Are you considering the incredible path of becoming a Surrogate?
It is truly one of the most selfless and beautiful gifts a person can give!
Many women feel a deep calling to help others build their families.
However, you might also be wondering what exactly makes someone a great candidate for this journey.
Ultimately, when you begin your research, you will find that certain surrogate qualities are essential for a safe and successful experience!
Specifically, at Golden Surrogacy, our founder Frank Golden leads our team to treat every applicant like family!
As a result, we want to make sure you feel supported, educated, and empowered from the very first step.
A good surrogate is a woman who possesses a specific combination of physical health, psychological stability, and lifestyle readiness to safely carry a pregnancy for someone else. As a result, these surrogate qualities ensure the safety of the journey for both the Gestational Surrogate and the Intended Parents.
Physical Health and Pregnancy History
The most fundamental surrogate qualities start with your physical health!
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) publishes professional guidance for gestational-carrier screening. Agency requirements, fertility-clinic criteria, and individual medical decisions are separate, so a general industry range should not be mistaken for Golden’s acceptance criteria.
These standards exist to protect your health and the health of the baby you will carry!
To begin with, age is a major factor.
Golden accepts Surrogate applications from ages 23 through 37. This is Golden’s application range, not a state-law age rule or automatic medical approval. Other agencies and fertility clinics may apply different criteria.
Golden requires a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or under before medical clearance. This is Golden’s program requirement. The applicable fertility clinic evaluates your complete health history and makes the final medical clearance decision.
Screening helps the medical team assess pregnancy risks and readiness. Meeting an age or BMI threshold does not guarantee an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Proven Pregnancy Success
In addition, one of the most important requirements is a proven track record of successful pregnancies.
Golden asks that you have given birth to and personally raised, or are currently raising, at least one biological child. A prior birth alone does not satisfy this requirement. Your pregnancy history and household readiness are reviewed as separate parts of the screening process.
Your previous pregnancy and delivery records give qualified medical professionals information to evaluate before another pregnancy.
Golden accepts applicants with no more than three previous deliveries.
No more than one of those deliveries may have been a C-section under Golden’s requirements.
Golden coordinates professional records review, and the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic determines final medical clearance for the journey.
Check us out to see if you meet these baseline qualifications!
Living in a Surrogacy-Friendly State
Essentially, your location is actually a key part of what makes you a great candidate!
Surrogacy is governed by state laws rather than federal laws.
This means that where you live determines how easy it is to establish legal parentage for the Intended Parents!
Agencies look for Surrogates who live in “surrogacy-friendly” states.
The legal path varies by state and by the proposed arrangement. Golden coordinates with independent assisted-reproduction attorneys to confirm the applicable requirements.
Golden supports qualified women in the states listed below. State-specific requirements still need to be reviewed for each journey.
If you are interested in specifics, you can learn more about Michigan surrogacy agency options, Ohio surrogacy agency opportunities, or Nevada surrogacy agency support.
If you live in a state like Pennsylvania or Missouri, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the process with confidence!
Always remember that legal protections vary depending on individual circumstances.
Golden helps coordinate the journey, while your independent attorney explains the law and parentage plan for your circumstances.
A Robust Support System
You should never go through a surrogacy journey alone!
One of the top surrogate qualities we look for is a strong support system.
This usually means, for example, having a partner, spouse, or a very close friend who is fully on board with your decision.
Furthermore, your support person will need to attend appointments with you and help you during your recovery after birth!
They provide the emotional “anchor” that every Surrogate needs during the highs and lows of a journey.
Moreover, your primary support person will often be involved in the psychological screening process too!
We want to make sure the people closest to you are ready to cheer you on.
If you have kids at home, having someone to help with childcare during medical visits is also a must!
A strong home life creates a calm environment for the pregnancy to thrive.
Financial Stability and Motivation
Why do you want to be a Surrogate?
This is a question we ask every applicant!
The best Surrogates are motivated by a genuine desire to give back and help a family in need.
While Surrogate compensation is a wonderful benefit, it should not be the primary reason for applying.
As a result, agencies require that all candidates are financially stable.
Specifically, this typically means you should not be receiving government assistance or relying on the surrogacy payment to pay your basic monthly bills.
Financial stability ensures that you can focus on your health and the pregnancy without added stress!
To illustrate, it also ensures that your motivations are centered on the altruistic joy of helping Intended Parents.
Helping a family realize their dreams is a reward that lasts a lifetime!
Emotional Readiness and Enthusiasm
Emotional maturity is one of the most vital surrogate qualities!
