Quick Summary
Surrogate qualifications ensure you can safely carry a pregnancy and navigate the medical, legal, and emotional demands of surrogacy. You must be 21-40 years old, have had at least one successful pregnancy, maintain a BMI under 32, and meet specific medical and lifestyle standards. Parham Zar and the team at Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) evaluate surrogate qualifications individually, addressing concerns like tubal ligation, antidepressants, and prior C-sections. This guide explains every qualification, common edge cases, and how EDSI supports candidates through the screening process.
Table of contents
- What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Surrogate
- Why Do These Qualifications Exist
- What Age Do You Need to Be to Become a Surrogate
- What Medical Conditions Disqualify You From Surrogacy?
- Can You Be a Surrogate After Tubal Ligation?
- Can You Be a Surrogate After Endometrial Ablation?
- What BMI Do You Need to Be a Surrogate
- Can You Be a Surrogate If You’re on Antidepressants?
- Can You Be a Surrogate With a Criminal Record?
- Do You Need to Be a U.S. Citizen to Be a Surrogate?
- Can You Be on Public Assistance and Be a Surrogate?
- Do You Need a Smoke-Free, Drug-Free Home to Be a Surrogate
- How Does EDSI Support Surrogates Who Don’t Initially Qualify?
- What Happens During Surrogate Screening?
- Key Takeaways: Surrogate Qualifications 2026
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Surrogate
Surrogate qualifications focus on health history, lifestyle stability, and legal eligibility to ensure safe pregnancy outcomes and strong IVF success rates.Surrogates must be 21-40 years old with at least one successful pregnancy. Additional requirements include BMI under 32, U.S. citizenship or green card, and substance-free home.
EDSI follows guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and works with top fertility clinics to ensure every surrogate candidate meets medical screening standards before matching with intended parents.
Core surrogate qualifications:
- Surrogates must be between 21 and 40 years old.
- Surrogates must have completed at least one successful full-term pregnancy with no major complications.
- Surrogates must maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32 or lower.
- Surrogates must be U.S. citizens or green card holders.
- Surrogates must live in substance-free homes with no smoking, drugs, or alcohol abuse.
- Surrogates must have reliable transportation for medical appointments.
- Surrogates must maintain stable home environments with family support.
- Surrogates cannot currently receive certain forms of public assistance.
- Surrogates must pass psychological evaluations.
- Surrogates must pass medical screening at fertility clinics.
These requirements ensure that surrogates can handle the physical demands of pregnancy, respond well to IVF medications, and provide a healthy environment for fetal development.
For a quick requirements checklist, visit our surrogate requirements page.
Once you meet these requirements, learn about surrogate compensation in 2026.
Why Do These Qualifications Exist
Surrogate qualifications protect your health, increase pregnancy success rates, and ensure legal clarity throughout the journey. These standards evolved from decades of clinical experience helping thousands of surrogates safely carry pregnancies while minimizing medical and legal risks.
Fertility clinics track which factors predict healthy pregnancies and successful embryo transfers. Age limits reflect fertility windows. BMI guidelines reduce pregnancy complications. Lifestyle requirements protect fetal development.
Requirements are not arbitrary barriers.
Medical safety: Previous pregnancy history proves a woman’s body can carry to term. Age and BMI affect hormone response and embryo implantation rates. Substance exposure damages fetal development.
Legal protection: Citizenship requirements ensure surrogates can sign enforceable contracts. Psychological screening confirms emotional readiness.
Clinic success rates: Fertility clinics track outcomes and adjust requirements. Meeting requirements increases likelihood of successful transfers and healthy deliveries.
At EDSI, Parham Zar explains requirements to candidates with transparency and compassion. The goal is safety, not exclusion.
Understanding the surrogacy process step-by-step helps candidates prepare for each stage.
What Age Do You Need to Be to Become a Surrogate
Surrogates must be between 21 and 40 years old. This reflects optimal reproductive health for pregnancy and childbirth.
Women under 21 lack sufficient pregnancy experience and legal capacity. Women over 40 face increased pregnancy risks including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and chromosomal abnormalities.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends surrogates be 21 to 45, but most agencies and fertility clinics set 40 as the upper limit to reduce medical complications.
Why age 21 minimum?
- Age 21 provides legal capacity to sign surrogacy contracts.
- Surrogates at 21 have emotional maturity to handle pregnancy for others.
- Women at 21 have had time to complete at least one pregnancy.
Why age 40 maximum?
