Illinois Surrogate Requirements: Do You Qualify?
January 1, 2026 by Frank Golden
If you’re considering surrogacy, you probably have one big question on your mind. Do I qualify?
Understanding Illinois surrogate requirements is the first step in your journey. These requirements exist for good reasons. They protect your health, your well-being, and your peace of mind throughout the process!
The good news? Illinois is one of the most surrogate-friendly states in the country. The requirements are clear, fair, and designed with your safety in mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. You’ll learn what qualifications matter, why they exist, and how to determine if surrogacy might be right for you. No pressure. Just honest, helpful information!
Table of Contents
- Who Can Become a Surrogate in Illinois?
- Medical Requirements for Illinois Surrogates
- Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
- Psychological and Emotional Readiness
- Legal and Residency Considerations in Illinois
- Why Surrogate Requirements Matter
- Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
- What Happens After You Meet the Illinois Surrogate Requirements?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Surrogate Requirements
- Making an Informed Decision About Becoming a Surrogate in Illinois
Who Can Become a Surrogate in Illinois?
Let’s start with the basics! Illinois has established clear guidelines under the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act. These guidelines help ensure every Surrogate enters the process informed, healthy, and supported.
To become a gestational Surrogate in Illinois, you generally need to:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have previously given birth to at least one child
- Be in good overall physical and mental health
- Complete medical and psychological evaluations
- Have independent legal representation
These aren’t arbitrary rules. Each requirement serves a purpose. They protect you, support healthy pregnancies, and create positive experiences for everyone involved!
It’s important to understand that requirements are protective, not judgmental. They’re not about saying who is “good enough.” They’re about ensuring surrogacy is safe and right for you at this point in your life.
If you’re curious about the legal side, our guide to Illinois surrogacy laws covers everything you need to know!
Medical Requirements for Illinois Surrogates
Your health matters most. Medical requirements help ensure you can carry a pregnancy safely and comfortably.
Pregnancy History
You must have carried and delivered at least one child previously. This isn’t about proving anything. It simply confirms your body has successfully sustained a pregnancy before!
Your previous pregnancies should have been relatively uncomplicated. This gives fertility clinics confidence in recommending you for the journey ahead.
General Health Standards
You’ll need to be in good overall health. This includes:
- A healthy BMI range (typically between 19-33, though this varies by clinic)
- No significant chronic health conditions that could complicate pregnancy
- Non-smoker status
- No history of substance abuse
Medical Screening
Before matching with Intended Parents, you’ll complete a thorough medical evaluation. This typically includes bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a review of your medical history.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines that fertility clinics follow. These standards exist to support your health throughout the process!
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about specific medical details. Your Dedicated Care Team will walk you through everything step by step.
Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
Surrogacy is a meaningful commitment. It requires time, energy, and a supportive environment. That’s why lifestyle factors matter!
Stable Living Environment
You should have a safe, stable place to live. This doesn’t mean you need a perfect life. It simply means your home environment supports a healthy pregnancy.
Reliable Support System
Having people who support your decision is important. This might include a partner, family members, or close friends. They’ll be there during appointments, recovery, and the emotional moments of the journey!
Availability for Appointments
Surrogacy involves medical appointments, legal meetings, and regular check-ins. You’ll need flexibility to attend these throughout the process.
Most appointments happen locally. However, you may need to travel to the fertility clinic for certain procedures. Travel expenses are typically covered as part of your surrogate compensation in Illinois.
Communication
Clear, reliable communication is essential. You’ll stay in touch with your agency, your Care Team, and sometimes the Intended Parents. Being responsive and open helps everything run smoothly!
At Golden Surrogacy, our Agency Director is available via phone, text, and email. Founder Frank Golden leads the team, guiding every Surrogate as family. You’re never alone in this journey!
Psychological and Emotional Readiness
Surrogacy is emotionally rewarding. It can also bring complex feelings. That’s completely normal!
Psychological Screening
All Surrogates complete a psychological evaluation before moving forward. This isn’t about judging you. It’s about ensuring you feel prepared and supported.
A licensed mental health professional will meet with you. They’ll discuss your motivations, expectations, and coping strategies. They want to make sure surrogacy is a positive choice for you right now.
Emotional Preparedness
Ask yourself some honest questions:
- Do you feel excited about helping someone become a parent?
- Are you comfortable with the idea of carrying a child for another family?
- Do you have healthy ways to process emotions?
There’s no “right” answer. This is about understanding yourself and what feels right for you.
Informed Consent and Boundaries
You’ll learn about every aspect of the process before committing. You’ll understand your rights, your role, and your boundaries. Nothing moves forward without your full, informed consent!
The psychological screening is actually a form of support. It gives you space to ask questions, express concerns, and ensure you’re truly ready.
