What Makes a Good Surrogate? Qualities Agencies Look For
by Frank Golden
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.
Table of Contents
- Physical Health and Pregnancy History
- Living in a Surrogacy-Friendly State
- A Robust Support System
- Financial Stability and Motivation
- Emotional Readiness and Enthusiasm
- The Medical and Psychological Screening Side
- State-Specific Clarity
- Surrogacy-Friendly States We Serve
- Frequently Asked Questions
Physical Health and Pregnancy History
The most fundamental surrogate qualities start with your physical health!
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics follow strict guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
These standards exist to protect your health and the health of the baby you will carry!
To begin with, age is a major factor.
Most agencies look for candidates between the ages of 21 and 40.
Additionally, your Body Mass Index (BMI) should typically be between 30 and 32 or lower.
Consequently, this helps ensure that your body is in the best possible position to handle a pregnancy without complications!
Proven Pregnancy Success
In addition, one of the most important requirements is a proven track record of successful pregnancies.
You must have given birth to at least one child of your own that you are currently raising!
Consequently, this shows that your body can carry a child to term safely.
Generally, agencies look for women who have had no more than five previous pregnancies.
Furthermore, having no more than three previous C-sections is a standard medical requirement!
These criteria ensure that your uterus is healthy and ready for a successful embryo transfer.
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.
Notably, these are states where the legal framework is clear and supportive of gestational surrogacy contracts.
For instance, many women choose to work with us because they live in states like Illinois, Ohio, or Michigan!
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.
Our team will help you understand the laws in your specific area!
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, an in-person psychological assessment is required!
This assessment helps confirm that you are emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.
We also conduct a home visit and an insurance analysis to make sure you are fully protected!
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.
Specifically, 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 • Washington |
Midwest • Illinois • Kansas • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Ohio • Wisconsin |
| South • Georgia • Maryland • 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?
In most cases, agencies and clinics allow for a maximum of three previous C-sections. Consequently, this helps ensure that your uterine wall is strong enough to safely carry another pregnancy to term.
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?
Yes, most fertility clinics require a BMI between 30 and 32 or lower. As a result, a healthy weight reduces the risk of complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during the journey.
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!
