The journey to parenthood through surrogacy represents one of life’s most meaningful collaborations. When a woman agrees to carry a child for intended parents, she’s offering an extraordinary gift that creates families and fulfills dreams. To protect this special woman and ensure the best chance for a healthy pregnancy, The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and IVF Clinics establish careful screening guidelines that surrogacy agencies follow. While these standards sometimes mean that a potential surrogate may not qualify, they exist to safeguard everyone involved: the intended parents, and the future child but most importantly the surrogate
If you’ve ever considered becoming a surrogate, you might wonder why certain requirements exist and how they affect your eligibility. These qualification standards serve several important purposes beyond simply screening candidates. They help identify surrogates who can safely carry a pregnancy to term, reduce the risk of complications that might affect both surrogate and baby, and create the foundation for a positive experience throughout the journey. For fertility clinics and medical professionals, these guidelines reflect years of experience and research about factors that contribute to successful outcomes.
The medical requirements for surrogacy are designed to identify candidates with the highest likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Age typically plays a significant role, with most agencies and clinics looking for surrogates between 21 and 45 years old. This range balances reproductive health with the maturity needed for such an important commitment. Women in this age group generally experience fewer pregnancy complications while having the life experience to navigate the complex emotional aspects of carrying a child for someone else.
Body mass index (BMI) guidelines, usually between 19 and 32, reflect research showing connections between weight and pregnancy outcomes. These requirements aren’t about appearance but rather about reducing risks like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia that can complicate a pregnancy. Some clinics may have stricter BMI requirements, while others might evaluate candidates with higher BMIs on a case-by-case basis, especially if they have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies.
Previous pregnancy experience is perhaps the most important qualification for potential surrogates. Most agencies require that candidates have delivered at least one child without major complications. This requirement confirms your ability to carry a pregnancy to term and provides valuable information about how your body responds to pregnancy. The timing since your last delivery also matters, with most clinics requiring at least 6-9 months after a vaginal birth and 9-12 months following a cesarean delivery before beginning a surrogate pregnancy.
In addition to pregnancy history, there are a variety of health and lifestyle factors that can also contribute to surrogate qualification decisions. These requirements help determine if your personal circumstances will allow you to focus on a healthy pregnancy without undue stress or complications. Rather than making judgments about lifestyle choices, these standards reflect the significant commitment that surrogacy represents and the need for stability throughout the journey:
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides general guidelines for surrogacy clinics, but each clinic establishes its own specific requirements based on their medical protocols and experience. This variation means that if you don’t qualify at one clinic, you might be accepted at another. In these cases, the surrogacy agency can often suggest alternative options that might be a better fit for you. These differences aren’t about clinic quality, but instead reflect varying approaches to managing medical risk.
At Creative Family Connections, we work closely with a wide range of IVF clinics, which allows us to help match you with intended parents at a clinic that aligns with your individual circumstances. Our goal is not just to follow guidelines, but to understand the full picture of your health, background, and motivations. While we maintain high screening standards, we also know that not every strong candidate fits neatly into a checklist. After all, surrogates are human, and as we explain to our intended parents waiting for their match, it’s not common to find a surrogate candidate with no blemish.
This individualized approach helps us advocate for you if you fall outside a particular clinic’s requirements but still have the potential to carry a healthy pregnancy. Whether you have a slightly elevated BMI, a distant medical concern, or a life event that warrants explanation, we take time to review the details thoughtfully and respectfully. Our legal and the clinical teams may request additional documentation or letters of explanation, ensuring that the decision-making process is informed, balanced, and fair.[1]
The nature of surrogacy makes some disqualifications necessary, but they don’t always mean the end of the road. At Creative Family Connections, we take the time to understand each surrogate candidate as a whole person, not just a checklist. Our team works closely with you to navigate qualification requirements with care, transparency, and compassion. If you have questions about what might affect your eligibility or want to learn more about how we guide families through the matching process, contact us today to start the conversation.
[1] https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/minimum-standards-for-practices-offering-assisted-reproductive-technologies-a-committee-opinion-2021/