Surrogate Requirements 

Being a surrogate takes a very special person and understanding the qualifications is the first step in creating a positive and healthy experience for all involved. On this page, we discuss various surrogate requirements including age, physical health, and legal qualifications such as which state you live in. Additionally, we cover other considerations which may affect your eligibility such as emotional and financial stability. 

What Is Required to Be a Surrogate?

At Donor Nexus, we offer gestational surrogacy services. Gestational surrogacy is a process where a woman carries a baby for another person or couple using an embryo created with the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm. One of the most important aspects of surrogacy is finding a qualified surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, who is a good match for the intended parent(s). Below, you will find the requirements to be a surrogate with Donor Nexus.

Gestational Surrogate Qualifications 

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Live in a surrogacy-friendly state (list below)
  • Age 21-40
  • Non-smoker
  • Overall good physical health
  • No serious medical conditions
  • Healthy BMI
  • Healthy reproductive system
  • Emotionally and financially stable
  • Previous healthy pregnancy a plus
  • Previous surrogacy experience a plus

 

Continue reading for a more comprehensive look into some of the surrogate requirements. 

Age and Physical Health

The first and foremost qualification for a surrogate is physical health. The surrogate should be in good overall health and free of any serious medical conditions that could affect the pregnancy. She should have a healthy weight, be a non-smoker, and not use any illegal drugs. 

The surrogate should also have a healthy reproductive system and be able to carry a baby to full term. At Donor Nexus, we require potential surrogates to undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure that she is a good candidate for surrogacy.

In addition to good physical health, the gestational surrogate should be of a certain age range. Generally, gestational surrogates are between the ages of 21 and 40. Age is an important factor because it can affect the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and the health of the baby.

Legal Qualifications

Surrogacy involves a rather complex legal process; it is important that the gestational carrier meets the legal qualifications. First, the surrogate should be over 21 years of age and have the legal right to work and live in the country where the surrogacy is taking place. The surrogate should be willing to undergo legal counseling to understand the surrogacy process and the legal implications involved. 

Must Live in a Surrogacy-Friendly State

Additionally, we are currently only accepting applications from women living in surrogacy-friendly states. As surrogacy is regulated on a state level rather than federal, some states are more supportive of the surrogacy process than others. Please refer to the following list of surrogacy-friendly states and districts:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Delaware
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Nevada
  • Vermont
  • Washington

 

Emotional Stability

Another important qualification for a gestational carrier is emotional stability. Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging for the surrogate, as she is carrying a child for someone else. It is important that she has a strong support system in place and is emotionally prepared for the process. It is understandable for a surrogate to form a special bond with the baby while they are in her womb. However, it is important that she is able to separate her own feelings from the pregnancy and not become attached to the baby. 

Home and Financial Stability

Although we proudly offer generous compensation packages to our surrogates, it is important that the finances are not the sole motivator. Being a surrogate takes heart, commitment, and responsibility. We consider factors such as a stable home environment and financial stability in our surrogate vetting process.

Experience

Lastly, while not a strict qualification, experience can be a valuable asset for a surrogate. Experienced surrogates may have a better understanding of the process and be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise. They may also be able to provide valuable support to first-time intended parents. Additionally, having previous first-hand experience of pregnancy and childbirth may be beneficial to the surrogacy journey. 

Surrogates Make Dreams Come True

It requires a very special person to even consider becoming a surrogate, so we thank you for your interest in the Donor Nexus Surrogate Program! By carefully vetting potential surrogates, we are able to offer higher chances of success to intended parents and provide a positive, fulfilling experience for all involved. If you meet all the surrogate qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply to our surrogate program. As a boutique agency, we provide our surrogates with personalized and compassionate care throughout the entire process, from application to postpartum. If you have any additional questions, please get in touch with our team.

Get in Touch

We are always here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to start your journey!