Requirements & Disqualifications
Surrogate Requirements: See If You Qualify for Surrogacy
Women interested in becoming surrogates with Circle Surrogacy should meet the gestational surrogate requirements and qualifications listed below.
Surrogate Requirements
-
Be between 21- 42 years of age
-
Has delivered a child of her own and is currently parenting at least one child
-
Has completed at least one successful pregnancy and birth without complications
-
Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 33. Calculate My BMI
-
Reside in the United States in a surrogate-friendly state (we cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska or Louisiana)
-
-
Not 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
-
-
Have the support of her family. If married or partnered, the surrogate must have her partner’s support
-
Be willing to travel to a fertility clinic for the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process
-
Not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol
-
These requirements were created under the guidance of fertility clinics and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). We maintain these guidelines, which are proven to be successful by 99.4% of our parents bringing home babies, in the best interests of both IPs and surrogates.
What Disqualifies You From Being a Surrogate?
When a woman doesn't meet surrogate requirements, it means she does not meet the specific criteria put forth by fertility clinics to have the best chance at a successful surrogate pregnancy possible for all parties involved.
Reasons why a surrogate applicant may be disqualified:
Not being in the correct age range
Has not previously given birth
Having a BMI above the accepted range
Not living in a surrogacy-friendly state
Not meeting health requirements, such as being a smoker
Not meeting the financial requirements
Not having the support of her family and/or spouse
Her current lifestyle or well being does not allow for the emotional and mental commitment of surrogacy
This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, it's important to understand that the compensation you receive as a surrogate could affect your Medicaid eligibility because of the increased income. This could potentially lead to losing coverage. This is why surrogates who participate in certain government aid programs, such as public housing, are not eligible to serve as surrogates.
When you apply to become a surrogate, you're asked to define your official marital status as single or divorced. If you and your partner are separated but not officially divorced, you may want to wait until your divorce has been finalized. Taking on the responsibilities of surrogacy during a separation or right after a divorce can be emotionally challenging.
At this time, we are unable to accept applicants who were prescribed antidepressants for postpartum depression after their most recent delivery, numerous prior deliveries, or all prior deliveries. If your depression wasn't related to postpartum concerns, we make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Surrogate Requirements FAQs
Below are some common questions about surrogate requirements. You can read our full list of FAQs about the general surrogacy process here.
If you do not qualify for surrogacy, that is not a reflection on you as a person. It simply means that a surrogate pregnancy is not the right fit for your health or lifestyle at this time.
For example, a BMI above 33 does not mean you are not healthy. It simply means you are not in the optimal range for the IVF medications and guidelines for being a surrogate. These mandates ensure you will properly respond to medications and have the best chance of carrying a successful pregnancy.
If you meet the above requirements, we’d love to meet you! See if you qualify with our short application.