 to 40 years (ASRM guidelines say 45 years old maximum, but based on SurrogateFirst experience, Intended Parents would rarely approve surrogates beyond 40 years old)
- At least one full-term pregnancy without complications
- No more than five vaginal deliveries or three C-sections
- Stable, supportive living environment
- Raising (or have raised) at least one biological child
- U.S. citizenship or legal resident
- Non-smoker and drug-free lifestyle
- BMI between 18 and 32
- No history of major mental health conditions
- Not currently receiving government assistance (like food stamps or housing aid)
Other Surrogate Requirements
- No criminal record
- Coming from surrogacy friendly States
- Willingness to travel for medical appointments
- Willingness to handle logistics of surrogacy process
- A valid drivers licence
- Health insurance
10 Main Disqualifications for Surrogacy
These disqualifications aren’t meant to exclude, but to ensure the safest possible outcome for all involved. You may be disqualified from becoming a surrogate if you have:
1. No prior successful pregnancy
Candidates must have given birth to at least one healthy child, with medical records confirming an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery.
2. High-risk medical conditions
Examples include uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, clotting disorders, or other illnesses that could endanger the surrogate or baby.
3. Serious mental health conditions
Untreated or unstable conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorders that may affect emotional well-being during the process.
4. History of complicated pregnancies
Past experiences with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring medication, placental issues, multiple miscarriages, or preterm birth before 34 weeks.
5. Excessive prior cesarean sections
More than three C-sections, due to increased surgical and uterine risks.
6. Substance use
Active smoking, vaping, illicit drug use, or alcohol abuse at any stage.
7. BMI outside the acceptable range
Most programs require a BMI between 18–32 to reduce pregnancy-related complications.
8. Current use of unsafe medications
Medications that are harmful during pregnancy or incompatible with fertility treatments.
9. Lack of a stable support system
Absence of reliable emotional, practical, and social support during the surrogacy journey.
10. Severe financial instability
Candidates facing urgent or extreme financial hardship may be ineligible, as surrogacy should not be undertaken as a last resort for income.
Surrogacy Screening Process As a Next Step
Once a candidate meets the basic qualifications, the next step is a comprehensive screening process. This typically includes:
- Medical Records Review
Clinics will review records from previous pregnancies and deliveries to confirm there were no complications.
- Medical Testing
This includes a full physical exam, blood work, and screenings for infectious diseases to make sure the surrogate is healthy and ready for pregnancy.
- Psychological Evaluation
A meeting with a mental health professional to talk through the surrogacy process, answer questions, and confirm the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the journey.
- Home Visit or Interview
Agencies may conduct in-person or virtual visits to assess the surrogate’s living environment and support system. This thorough process ensures that all surrogates are physically and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.
Learn more on how to prepare for the surrogacy screening process and the full surrogacy process in our guide.
Requirements to Be a Surrogate: Same Nationwide
Surrogate eligibility requirements are largely the same across all U.S. states, as they are driven by medical guidelines, clinic standards, and ethical best practices rather than state law.
While eligibility criteria are consistent nationwide, surrogates in specific states must also meet any legal requirements related to contracts and parentage orders, which are handled separately and do vary at state level.
Surrogacy laws vary across the United States. While some states are surrogacy-friendly, others have restrictions that can affect the process. For a potential surrogate, living in a surrogacy-friendly state usually makes the process smoother and safer. These states allow fair compensation, recognize contracts, and have clear legal steps to establish parental rights.
In states with restrictive laws, compensation may be limited, contracts may not hold up in court, and extra legal steps or even temporary relocation might be needed (you can check the status the surrogacy laws in your state on our interactive map).
New York: Child-Parent Security Act
While the qualifications for surrogacy remain the same for most states in the United States, New York is considered to be one of the most surrogate-protective states.
Since the enactment of the Child-Parent Security Act in 2021, New York has established a clear legal framework on gestational surrogacy, that protects surrogate rights and ensures the protection of Intended Parents before delivery. More importantly, agencies that facilitate surrogacy journeys in New York must be licensed by the state’s Department of Health.
If you’d like more information on surrogacy agencies that are licensed to support surrogacy journeys in New York, click here.
Check the surrogacy laws map to see where your state stands.
Surrogate Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI do you need to be a surrogate?
Most clinics require a BMI between 19 and 30. This range is considered healthy and lowers risks associated with pregnancy. If your BMI is outside this range, speak with an agency like SurrogateFirst about your options.
Is 40 too old to be a surrogate?
It depends on your health and previous pregnancy history. While many clinics set the upper age limit at 40, some may consider candidates slightly older on a case-by-case basis.
Do surrogates breastfeed?
Typically, surrogates do not breastfeed the baby after birth. However, some intended parents may request breast milk to be pumped and shipped. This is always discussed ahead of time and agreed upon by both parties.
Can You Be A Surrogate If You Have HPV?
In most cases, having HPV (human papillomavirus) will not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate, especially if it is a non-active strain with no symptoms. However, you must be in good overall reproductive health, and your OB-GYN or fertility clinic will review your medical records and conduct testing to ensure there are no active issues that could affect pregnancy.
Can you be a surrogate after menopause?
No. Once you have gone through menopause, your body no longer produces eggs or maintains the hormonal environment needed for pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy still requires that the surrogate’s uterus is healthy and able to sustain a pregnancy, which is generally only possible before menopause.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a surrogate is an extraordinary act of love and generosity. Understanding the requirements for a surrogate mother helps ensure a smooth and safe journey for everyone involved. Whether you’re considering surrogacy yourself or looking for the right match as intended parents, having the right information empowers you to take the next step with confidence.
How SurrogateFirst Supports Surrogates
At SurrogateFirst, we guide potential surrogates every step of the way. From the moment a woman applies, our team offers education, emotional support, legal guidance, and access to top fertility clinics. We’re passionate about helping each surrogate feel confident and empowered throughout their journey.
Whether it’s navigating state laws, preparing for your embryo transfer, or staying connected with intended parents, SurrogateFirst is here to make sure your surrogacy experience is fulfilling and safe, for you and the family you’re helping.
Apply to become a surrogate
Why SurrogateFirst?
At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than a matching agency—we’re your support system.
- Compassionate, personalized matching
- 24/7 access to dedicated case managers
- Legal and medical coordination
- Transparent pricing
- Emotional support for surrogates and for intended parents alike
