Do I Qualify To Be A Surrogate?
What are the requirements to carry a baby for someone else? Can just anyone be a surrogate? Interested in what an agency looks for in a surrogate? What does it take to give the biggest gift someone could ever give? Obviously, one basic thing is a BIG HEART, but if you are reading this I am guessing you already have one. Beyond that, here are some of the basic requirements that are necessary before applying.
Preferably 21-35 years of age, but you can be up to a healthy 40’s. Age is not just a number to some clinics and, sometime intended parents are particular about what age the gestational carrier is. Age is used as one of many factors when determining if you are a good candidate. So even if you are an older mom, please still apply!
Reside in the Pacific Northwest region. We accept intended parents from anywhere, but we like to keep are surrogates local so we can be there every step of the way for you - and that is so much easier to do if you are close by.
You must have given birth and be currently raising that child. We know there are so many women that have huge hearts that may not want any children of their own and want to help someone else have a baby. You guys are awesome, but it’s not a requirement we can budge off of. We also require your previous pregnancies were healthy, complication free and everything is in working order for your safety as well.
Body Mass Index or BMI. It’s scary and difficult to talk about, but very important factor. It has to be above 19 and below 32. We hate it as well. Many of us have that extra bit of weight we can’t get off but BMI is a huge factor – and since it’s a requirement of the clinics we work with, we can’t budge. Calculate my BMI.
You can’t be using illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes or marijuana, or abuse alcohol (we really hope that requirement is obvious!). Even though marijuana is legal in some areas, and we don’t judge you if use it if you aren’t trying to become a surrogate, if you do surrogacy is just not for you.
You can’t participate government aid programs, including cash assistance, welfare, low income housing or Medicaid. Surrogates are compensated and the time is limited in scope. It can cost you your assistance. And if your children depend on that assistance for things such as their health insurance, that can be a difficult pill to swallow. Additionally, from time to time a surrogate may be required to pay for something out of pocket up front and wait for reimbursement. Financial stability, and the ability to weather small storms, is very important.
You cannot have undergone the Essure or Adiana procedure. This is a definite disqualifier.
You must have the full support and understanding of family and friends- THIS IS HUGE! Being a surrogate is a very big commitment and you will need help at some point. You will need someone to lean on. We want to make sure you are taken care of and being supportive in your home and everyday life.
As with any general information, there are always exceptions and “yeah, buts,” so if you have any questions or are not sure about something just email us and ask! We would love to answer any questions you have. If you’ve read this and checked off all these boxes and are ready for the next step, we can’t wait for you to apply here.