Requirements to Become a Surrogate Mother

Age

• Age is a factor for surrogate mothers. According to Circle Surrogacy, a surrogate agency in Boston, Massachusetts, a surrogate mother should be between the ages of 21 and 37 years old. The upper age limit is in place because the risk of complications and birth defects goes up with the age of the mother.

No First-Time Mothers

• Agencies are looking for surrogate mothers who have already gone through the birthing experience, either as a surrogate or as a mother to existing children. This is the best way to ensure that a surrogate understands both what it means to carry a child and can imagine the emotional implications of giving that child to someone else.

Health

• A surrogate mother needs to be in good health and have a body mass index that falls within the normal range. Body weight is an important consideration for surrogate mothers, because being overweight can lead to health problems and complications during pregnancy.

Drugs/Alcohol

• You need to be drug and alcohol-free to become a surrogate mother. You must be a non-smoker. If you have been using birth control pills, you must have at least two regular menstrual cycles before becoming a surrogate.

Residency

• There are some states that do not permit surrogate arrangements. In Arizona, Utah, Michigan, Utah, Washington and the District of Columbia, it is illegal to be a surrogate mother. Other states--such as Wyoming, Nebraska and New Jersey--will not honor surrogate contracts as valid. Talk to a lawyer familiar with the surrogacy laws in your state before deciding to become a surrogate mother.

Psychological

• Not everyone is mentally equipped to give up a child after carrying it for nine months. It is in everyone's best interest if the surrogate mother demonstrates she is in good mental health prior to becoming pregnant. Surrogate agencies will take a mental health history and do a mental health evaluation prior to accepting a surrogate. If an applicant has any history of mental instability or any history of anti-depressant use, it may affect her ability to become a surrogate.

Giving a Child Away

• A surrogate must be willing and able to relinquish all rights to the child after giving birth. While agencies do their best to screen out anyone who may be unable to follow through with the surrogate arrangement, it is ultimately up to you to determine if you are able to do so.