- Surrogates under 40 have reduced risk of pregnancy complications.
- Younger surrogates show better response to IVF medications.
- Surrogates under 40 achieve higher embryo implantation success rates.
- Women under 40 experience lower cesarean delivery rates.
Agencies consider surrogates aged 40 to 42 case-by-case when medical history is excellent and fertility clinics approve.
If you’re within the age range, explore becoming a surrogate with EDSI.
What Medical Conditions Disqualify You From Surrogacy?
Endometrial ablation, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe pregnancy complications automatically disqualify candidates. More than 3 cesarean sections also disqualifies.
Fertility clinics reject conditions that complicate pregnancy or reduce IVF success rates. Diet-controlled gestational diabetes and controlled hypothyroidism may qualify case-by-case.
Automatic disqualifications:
- Endometrial ablation destroys uterine lining and prevents pregnancy.
- History of more than 5 vaginal deliveries or 3 cesarean sections disqualifies candidates.
- Severe pregnancy complications including preeclampsia requiring early delivery or HELLP syndrome disqualify surrogates.
- Uncontrolled diabetes or gestational diabetes requiring medication disqualifies candidates.
- Current cancer diagnosis or recent chemotherapy prevents surrogate approval.
- Severe mental health conditions requiring hospitalization disqualify candidates.
- Active substance abuse or addiction history prevents surrogacy.
- BMI above 35 disqualifies candidates, though some clinics set limits at 32.
Conditions evaluated case-by-case:
- Diet-controlled gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy qualifies surrogates when well-managed.
- Postpartum depression treated successfully qualifies surrogates if the episode was not recent.
- Hypothyroidism controlled with medication is acceptable for most surrogacy programs.
- Previous cesarean delivery is acceptable when limited to 1-2 cesareans.
- Premature delivery after 34 weeks without identified cause qualifies surrogates case-by-case.
Fertility clinics review complete medical records before approving surrogates. EDSI coordinates with clinic medical teams to determine eligibility for borderline cases.
Can You Be a Surrogate After Tubal Ligation?
Yes. Tubal ligation does not disqualify you because gestational surrogacy uses IVF embryos, not your eggs.
The procedure prevents your eggs from reaching your uterus but does not affect carrying an IVF embryo. Some intended parents prefer surrogates with tubal ligation because it eliminates accidental pregnancy risk.
Tubal ligation is actually preferred by some intended parents and clinics because it eliminates any possibility of accidental pregnancy during the surrogacy process. This provides clear genetic boundaries and removes conception risks.
Requirements after tubal ligation:
- The uterus must remain healthy and capable of carrying pregnancy.
- Surrogates must have completed at least one successful pregnancy before tubal ligation.
- Surrogates must pass standard medical screening at fertility clinics.
- Hormonal function must remain normal, as tubal ligation does not affect hormones.
Women who have had tubal ligation still ovulate normally. The IVF embryo is transferred directly into the uterus, where it implants and grows just as it would in any other surrogate.
Can You Be a Surrogate After Endometrial Ablation?
No. Endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining, making embryo implantation impossible.
The procedure removes tissue where embryos attach. Even if pregnancy occurs after ablation, it carries severe risks including miscarriage and life-threatening complications.
Even if pregnancy occurs after ablation (which is rare and dangerous), it carries severe risks including miscarriage, abnormal placental attachment, and life-threatening complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Fertility clinics will not approve surrogates who have had endometrial ablation regardless of how well-healed the uterus appears. The medical risk is too high.
What BMI Do You Need to Be a Surrogate
Surrogates must maintain BMI of 32 or lower. Some fertility clinics set the limit at 30.
Higher BMI increases risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, blood clots, cesarean complications, and lower embryo implantation rates. Lower BMI improves pregnancy outcomes and IVF success.
Higher BMI correlates with increased risks:
- Higher BMI increases gestational diabetes risk.
- Elevated BMI contributes to preeclampsia and high blood pressure.
- Obesity increases blood clot and deep vein thrombosis risk.
- Higher BMI complicates cesarean delivery procedures.
- Excess weight creates difficulty monitoring baby via ultrasound.
- Elevated BMI reduces embryo implantation rates.
- Higher BMI increases anesthesia risks during delivery.
Calculate your BMI:
BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches ÷ height in inches) × 703
Example: If you weigh 150 pounds and are 65 inches tall:
- 150 ÷ 65 = 2.31
- 2.31 ÷ 65 = 0.0355
- 0.0355 × 703 = 24.9 BMI
Or use the CDC BMI Calculator for instant results.