Legal and Residency Considerations in Illinois
Illinois offers some of the strongest legal protections for Surrogates in the country. Understanding these protections helps you feel confident moving forward!
The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act
Illinois law clearly recognizes gestational surrogacy agreements. The law outlines requirements for both Surrogates and Intended Parents. This creates a secure, predictable process for everyone.
Independent Legal Counsel
You are required to have your own attorney. This lawyer represents only your interests. The Intended Parents pay for your legal representation!
Your attorney will review the surrogacy agreement with you. They’ll explain every detail, answer your questions, and ensure your rights are protected.
Surrogacy Agreement
Before any medical procedures begin, you’ll sign a comprehensive surrogacy agreement. This document covers:
- Compensation and payment schedules
- Medical decisions and expectations
- Communication preferences
- What happens in various scenarios
The legal process begins only after medical clearance. Everything is documented and agreed upon before embryo transfer.
Residency
You do not need to be an Illinois resident to work with Illinois Intended Parents. However, living in a surrogacy-friendly state helps streamline the legal process.
Why Surrogate Requirements Matter
Requirements might feel like hurdles. But they’re actually safeguards designed to protect you!
Protecting Your Health
Medical requirements ensure your body is ready for pregnancy. They reduce risks and support healthy outcomes. Your well-being comes first!
Supporting Emotional Wellness
Psychological screenings help identify any concerns early. They connect you with resources if needed. They ensure you enter surrogacy feeling confident and prepared.
Creating Positive Experiences
When requirements are met, everyone benefits. Surrogates feel supported. Intended Parents feel reassured. The journey unfolds smoothly for all.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of maternal health in any pregnancy. Surrogate requirements align with these broader health standards.
At Golden Surrogacy, we believe in transparency and respect. Our Dedicated Care Team supports Surrogates throughout every stage!
Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
Sometimes, applicants don’t meet current requirements. This is completely okay. It doesn’t reflect your worth as a person!
Common reasons include:
- Not yet having a previous pregnancy
- Being outside the typical age range
- Certain medical conditions or pregnancy complications
- BMI outside clinic guidelines
- Recent major life changes affecting stability
If you don’t qualify right now, it doesn’t mean forever. Circumstances change. You’re welcome to reapply when the timing feels right.
We encourage honesty throughout the application process. It helps us support you better and find the right path forward.
What Happens After You Meet the Illinois Surrogate Requirements?
Meeting the requirements is just the beginning! Here’s what comes next in the surrogacy process.
Getting Started
You’ll complete an initial application. This helps us learn about you and your motivations.
Pre-Screening
Our team reviews your information. We’ll have a conversation to answer your questions and explain next steps.
Matching
We’ll help connect you with Intended Parents who align with your preferences. This is an exciting step!
In-Person Screening
You’ll complete comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. In-person screening must align with menstrual cycle timing for accuracy.
Legal
Once you’re medically cleared, the legal process begins. You’ll work with your independent attorney to finalize the surrogacy agreement.
Embryo Transfer
After legal clearance, you’ll prepare for embryo transfer at the fertility clinic. This is when the journey truly begins!
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your Care Team stays by your side. By the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence. You’re supported every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Surrogate Requirements
Do I need to have had a previous pregnancy?
Yes! Illinois law and most fertility clinics require Surrogates to have previously given birth to at least one child. This confirms your body has successfully carried a pregnancy.
Can first-time Surrogates apply?
Absolutely! Many Surrogates are first-time Surrogates. “First-time” means you haven’t been a Surrogate before. You still need previous pregnancy experience, though.
Are there age limits for becoming a Surrogate?
Most agencies and clinics prefer Surrogates between ages 21 and 40. This range supports healthy pregnancies and positive outcomes. Requirements may vary slightly based on individual circumstances and clinic guidelines.
What if I don’t meet every requirement?
That’s okay! Not qualifying right now isn’t a failure. Some requirements can change over time. If you’re unsure, reach out and ask. We’re happy to discuss your unique situation.
Who handles the screening process?
Your agency coordinates screenings, but evaluations are performed by medical professionals and licensed mental health providers. At Golden Surrogacy, we guide you through every step!
Making an Informed Decision About Becoming a Surrogate in Illinois
Understanding Illinois surrogate requirements empowers you to make the best decision for yourself. Knowledge is power!
Take your time. Ask questions. There’s no rush.
Surrogacy is a beautiful, meaningful experience. But it’s also a significant commitment. You deserve to feel confident, informed, and supported before moving forward.
If you’re curious about becoming a surrogate in Illinois, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer questions, provide information, and support you at your own pace.
When you’re ready, we’re here. No pressure. Just a warm welcome whenever the time feels right for you!
