Surrogate Mother Requirements- Key Factors to Consider
Thinking about surrogacy? You might wonder what it takes to be a surrogate mother. What are the key requirements, and how do they affect the process? Surrogate mother qualifications and criteria are important for a healthy pregnancy.
Requirements include being a US citizen, having a healthy BMI, and meeting age and health standards. The criteria also look at your pregnancy history, lifestyle, and environment. You need to have had a full-term pregnancy without issues and meet medical and psychological standards.
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Surrogate Mother Requirements – Summary Table
Here’s a concise table outlining the key medical, legal, and psychological requirements for a surrogate mother:
Category | Requirement |
Age Limit | 21 to 35 years (varies by country) |
Previous Pregnancy | Must have given birth to at least one healthy child |
Physical Health | No chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) |
BMI Requirement | Within a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) range |
Lifestyle Factors | No smoking, alcohol, or drug use |
Pregnancy History | No history of pregnancy complications (e.g., preterm labor, gestational diabetes) |
Medical Screening | Must pass ultrasound, hormone tests, and reproductive health exams |
Disease Screening | Tested for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, STDs, and other infections |
Mental Health | No history of severe depression, anxiety, or psychiatric disorders |
Emotional Stability | Must understand and accept the emotional aspects of surrogacy |
Support System | Should have support from spouse/partner or family |
Legal Age & Consent | Must meet legal requirements and provide informed consent |
Legal Contract | Willing to sign a surrogacy agreement and relinquish parental rights |
Criminal Background | Must pass background checks |
Residency/Citizenship | Must be a resident or citizen of a country where surrogacy is legal |
Financial Independence | Should not be coerced or in extreme financial distress |
Commitment to Medical Care | Must attend all medical checkups and follow doctor’s instructions |
Healthy Lifestyle | Maintain proper diet, exercise, and prenatal care |
Relocation Stability | No plans to relocate during pregnancy |
Willingness for Embryo Transfer | Must accept IVF procedures and medical protocols |
Understanding these requirements is key to navigating surrogacy. It helps you make informed decisions about your journey.
More Resources to Read:
Cost of Surrogacy in USA: What to Expect
Who Can Become Surrogate Mother: Requirements And Info
Surrogate Mother Cost for Twins: What to Expect
Average Cost for Surrogacy: Detailed Breakdown
Key Takeaways for Surrogate Mother Requirements
- Surrogate mothers must meet specific age and physical health requirements, including a healthy BMI and optimal reproductive capability.
- Prior pregnancy history and lifestyle factors, such as non-smoking and financial independence, are essential surrogate mother requirements.
- Surrogacy eligibility criteria vary by state, with some states having more restrictive laws and others being more surrogate-friendly.
- Surrogate mothers must undergo medical and psychological screenings to ensure they are physically and emotionally capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.
- Compensation for surrogacy typically ranges from $49,000 to $60,000 in commercial surrogacy states, and surrogates are usually compensated regardless of the pregnancy outcome.
- Surrogacy is fully legal and enforceable in 10 states, with pre-birth orders granted and dual parentage on birth certificates.
Basic Surrogate Mother Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Surrogate Mother Requirements that you would like to consider-
A surrogate mother must meet specific medical, legal, and psychological criteria to ensure a healthy pregnancy and successful surrogacy journey.
1. Medical Requirements for surrogate mother
✅ Age Limit: Typically between 21 to 35 years (varies by country and clinic).
✅ Previous Pregnancy: Must have given birth to at least one healthy child.
✅ Good Physical Health: No chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
✅ Healthy BMI: Within a medically recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) range.
✅ No Smoking, Alcohol, or Drug Use: Must be free from substance abuse.
✅ No History of Pregnancy Complications: No preterm labor, gestational diabetes, or other issues.
✅ Reproductive Health Screening: Clear ultrasound, hormone levels, and normal uterus condition.
✅ No Genetic or Infectious Diseases: Tested for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, STDs, and other infections.
2. Psychological & Emotional Requirements for surrogate mother
✅ Mentally Stable: No history of severe depression, anxiety, or psychiatric disorders.
✅ Emotional Readiness: Must understand and accept the emotional aspects of surrogacy.
✅ Support System: Should have a supportive spouse/partner or family.
✅ Not Under Psychological Stress: No recent traumatic experiences (e.g., major loss, divorce).
3. Legal & Ethical Requirements for surrogate mother
✅ Legal Age & Consent: Must meet the legal age requirement in the country.
✅ Willing to Sign a Legal Contract: Agrees to relinquish parental rights after birth.
✅ No Criminal Background: Must pass background checks for safety.
✅ Residency & Citizenship: Must be a resident or citizen of a country where surrogacy is legal.
✅ No Coercion or Financial Hardship: Should not be forced into surrogacy due to extreme financial distress.
4. Lifestyle & Commitment Requirements for surrogate mother
✅ Commitment to Medical Appointments: Must attend all medical checkups and follow doctors’ instructions.
✅ Willing to Follow a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a proper diet, exercise, and prenatal care.