If your BMI is above the limit:
EDSI provides resources and support to help you reach a healthy BMI. Many women who initially fall outside the range successfully qualify after making lifestyle changes. You can begin the application process even when your BMI needs adjustment.
Can You Be a Surrogate If You’re on Antidepressants?
It depends. Surrogates cannot be on antidepressants during their most recent pregnancy or unwilling to wean off under medical supervision.
Most agencies require medication-free status or stable, pregnancy-safe medications approved by fertility clinics. Postpartum depression after most recent pregnancy disqualifies candidates. Successfully treated depression from years ago qualifies surrogates when stable without medication.
Factors considered:
- Agencies evaluate why medication was prescribed for postpartum depression, anxiety, or situational depression.
- Programs assess when medication was last used.
- Clinics verify stability without medication.
- Agencies confirm willingness to work with doctors on safe alternatives.
Candidates with postpartum depression after their most recent pregnancy do not qualify. Those with successfully treated depression from years ago qualify when stable without medication.
Psychological evaluations assess mental health readiness. The goal is ensuring surrogates can handle emotional demands without risking their wellbeing.
Can You Be a Surrogate With a Criminal Record?
Minor offenses from years ago may not disqualify, but recent criminal history or serious convictions prevent approval.
Child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, drug offenses, and violent felonies automatically disqualify. Minor traffic violations from years ago typically do not disqualify on a case-by-case basis.
Intended parents and fertility clinics require background checks to ensure their baby will be carried in a safe, stable environment.
Disqualifying offenses:
- Any child abuse or neglect charges result in automatic disqualification.
- Domestic violence convictions prevent surrogate approval.
- Drug manufacturing or distribution offenses disqualify candidates.
- Violent felonies prevent surrogacy participation.
- Recent DUI convictions disqualify surrogates.
- Sex offender registry listing prevents approval.
Offenses that do not disqualify case-by-case:
- Minor traffic violations from years ago do not prevent qualification.
- One-time misdemeanor offenses not involving violence, drugs, or children are evaluated individually.
- Charges that were dismissed or expunged are reviewed case-by-case.
EDSI reviews background check results individually. If you have concerns about your record, reach out during the initial consultation to discuss eligibility before completing a full application.
Do You Need to Be a U.S. Citizen to Be a Surrogate?
Yes. Surrogates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents with green cards.
This ensures enforceable surrogacy contracts, protects legal rights, and allows compensation without visa restrictions. Temporary visa holders cannot serve as surrogates.
Non-citizens on temporary visas cannot serve as surrogates in the United States because:
- Surrogacy agreements are not legally binding for temporary visa holders.
- Immigration status changes during pregnancy create legal complications.
- Compensation violates most visa terms.
- Hospital and legal documentation require legal residency status.
Green card holders become surrogates when their residency status is current and remains valid through delivery and post-birth legal processes.
Can You Be on Public Assistance and Be a Surrogate?
Most programs require surrogates are not receiving cash assistance, public housing, or Section 8.
Surrogate compensation counts as income and can disqualify you from benefits mid-journey. WIC and SNAP may be acceptable case-by-case. Disability payments for a child are typically acceptable.
Programs that disqualify:
- Cash assistance programs including TANF and welfare disqualify surrogates.
- Public housing or Section 8 vouchers prevent qualification.
- Medicaid in most cases disqualifies surrogates since compensation affects income eligibility.
Programs that are acceptable:
- WIC qualifies surrogates on a case-by-case basis.
- SNAP and food stamps are evaluated case-by-case.
- Disability payments for a child are acceptable.
- Social Security benefits are acceptable.
The concern is twofold: surrogate compensation disqualifies you from benefits you rely on, and intended parents need confidence that surrogates are financially stable independent of surrogate pay.
EDSI evaluates each situation individually. When you currently receive assistance, discuss this during your initial consultation to understand whether surrogacy is viable.
Do You Need a Smoke-Free, Drug-Free Home to Be a Surrogate
Yes. Surrogates must live in smoke-free, drug-free, and alcohol-safe environments throughout pregnancy and screening.Surrogates must live in substance-free homes with stable family support and reliable transportation.
Requirements include no smoking, drug use, or alcohol abuse by anyone in the household. Surrogates need flexibility for frequent medical appointments and ability to travel for embryo transfer if needed.