Carrying a baby for someone else requires a unique mental perspective.
You must be able to bond with the pregnancy while understanding that the baby belongs to the Intended Parents.
Similarly, successful Surrogates are often described as compassionate, reliable, and excellent communicators!
You will be working closely with your agency and the Intended Parents for over a year.
Being organized and responsive to emails and calls is a huge plus!
Enthusiasm for the process makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Ultimately, we love working with women who are excited to share updates and celebrate milestones with the Intended Parents!
Your positive energy is contagious and helps build a beautiful bond.
Catch a glimpse of everything we’re up to by joining our community!
The Medical and Psychological Screening Side
Before you are matched with Intended Parents, you will go through a deep screening process.
This is part of the surrogacy timeline that ensures everyone is ready.
First, we collect your medical records and obtain an OB clearance form.
You will also undergo a physical exam and infectious disease testing.
Additionally, a psychological assessment in the format required by the provider is required!
This assessment helps confirm that you are emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.
We also coordinate a virtual home visit and an insurance analysis. These steps help us understand your support system and identify coverage needs before the journey moves forward.
Subsequently, only after this agency-level screening is complete do we move to the matching phase.
Following this, once matched, you will have a final screening at the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic.
This process may vary depending on individual circumstances, but it usually takes a few months to complete!
State-Specific Clarity
While the qualities mentioned above are universal, some specifics depend on where you live!
Legal requirements can change once you cross state lines.
For example, the Illinois surrogate requirements are very clear and follow the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act.
If you live in the Midwest, understanding Illinois surrogacy laws is a great place to start!
Regardless of your state, Golden Surrogacy is here to provide the framework you need.
Our Dedicated Care Team supports Surrogates throughout every single step!
You can reach our Agency Director via phone, text, or email whenever you have a question.
In summary, we are here to guide you like family!
Surrogacy-Friendly States We Serve
Golden Surrogacy works with Surrogates across many surrogacy-friendly states!
To make it easy, here is a quick look at where we currently serve Surrogates, grouped by region.
Additionally, if you don’t see your specific state listed, don’t worry! Give our team a call, and we can discuss what options are available and if we can still work with you.
| West • California • Colorado • Nevada • Oregon • Utah • Washington | Midwest • Illinois • Kansas • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Ohio • Wisconsin |
| South • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Maryland • North Carolina • Oklahoma • Texas | Northeast • Connecticut • Maine • Massachusetts • New Jersey • New York • Pennsylvania |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be a Surrogate if my tubes are tied?
Yes, absolutely! Since you are a Gestational Surrogate, the eggs come from the Intended Mother or a donor. As a result, your fallopian tubes are not used during the IVF process, so having your tubes tied does not disqualify you.
How many C-sections can a Surrogate have?
Golden accepts applicants with no more than one previous C-section and no more than three previous deliveries in total. Other agencies may use broader limits. Your surgical and pregnancy records still require professional review, and the applicable fertility clinic makes the final medical clearance decision.
Do I have to live in the same state as the Intended Parents?
No! You do not need to live in the same state. However, you must live in a surrogacy-friendly state where the legal process is manageable for all parties involved.
Is there a weight requirement for Surrogates?
Golden requires a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or under before medical clearance. This is Golden’s program requirement. The applicable fertility clinic evaluates your complete health history and makes the final medical clearance decision.
Will I have to travel for the surrogacy process?
Consequently, you will likely need to travel at least once or twice to the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic for the screening and the embryo transfer. Your travel expenses are always covered as part of the process!
What if I have never been pregnant before?
Unfortunately, you must have at least one successful, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth of your own. Therefore, this is a primary safety requirement to prove your body can handle the demands of pregnancy.
How long does the entire surrogacy process take?
On average, the journey takes about 14 to 18 months from the time you apply to the day the baby is delivered. However, this timeline can vary based on matching speed and medical protocols!
Can I be a Surrogate if I am on government assistance?
Agencies generally require that Surrogates are financially self-sufficient. Therefore, being on government assistance like SNAP or housing vouchers may disqualify you, as financial stability is a key requirement.
Start Your Journey Today!
If you recognize these surrogate qualities in yourself, you are already off to a great start!
Becoming a Surrogate is a life-changing experience that brings so much joy to the world.
Are you ready to see if you qualify?
Become a Surrogate and start your application today!
Follow our social media to see the amazing stories of families we have helped build.
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into the Golden Surrogacy family!
Apply to become a surrogate now!