✅ No Plans for Relocation During Pregnancy: Must stay in a stable environment.
✅ Agreeable to Embryo Transfer Procedures: Understands and accepts the IVF process.
Medical Screening and Health Prerequisites
Thinking about becoming a surrogate? It’s key to know the health checks needed. These ensure a safe pregnancy and birth. Tests include blood work, ultrasounds, and more to check your health.
A full medical check covers your health history and lab tests. You’ll also need to share about your past pregnancies. Most agencies want these to be healthy and without big issues. Each agency and clinic has its own rules, so check theirs carefully.
Medical Screening Test | Purpose |
Blood tests | To detect infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis |
Ultrasounds | To evaluate the surrogate mother’s reproductive health |
Pap smear | To detect cervical abnormalities |
Urine drug test | To ensure the surrogate mother is drug-free |
Knowing the health checks and criteria helps you decide if surrogacy is right for you. Always check the rules of the agency you’re interested in. This way, you’ll know if you meet their requirements.
Legal Requirements and Documentation for Surrogate Mothers
Thinking about becoming a surrogate mother? It’s key to know the legal stuff and what documents you need. The surrogate mother eligibility rules change by state. You must follow local laws to make the journey easy. The surrogate mother screening is also important to pick the right surrogate.
The surrogate mother selection process checks the surrogate’s health, lifestyle, and personal life. This makes sure the surrogate is ready for the journey.
Some important legal needs and documents for surrogate mothers are:
- State-specific laws and regulations governing surrogacy
- Contractual obligations between the surrogate and intended parents
- Insurance and financial documents to cover medical costs
Working with a good agency or lawyer is crucial. They help you understand and meet the legal needs of surrogacy. This way, you can have a successful and worry-free surrogacy journey.
The Surrogate Mother Screening Process
The screening process checks if you’re ready physically and emotionally. It’s all about making sure you’re ready for this big step.
The process has several steps. You’ll go through psychological evaluations, background checks, and home assessments. These steps aim to create a safe space for you and the intended parents.
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Psychological Evaluation Requirements
A psychological evaluation is a big part of the screening. It checks if you’re mentally and emotionally ready for surrogacy. This helps find any issues and makes sure you can handle the emotional ups and downs.
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Background Check Process
There’s also a detailed background check. This includes looking at your social media. It’s to make sure you’re safe and stable. This step confirms your information and ensures a secure journey.
Understanding the screening process helps you make the right choice for your surrogacy journey. It’s about welcoming you into a supportive environment, not keeping you out.
Additional Resources to Read:
Choosing the Best Surrogacy Agency in Georgia Country
The Complete Guide to Surrogacy Cost Without Agency
13 Crucial Factors for Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency for You
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Surrogacy
The surrogacy process needs careful thought about the surrogate’s qualifications and the screening process. These steps are key for a healthy and successful journey. Whether you’re a potential surrogate or an intended parent, choosing a good surrogacy agency is crucial.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gestational surrogacy is still rare. Yet, it’s becoming more important for those facing health issues or biological limits.
Knowing the screening process and legal, medical, and psychological needs helps you decide wisely. This choice should be made with the help of experts. It ensures a positive outcome for everyone involved.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Ukraine Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
Our team has over 14 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)
Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com
FAQs for Surrogate Mother Requirements
What are the basic requirements to become a surrogate mother?
To become a surrogate mother, you must be between 21 and 40 years old. You also need a healthy body mass index (BMI). Plus, you should have given birth to a child before.
Surrogate mothers must also pass medical and psychological screenings. These tests check if they can carry a pregnancy to term safely.
What lifestyle and environmental factors impact a surrogate mother’s eligibility?
Surrogate mothers must not smoke and have a stable home. They need to be ready for medical and psychological screenings too.
Having a supportive family and friends is also key. They help through the surrogacy journey.
What medical screenings are required for surrogate mothers?
Surrogate mothers go through blood tests, ultrasounds, and more. These tests check if they can carry a pregnancy safely.
These screenings are crucial for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
What legal requirements and documentation are necessary for surrogate mothers?
Surrogate mothers must sign a contract. This outlines their duties during the surrogacy journey.
They also need good insurance to cover any medical issues. Plus, they must follow state laws.
What is the surrogate mother screening process like?
The screening process includes interviews and evaluations. It checks if the surrogate mother is ready for pregnancy.
This ensures she’s a good match for the intended parents.
Source Links
- https://www.extraconceptions.com/surrogate-center-overview/usa/requirements/ – Surrogate Requirements & Qualifications | Extraordinary Conceptions
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9360172/ – Surrogate Decision Makers Need Better Preparation for Their Role: Advice from Experienced Surrogates

Highly esteemed, authoritative, and trusted professional with a 14-year of experience in international surrogacy. Advocate for Secure, Legal, and Affordable International Surrogacy.
Neelam Chhagani, MA (Counselling Psychology) and Holistic Infertility and Third-Party Reproduction Consultant.
Member of European Fertility Society, Best Surrogacy Blogger of 2020, with 300 dedicated blogs, and top contributor on Quora for Surrogacy.
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