Becoming a gestational surrogate is a deeply rewarding and life-changing experience, but it’s also a process filled with stringent requirements. Not everyone is eligible to become a gestational surrogate, and understanding the common disqualifiers can save
both time and disappointment for potential candidates. This blog post aims to provide an informative guide on the common gestational surrogate disqualifiers and why they are crucial.
1. Where you live
Some states limit surrogacy or even outright prohibit it. If you live in Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska or Arizona – unfortunately, you are unable to be a compensated surrogate. To find out if you can be a surrogate where you live – click here.
2. Age Restrictions: Ensuring Healthy Pregnancy
Per the ASRM guidelines, gestational surrogates must be within a specific age range, often between 21 and 40. Age plays a significant role in the ability to carry a pregnancy safely, and it’s one of the most common gestational surrogate disqualifiers.
Family Inceptions’ age requirement is between 24 and 39 years old.
3. Health and Weight Considerations: A Vital Factor
General health, including a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the accepted range, is essential. Chronic illnesses, obesity, or underlying health issues can impact the surrogate’s ability to carry a pregnancy and are common gestational surrogate disqualifiers. Family Inceptions BMI requirement is between 19 to 31.
4. Previous Pregnancy Experience: Proven Ability to Carry to Term
Having successfully carried a pregnancy to term without significant complications is required. This experience provides evidence of the body’s capability to handle a gestational pregnancy, reducing risks for both the surrogate and the intended parents. Not having this experience is a common gestational surrogate disqualifier.
5. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
Engaging in smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or illegal drug use is another common gestational surrogate disqualifier. A healthy lifestyle is vital for a successful surrogacy journey, and these factors can have adverse effects on pregnancy.
6. Mental Health Concerns: Stability and Well-being
A comprehensive mental health evaluation is part of the surrogacy screening process. Issues related to anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions might lead to disqualification if they could potentially interfere with the surrogacy process. You also cannot be currently taking any antidepressant medication.
7. Legal Status and Background Checks
You must be either a US Citizen or legal resident and have a clean criminal record. Legal disqualifiers include issues like unresolved legal disputes, felony convictions, or immigration status, as they can complicate the legal process of surrogacy.
Becoming a gestational surrogate is a path filled with careful evaluations and considerations. Understanding the common gestational surrogate disqualifiers helps potential candidates assess whether this path is right for them.
The requirements are in place to protect all parties involved, ensuring a healthy, successful pregnancy, and a fulfilling surrogacy experience. While the common gestational surrogate disqualifiers may seem stringent, they reflect the serious commitment and responsibilities that come with becoming a gestational surrogate.
