13 Disqualifications for Becoming a Surrogate

Becoming a gestational surrogate is one of the most profound ways to help others build their families. But it’s also a journey that comes with significant responsibility and specific requirements. At Family Inceptions, our team includes former surrogates, including our founder, who understand firsthand the importance of these qualifications. This unique perspective allows us to guide potential surrogates through the process with both professional expertise and personal understanding.

Introduction to Gestational Surrogacy

At Family Inceptions, we view gestational surrogacy as a beautiful collaboration between two families. Unlike traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogates carry embryos created from another person’s egg (either the intended mother’s or a donor’s), making them the carrier but not the biological mother of the child.

With team members who have been surrogates themselves, we understand that this remarkable process requires careful screening to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved – the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents. Our extensive experience has shown that successful surrogacy journeys begin with candidates who meet specific health and lifestyle criteria.

Disqualifications for Gestational Surrogacy

Let’s be completely honest: surrogacy is a significant commitment that isn’t for everyone. While it’s one of the most rewarding ways to help build families, it’s crucial to be upfront about the reality of this journey. Carrying a child for another family requires dedication, emotional strength, and a genuine desire to help others. It’s definitely not a quick way to make money – the journey typically takes 15-18 months and involves medical procedures, appointments, and lifestyle adjustments that impact both you and your family.

These requirements exist for good reason. They aren’t about being exclusionary – they’re about ensuring the highest possible chance of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Our team includes former surrogates who understand firsthand what this journey entails, and our guidelines are based on years of medical research, industry best practices, and personal experience.

3. Unhealthy BMI (Body Mass Index)

Your BMI might seem like just a number, but in surrogacy, it’s a crucial indicator of your body’s readiness to support a healthy pregnancy. Most agencies require a BMI between 18.5 and 30. Think of it as your car needing to be in good working order before a long road trip.

There’s solid science behind this requirement. Being significantly under or overweight can increase risks during pregnancy, from gestational diabetes to delivery complications. It’s not about appearance – it’s about creating the optimal environment for growing a healthy baby.

4. Type 1 & Gestational Diabetes

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is like walking a tightrope – it requires constant balance and monitoring. While many women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies, the additional risks and complications make it a disqualifying factor for surrogacy.

Both Type 1 and a history of gestational diabetes can increase the chances of complications like macrosomia (large baby), preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. Since surrogacy already involves complex medical procedures, adding these additional risks isn’t considered safe.

7. Other Underlying Health Conditions

Your body is like a finely tuned instrument – every part needs to be working in harmony for a healthy pregnancy. Certain health conditions, such as:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Heart conditions
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Blood clotting disorders
• Severe mental health conditions can pose significant risks during pregnancy and are therefore disqualifying factors for surrogacy.

8. No Previous Children

Having carried and delivered at least one child of your own isn’t just a checkbox requirement – it’s a crucial qualification that demonstrates your body’s ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy and handle the physical and emotional aspects of carrying a child.

This experience helps ensure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for and proves your body’s capability to support a pregnancy successfully.

11. Not Being a U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident

Citizenship or legal residency isn’t just about paperwork – it’s about ensuring access to consistent, quality healthcare and legal protections throughout the surrogacy journey. It also helps prevent complicated international legal situations and ensures all parties are protected under U.S. law.

12. Living in a Non-Surrogacy-Friendly State

The surrogacy landscape in the United States is like a patchwork quilt – each state has its own laws and regulations. Some states embrace surrogacy arrangements, while others restrict or prohibit them entirely.

Living in a state that doesn’t support surrogacy can create legal complications and may prevent you from becoming a surrogate, regardless of how qualified you might be otherwise.

13.Living in an Unsafe Environment

Your living environment plays a crucial role in a healthy pregnancy. Unsafe conditions, whether physical or emotional, can put both you and the baby at risk. This includes:

• Unstable housing situations
• Exposure to domestic violence
• High-crime areas
• Environmental hazards

Qualifying To Become a Surrogate

If you’ve made it through this list and haven’t found any disqualifying factors, you might be wondering about the next steps. Remember, choosing to become a surrogate should come from a place of genuine desire to help others create families. While surrogates are compensated for their dedication and commitment, the journey requires much more than just meeting medical criteria – it requires emotional readiness, a supportive family environment, and a sincere commitment to the process.

Qualifying as a surrogate involves meeting positive criteria such as:

Why Surrogates Are Choosing Family Inceptions

At Family Inceptions, we understand that becoming a surrogate is about more than just meeting medical criteria – it’s about joining a community that supports and celebrates your incredible gift. Our surrogates choose us because we offer:

• Comprehensive support throughout your journey
• Clear communication and transparency
• Competitive compensation packages
• Experienced staff who understand the surrogacy process
• A warm, welcoming community of fellow surrogates

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Understanding these disqualifications is just the beginning of your surrogacy journey. If you believe you meet the qualifications and are ready to explore this amazing opportunity, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to speak with our team about becoming a surrogate. Your journey toward helping create a family could begin with just one conversation.

Call 844-404-BABY or fill out our online application form to take the first step toward becoming a surrogate. Join the remarkable women who are making dreams come true through surrogacy.