Are you interested in becoming a surrogate mother with Circle, but not sure if you meet the requirements? In order to make the process as simple as possible, we’ve provided a list of requirements and the purpose of each requirement, for full transparency. Our top priority is the health and well-being not just for our babies, but for our surrogates! The strict requirements are to ensure the most positive outcome for both the baby and the surrogate, because we care about safety above all else.
We are excited that you are interested in becoming a surrogate! There’s nothing quite like bringing a baby into this world. And for intended parents who planned on having a family but are unable to on their own, surrogate moms restore their hope and optimism about parenthood. Before you apply to become a surrogate, it will be helpful to review our requirements to verify that you are a good fit for Circle, and we are a good fit for you!
What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate through Circle?
- Our surrogates must have a child of their own, and are currently parenting at least one child.
- We need to be sure an applicant can get pregnant and successfully carry a pregnancy.
- We require all surrogates to have uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries in the past, as documented by medical records.
- Women that have had complications during pregnancy or labor are at a higher risk of injury or additional complications to the baby and themselves. We put the safety of our surrogates and babies above all and do not want to risk any complications.
- Surrogates must be between the ages of 21-44 years old.
- While there are cases of uncomplicated pregnancies outside of this age range, age limits are set by the IVF clinics. Because of fluctuating hormones and the increased health risks to you and the baby or babies, the age limit is no higher than 44 years of age.
- In most circumstances, must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of no higher than 33.
- These rules are set by the IVF clinics. The BMI requirements are established not only for health reasons, but also to ensure that you will respond appropriately to the medications necessary for this process. Calculate My BMI.
- Surrogates must be citizens, legal residents or legal immigrants of the United States. If a surrogate is a legal resident or legal immigrant of the United States, the surrogate must be able to provide documentation that is valid for at least 2 years. They must also have a valid driver’s license.
- Every state and country has different laws for surrogates, and we are legally only warranted to work with surrogates in the 46 states where surrogacy is legal. We cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska, Louisiana, Michigan, and New York. To learn more about state specific laws and regulations, we have pages for each state with additional information!
- Our surrogates cannot participate in the following government aid programs: cash assistance, welfare, public housing and section 8. All other forms of government assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- The income requirements for these programs are generally stricter than other programs, such as food stamps, WIC, and subsidized childcare. Reimbursements received while you are acting as a gestational surrogate could potentially make you ineligible for certain benefits. We would hate for any of our surrogates to lose benefits because of compensation received being a surrogate.
- Surrogates must have the support of their family. If married or partnered, the surrogate must have her partner’s support. Also, the surrogate and her partner/primary support person must agree to participate in a social work screening.
- Becoming a surrogate is an enormous decision and it is critical to have a support system in place throughout the journey. Being a surrogate impacts all areas of life and the lives of the surrogate’s immediate family. Everyone that will be impacted needs to be on board in order for the journey to be successful.
- Our surrogates need to be financially secure and must lead a stable, responsible lifestyle.
- Acting as a home for someone else’s baby is a big responsibility. To guarantee that the baby is safe and not exposed to excessive stress, we require that our surrogates can provide a stable and healthy environment for themselves and the baby.
- Surrogates must be willing to travel for IVF process. Please note, often these trips include overnight stays.
- Depending on the state and town in which our surrogates live, there may not be a clinic a short distance away. This may require travel.
- We require that our surrogates do not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol.
- In order to make certain that our babies are in the safest environment, we cannot accept surrogates who use drugs or alcohol which could put the baby at risk. Using drugs or alcohol can also lead to complications or health risks for the surrogate.
As you consider surrogacy, you may have questions along the way. With many experienced surrogates on staff, we’ve helped women navigate their surrogacy journeys successfully, and have answered almost every question out there and put our most frequently asked questions on our website! If you have additional questions, you can reach out to us on social or email us!
Good luck!