What Requirements Do I Need to Meet to Be a Surrogate?

One of the biggest misconceptions about surrogacy is that anyone can be a surrogate. But there are specific criteria you must meet to serve as the person who carries and delivers a baby for someone else. 

At Great Beginnings Surrogacy Services (GBSS) in San Diego, California, our team, including fertility and surrogacy expert Dr. Samuel Wood, has been matching intended parents (IP) with their ideal surrogates for more than 20 years, guiding them through every step of the process.

We’re so successful because we have strict criteria for our surrogates. Here are the requirements you need to meet to be a surrogate.

The right age

According to surrogate guidelines provided by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), surrogates must be of legal age and ideally between the ages of 21 and 45.

Our surrogates are between the ages of 21 and 36. We have tighter age requirements because we want our surrogates to have a healthy and safe pregnancy. Pregnancy is a health risk for all women, but the risk of complications is greater as women get older. 

History of a healthy pregnancy

You must have a history of at least one healthy, full-term, and uncomplicated pregnancy to be a surrogate. Your pregnancy history is a good indicator of what we can expect as a gestational surrogate. Again, we want to make sure the process keeps you safe and healthy.

Though we want people with a history of a healthy pregnancy, the ideal surrogate shouldn’t have had more than five vaginal deliveries or three cesarean-section deliveries. 

In good overall health

Body mass index (BMI) is a tool health care providers use to evaluate overall health and risk of disease. Though it’s not a perfect measurement, it’s one of the tools we use when screening potential candidates.

Our surrogates must have a BMI below 32.

Supportive home environment

Pregnancy is stressful. We do everything possible to ensure our surrogates get everything they need throughout the process, providing great prenatal care and emotional support throughout their journey. However, as a surrogate, you also need this support at home.

Our surrogates must have a stable and supportive home environment. We also require our surrogates to be United States citizens and live in a surrogate-friendly state like California. 

If you meet these basic requirements, then you might make a good surrogate. However, after the initial screening, we do a thorough medical and psychological evaluation before we consider you a candidate for surrogacy. This evaluation includes:

• Review of medical records
• Background check
• Physical exam and screening tests
• Psychological screening

We also require a letter from your OB/GYN stating you would make a good surrogate. 

Surrogacy is very rewarding, but it isn’t for everyone. If you’re thinking about being a surrogate, complete our online application so our coordinator can contact you to discuss the process and talk to you about the next steps. 

You can also call our office or use the book online button to schedule a gestational surrogate consultation.