Disqualifications for Surrogacy – What You Need to Know

Disqualifications for Surrogacy – What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about being a surrogate mother? It’s a rewarding journey, but there are rules to follow. These rules are important. They make sure everyone is safe and happy. Wondering if you’re eligible to be a surrogate? Let’s look at what might stop you.

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Consider yourself special if you can be a gestational surrogate. It’s not for everyone. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) made strict rules. Most surrogacy groups and clinics follow their lead. These rules focus on things like your age, past pregnancies, and how healthy and stable your life is.

Additional Resources to Read:

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost – Key Details Explained

Cost of Gestational Surrogacy: An Overview

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost – Key Details Explained

Can a Surrogate Mother Keep the Baby? Everything You Need to Know

So, what might keep you from being a surrogate? There are many things. Your health, past mental health, lifestyle, and even if you smoke or if you’ve had troubles with the law. It’s vital to understand these surrogacy disqualifiers if you’re serious about helping as a surrogate.

Key Takeaways

• The ASRM sets guidelines for surrogate eligibility, covering factors like age, pregnancy history, health, and lifestyle.
• Surrogacy disqualifications are in place to protect the surrogate, intended parents, and the baby.
• Disqualifying factors can include no prior pregnancies, smoking, unhealthy lifestyles, use of antidepressants, high BMI, financial instability, and unstable living conditions.
• It’s essential to thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria and disqualifying factors before applying to become a surrogate.
• Prospective surrogates must meet strict requirements to ensure a safe and successful surrogacy journey.

Understanding Surrogacy Eligibility Requirements

 

Becoming a surrogate mother is deeply meaningful and rewarding, but it has specific requirements. The rules are there to keep everyone – the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child – safe and healthy. It’s important to know what’s needed and what might mean you can’t become a surrogate.

 

Qualifications for Becoming a Surrogate Mother

To be a surrogate, you should have had one or more easy pregnancies. You must be between 21 and 40. Also, you need to have a child of your own living with you, not smoke, have a way to get around, be financially secure, have a strong support network, and want to help another family. These surrogate mother requirements are meant to make sure you’re ready in every way.

Things That May Disqualify You from Becoming a Surrogate

There are some things that might not make you a good fit for surrogacy. This includes not having given birth before, having a high BMI, too many pregnancies in the past, preeclampsia history, and too many prior C-sections. 

Here are the key points for surrogate mother requirements:

• Not having given birth before
• Having a high Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Having too many pregnancies in the past
• History of preeclampsia
• Having too many prior C-sections
• Must have birthed at least one child
• Must follow a healthy lifestyle
• Cannot be on antidepressants for 6-12 months before starting the surrogacy process
• Understanding gestational carrier eligibility criteria is crucial
• Researching surrogate age limits and surrogacy eligibility requirements is important for a successful surrogacy experience

 

Potential Disqualifying Factor	Explanation
No prior birth	Surrogates must have given birth to at least one child before.
High BMI	A high Body Mass Index may disqualify a potential surrogate.
Multiple past pregnancies	Having too many previous pregnancies could be a disqualifying factor.
Preeclampsia history	A history of preeclampsia may make someone ineligible for surrogacy.
Multiple prior C-sections	Too many previous C-sections could disqualify a potential surrogate.
Antidepressant use	Surrogates cannot be on antidepressants for 6-12 months before starting the surrogacy process.
Lifestyle considerations	Surrogates must follow a healthy lifestyle to be eligible.
Understanding eligibility criteria	Understanding gestational carrier eligibility criteria and health rules is key.
Age limits and requirements	Researching surrogate age limits and other eligibility requirements is important.

Health and Medical Disqualifications for Surrogacy

 

The journey of surrogacy is very rewarding, but it has strict health rules. Prospective surrogates must meet these to ensure their well-being. The rules protect the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.

• Age Limits for Surrogate Mothers

Surrogacy agencies set an age range from 21 to 40 for candidates. The second source states that those under 21 or over 45 can’t be surrogates.

• Body Mass Index (BMI) Requirements

The first source points out that a surrogate’s BMI should be between 19 and 30. This is because high or low BMIs before pregnancy can lead to more health problems. Furthermore, the second source requires a BMI of under 36 for surrogates.

• Birthing Experience and History

Surrogacy legal guidelines prefer surrogates who have had a successful pregnancy with no health issues. The second and third sources agree, saying a history of childbirth is crucial. They also add that over five C-sections disqualifies a surrogate.

• Mental Health Considerations

The second source says that past mental health problems might disqualify a candidate. This rule is part of ensuring a candidate meets the surrogacy health and psychological evaluations requirements.

• Medication Restrictions

The second source also notes that certain medications pose a risk for pregnancy. Anyone taking these can’t be a surrogate to protect everyone’s health.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Disqualifications for Surrogacy

Becoming a surrogate is more than just physical and medical checks. Your lifestyle and behavior also get a close look. Surrogacy agencies and clinics check on your family, where you live, if you use substances, your money matters, and if you have a criminal past. This is to make sure you are a good fit.

