Surrogacy requirements in California are designed to ensure safe, successful pregnancies for both the surrogate and the baby. While California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states, not every applicant qualifies.
At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), requirements are based on medical guidelines, pregnancy history, and lifestyle factors that directly impact outcomes. These standards are not arbitrary. They are built from years of clinical experience and real case management.
This page outlines the exact requirements to become a surrogate in California, including age, prior pregnancy history, BMI, and key health considerations.
For a detailed explanation on surrogacy requirments visit:
https://eggdonorandsurrogacy.com/surrogates/surrogate-requirements/.
Table of contents
- Age Requirements for Surrogates in California
- Health and BMI Requirements
- Lifestyle and Logistical Requirements
- Disqualifications for Surrogacy in California
- Why Surrogacy Requirements Are Strict in California
- Can You Still Qualify If You Do Not Meet All Requirements?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Requirements in California
Age Requirements for Surrogates in California
Age is important when it comes to your safety. Women over a certain age have a harder time not only becoming pregnant and while they are pregnant, but healing from the pregnancy. While you can be perfectly healthy, this is just a precaution that we take.
You also need to be at least 21-years-old. While women under 21 can be wonderful mothers, we always suggest that women who become Surrogates not want any more children of their own.
Health and BMI Requirements
We ask that all of our Surrogate Mothers have already given birth to at least one child. This will help us to work with you throughout your pregnancy. We need to know whether you had any complications or issues with delivery or carrying the baby. Not all complications are going to disqualify you, but there are some things we will need to plan for, ahead of time if possible.
Of course, we also ask that you are raising (or have raised) your child. Anyone who has legally lost their child is not able to be a Surrogate.
Lifestyle and Logistical Requirements
Being a Surrogate requires you to go to medical appointments and meet with our Case Managers. While we can work with you on meeting times, you will need to have access to reliable transportation. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to drive, but you should be able to get somewhere you need to go with few problems.
Disqualifications for Surrogacy in California
If you are of a healthy weight, you are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy. By keeping your weight down, you will feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy and you may have fewer complications that can harm you or the baby. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to be a bodybuilder or a size 0. We simply ask that you fall within a healthy BMI range between 18-30.
Why Surrogacy Requirements Are Strict in California
Surrogacy programs follow strict screening criteria because pregnancy carries medical risk. Fertility clinics, agencies, and physicians work together to minimize complications by selecting candidates with proven pregnancy history and stable health.
These requirements are not meant to exclude women, but to protect all parties involved and improve success rates across the entire surrogacy process.
Can You Still Qualify If You Do Not Meet All Requirements?
Remember that these requirements aren’t put into place without a lot of thought, data, and consideration. Your mental, physical, and emotional health all matter to us. If you do not meet these requirements, or any of the other requirements, we may be able to help you meet them. We can give you resources or tips to meet some of the criteria.
If you are considering becoming a surrogate and want to know if you qualify, you can begin with a simple pre-screening process to review your eligibility and expected compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Requirements in California
Surrogates in California must meet specific medical and lifestyle criteria, including age guidelines, prior successful pregnancy, healthy BMI, and a stable living environment. Each candidate is also reviewed based on medical history.
Certain conditions such as high-risk pregnancy history, untreated medical issues, substance use, or not meeting BMI and age guidelines may disqualify a candidate. Each case is reviewed individually.
Yes. Surrogates must have at least one prior successful pregnancy and be currently raising their child. This helps ensure they understand the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy.
Most programs require surrogates to be between 21 and 37 years old, although some flexibility may exist depending on overall health and pregnancy history.
Most agencies require a BMI between 18 and 30 to reduce pregnancy-related risks and improve outcomes.
In some cases, candidates may still qualify depending on their overall health and medical history. A full review is required to determine eligibility.
Not necessarily. However, California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states, and many programs prioritize candidates who can travel for medical screening and embryo transfer.