Required lifestyle standards:
- Substance-free environment: Surrogates must eliminate smoking, illegal drug use, and alcohol abuse from their homes. This requirement applies to the surrogate, partner, and all household members.
- Reliable transportation: Surrogates must attend frequent medical appointments including monitoring visits, ultrasounds, and IVF transfer.
- Stable housing: Surrogates must maintain secure living situations that will not change during pregnancy.
- Family support: Married or partnered surrogates must have partner support for the surrogacy decision. Family members must understand and respect the surrogate’s commitment.
- Time availability: Surrogates must have flexibility to attend medical appointments, travel for embryo transfer when needed, and handle pregnancy-related needs.
- Healthy habits: Surrogates must follow prenatal care guidelines including diet, exercise restrictions, and medication protocols.
Drug and nicotine testing is required before matching and repeated during pregnancy. Failed tests result in immediate disqualification.
How Does EDSI Support Surrogates Who Don’t Initially Qualify?
EDSI provides resources to help candidates meet requirements when possible, including BMI support and timing guidance.
If your BMI needs adjustment or you need to stop smoking, EDSI keeps your application active while you work toward qualification. Requirements like age and previous pregnancy have no exceptions.
Parham Zar and the EDSI team believe in transparency and support, not gatekeeping. When a requirement can be met with effort and time, EDSI works with you.
Areas where EDSI helps:
- EDSI supports BMI reduction through healthy lifestyle changes.
- EDSI clarifies which past medical conditions are acceptable.
- EDSI identifies the right timing when you need to wean off certain medications.
- EDSI connects you with resources for stable housing or transportation.
Areas where exceptions are not possible:
- Age must fall within 21-40 range.
- Surrogates must have given birth at least once.
- Certain disqualifying medical procedures including ablation and major uterine surgery have no exceptions.
- Active substance use or criminal history involving violence or children prevents qualification.
When you do not qualify now, EDSI encourages you to stay in touch. Requirements change, or your situation evolves.
What Happens During Surrogate Screening?
Screening involves medical records review, background checks, psychological evaluation, and fertility clinic medical exam.
The process takes 4 to 8 weeks and includes blood work, ultrasound, infectious disease screening, drug testing, and partner evaluation if applicable. Final approval comes after all results are favorable.
1. Initial application review
EDSI reviews basic qualifications and pregnancy history to determine preliminary eligibility.
2. Medical records request
EDSI collects and reviews complete obstetric records from previous pregnancies and deliveries.
3. Background check
EDSI completes criminal history and child abuse registry checks for surrogate and any partner.
4. Psychological evaluation
Licensed mental health professionals assess emotional readiness, support system, and understanding of surrogacy.
5. Fertility clinic medical screening
Fertility clinics conduct comprehensive medical exams including physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, blood work, infectious disease screening, drug testing, and uterine evaluation.
6. Partner evaluation when applicable
Married or partnered surrogates have partners complete psychological evaluation and drug screening.
7. Final approval
Surrogates are approved to match with intended parents once all screening is complete and results are favorable.
The screening process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on how quickly medical records arrive and appointments can be scheduled.
Key Takeaways: Surrogate Qualifications 2026
Basic Qualification Summary
- Surrogates must be between 21 and 40 years old.
- Surrogates must have completed a previous successful full-term pregnancy.
- Surrogates must maintain BMI of 32 or lower.
- Surrogates must be U.S. citizens or green card holders.
- Surrogates must live in substance-free home environments.
Medical Disqualifications
Endometrial ablation, severe pregnancy complications, uncontrolled diabetes, and multiple cesarean sections typically disqualify candidates. Case-by-case evaluation applies to diet-controlled gestational diabetes and controlled chronic conditions.
Tubal Ligation Is Acceptable
Tubal ligation does not disqualify you from surrogacy. IVF embryos do not require your eggs, only a healthy uterus.
BMI and Lifestyle
BMI under 32 reduces pregnancy risks. Substance-free living is mandatory for fetal health.
EDSI Support
EDSI helps candidates work toward qualification when possible and provides transparent guidance about requirements throughout the process.
About Parham Zar
Parham Zar is the Founder and Managing Director of Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) in Beverly Hills, California. With more than twenty years of experience, Parham has guided thousands of intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors through successful family-building journeys. His approach emphasizes transparency, ethical practice, and individualized support throughout the surrogacy process.
Learn more at www.eggdonorandsurrogacy.com or call 310-209-1898.
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