• Family Status and Living Conditions

Agencies may want you to have a child of your own for experience. They also look for a stable home and a strong support system for you. This is because being a surrogate can be tough emotionally and physically.

• Substance Abuse and Smoking

If you smoke, use drugs, or depend on alcohol, you likely won’t qualify, as per the first and third sources. It’s important for surrogacy agencies to know you’ll stay healthy during the pregnancy. This is to keep the baby you’ll carry safe.

• Financial Stability and Immigration Status

You need to be financially secure and not getting help from the government. Also, only U.S. citizens and those with a permanent residence can become surrogates. This shows how important your financial state and where you’re from are.

• Criminal History and Background Checks

If you or someone in your home has a criminal record, you can’t be a surrogate. Background checks are done to keep everyone involved safe and legal. The sources make the seriousness of this clear.

Disqualifications for Surrogacy for Intended Parents

We’ve mainly discussed why some women can’t be surrogate mothers. But there are also rules for the parents wanting a child through surrogacy. Each place, country, or state, has its own set of laws and checks.

It’s crucial for intended parents to follow their local and international laws. Some places might not allow surrogacy above a certain age, like 50 or 55. Before starting surrogacy, parents should know these details very well. Mosty we have seen that reputed surrogacy agencies do keep age cap for single parent surrogacy due to ethical reasons.

Legal framework in their country or in the surrogacy country

The laws on surrogacy and who can be intended parents are very different around the world. It’s on the parents to check what’s needed in both their home and the planned surrogacy country. Failing to meet these laws can stop the surrogacy process.

Age limit for surrogacy for surrogacy parents

Not all surrogacy countries or surrogacy agencies have age limit.  But of the countries are specific for age of female parents or both parents.  Like in western countries and in some latin American the single parent age limit is around 55.  

For example as per latest surrogacy laws in India, the age limit for female partner is 25 to 50 years and for male partner it is 26 to 55 years. 

Aside from the laws, there might be a rule about the parents’ age by the surrogacy service. These rules aim to keep everyone safe and happy, including the parents, the surrogate, and the baby. Be ready to prove your age if you’re looking to have a baby through surrogacy.

 

Additional Resources To Read:

Surrogacy for LGBT Couples: Your Path to Parenthood

Cheapest Countries for Gay Surrogacy

Gay Surrogacy in USA

Best Countries for Surrogacy in 2024

Conclusion

Becoming a surrogate mother is both profound and rewarding. It brings a significant set of surrogacy requirements and responsibilities. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics have strict surrogacy eligibility criteria to keep everyone involved safe and healthy.

It’s crucial to know the disqualifying factors before applying. This knowledge will help prospective surrogates make sure they’re qualified. Following these guidelines guarantees a safe and positive surrogacy journey for all.

The surrogacy requirements and surrogacy eligibility criteria aim for the highest levels of care and responsibility. Surrogates who meet these standards can start a transformative journey. Others may find that the process isn’t for them.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at  Georgia Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 14 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families. 

For more resources on IVF and Surrogacy, browse our other web page- IVF Conceptions.

For more resources on IVF and Surrogacy, browse our other web page- Complete Surrogacy.

FAQ for Disqualifications for Surrogacy

What are the typical requirements to become a gestational surrogate?

To become a surrogate, requirements include easy pregnancies. You should be 21-40 years old and a non-smoker. Also needed is having at least one living child, reliable transportation, and financial stability. A strong desire to help others is essential.

What are some common disqualifying factors for becoming a surrogate?

Failing to meet these can disqualify you: never giving birth, high BMI, or too many pregnancies. Also, preeclampsia history, many C-sections, certain mental health issues, and unsafe pregnancy meds.

Are there age limits for surrogate mothers?

Yes, agencies need you to be 21-40 years old to apply as a surrogate. Those under 21 or over 45 usually can’t participate.

What are the BMI requirements for surrogate mothers?

Your BMI should be between 19 and 30 to meet surrogacy BMI rules. Some agencies need an even lower BMI under 36 to reduce risks.

What are the requirements around pregnancy history for surrogate mothers?

Surrogate candidates must have one healthy full-term pregnancy. Too few or too many births, and more than five C-sections count you out.

Are there any mental health or medication restrictions for surrogate mothers?

Surrogates can’t have certain mental health issues or take unsafe pregnancy meds.

What are the requirements around living situation and support system for surrogate mothers?

Living with a child proves your parenting and pregnancy experience. A solid home and support system are also necessary.

Are there any restrictions around substance use for surrogate mothers?

History of smoking, drug use, or alcoholism will disqualify you. You must also be financially stable with no government assistance.

Are there criminal background checks for surrogate mothers?

Yes, background checks are mandatory. Felons and those with a criminal record in their home can’t be surrogates.

Are there any eligibility requirements or restrictions for intended parents?

Intended parents should know surrogacy laws, which differ by area. Some programs may have age limits for them, often around age 50 or 55.

Source Links

• https://www.surrogateparenting.com/blog/what-disqualifies-me-from-being-a-surrogate-mother/
• https://www.extraconceptions.com/common-disqualifications-for-surrogacy/
• https://thefertilityagency.com/7-common-disqualifications-for-surrogacy