Becoming a Surrogate and Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever wondered, “Would I even qualify to be a Surrogate?” you’re not alone. Many women start here, curious about what it actually takes. While every agency has its own list of requirements, a few key qualities really make the difference. Being a “good” Surrogate isn’t just about carrying a baby. It’s about being healthy, having a history of smooth pregnancies, living in a supportive environment, and feeling genuinely ready for the journey. These qualities keep you safe, make the process smoother, and give Intended Parents peace of mind as they trust you with such an important part of their lives.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the top five universal qualities that make a good Surrogate and break down why any credible surrogacy agency in the United States adheres to these requirements.

#1: A Good Surrogate Has Overall Good Health and a History of Healthy Pregnancies

Your body is the vehicle for the entire surrogacy journey, so overall good health and a history of healthy pregnancies are essential. Agencies require that Surrogates have previously given birth and have a record of uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries. This history shows that your body can carry a pregnancy safely and reduces risks for both you and the baby you’re carrying.

BMI is often considered as well, with agencies preferring women under 30 because it lowers the likelihood of pregnancy complications. That said, BMI is just one factor, and women with a higher BMI can still qualify if they are cleared by a doctor.

Beyond numbers, overall health matters too. Regular checkups, a healthy lifestyle, and manageable chronic conditions all contribute to a successful surrogacy journey. This isn’t about perfection, agencies just want to know your body has a track record of safely growing and delivering a baby. At the end of the day, it’s for your safety more than anything else.

#2: A Good Surrogate Lives in a Surrogacy-Friendly State

This is not optional. Location is critical in surrogacy because laws vary widely from state to state. A Surrogate must live in a state where the law recognizes the Intended Parents as the legal parents. This ensures a smooth legal process at the hospital and prevents complications after birth.

Giving birth in a state that doesn’t fully recognize surrogacy contracts can create legal hurdles, added stress, and delays for everyone involved. Agencies only work with Surrogates in surrogacy-friendly states so the focus can remain on the pregnancy and not on potential legal obstacles.

For a full list of the surrogacy-friendly states Golden works with, click here! Spoiler alert: it includes the majority of the United States. If you live in states like California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania, you’re eligible to become a Surrogate with Golden.

#3: A Good Surrogate Has a Strong Support System

Pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially when it’s for someone else. A strong support system is non-negotiable. Agencies want to see that you have a partner, family, or friends who can help with appointments, emotional ups and downs, and day-to-day responsibilities that come with carrying a pregnancy.

No one can do this completely alone, and we would never ask that of anyone. Even the most organized, confident Surrogate benefits from a cheer squad. Having people in your corner isn’t just comforting, it’s essential for your health and emotional well-being. Agencies consider this because a supported Surrogate is a safer, happier, and more successful Surrogate.

#4: A Good Surrogate is Financially Stable

While Surrogates are compensated for their journey, agencies want to ensure you’re entering this already financially stable. Stability shows that you can maintain your own well-being and helps ensure the focus remains on helping create a family safely and responsibly, not just for financial gain. Agencies aren’t saying you can’t benefit financially, they just want to ensure the primary motivation is supporting a family. Financial stability reduces stress, promotes clarity, and contributes to a smoother journey for everyone.

We know conversations around financial compensation in surrogacy can be nuanced. For more on this, check out our blog “Lily Collins Surrogacy Announcement Backlash,” where we break down why money triggers strong reactions in surrogacy and its proper role in the journey.

#5: A Good Surrogate is Ready and Enthusiastic

The best Surrogates are genuinely ready for the journey. This doesn’t mean having all the answers or being flawless. It’s about being open, committed, and excited to help another family grow. Readiness includes mental and emotional preparation, understanding responsibilities, and being willing to trust your agency and the process.

Above all, enthusiasm makes a huge difference, both for your experience and for the family you’re helping. A Surrogate who’s genuinely excited creates a positive, smooth, and fulfilling journey for everyone involved.

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Good Surrogate?

If this sounds like you, you might be a strong candidate to become a Surrogate! At Golden Surrogacy, we guide women every step of the way, providing support, resources, and a team you can trust. From navigating legal contracts to coordinating medical appointments and offering emotional guidance, we make sure your journey is safe, supported, and rewarding.

If you want to learn more about how Golden can support you, check out our blog “Why Surrogates Choose Golden.”

Ready to take the next step? Fill out an application and get in touch with our Surrogate Intake Department today!