Washington Surrogate Requirements: Do You Qualify?
June 19, 2025 by Frank Golden
Thinking about becoming a Surrogate in Washington? One of the first questions on your mind is probably: “Do I even qualify?”
You’re not alone! Understanding Washington surrogate requirements is one of the most common concerns women have when exploring this path. The good news? These requirements aren’t designed to exclude you. They exist to protect you!
Every guideline serves a purpose. They help ensure your health stays a priority throughout the journey. They also give you the best possible experience as a Surrogate.
Washington uses a combination of agency standards, fertility clinic protocols, and state legal guidelines to determine eligibility. This might sound like a lot, but don’t worry! We’ll walk through everything clearly and simply.
And remember: if you don’t meet every requirement right now, that’s okay. It’s not a judgment. Sometimes timing just isn’t right yet!
Table of Contents
- Who Can Become a Surrogate in Washington?
- Medical Requirements for Washington Surrogates
- Psychological and Emotional Readiness
- Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
- Legal and Contractual Requirements in Washington
- Why Washington Surrogate Requirements Matter
- Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
- What Happens After You Meet the Requirements?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Surrogate Requirements
- Deciding Whether Surrogacy Is Right for You
Who Can Become a Surrogate in Washington?
Let’s start with the basics! Washington has clear guidelines about who can become a gestational Surrogate.
Age Range
Most agencies and clinics in Washington accept Surrogates between 21 and 40 years old. This range helps ensure you can provide informed consent and minimizes potential health risks during pregnancy.
Overall Health
You should be in good general health. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, typically with a BMI below 32. Your overall wellness matters because pregnancy puts demands on your body!
Prior Pregnancy Experience
Here’s an important one: you must have successfully carried at least one pregnancy to term and delivered a healthy baby. This shows that your body has handled pregnancy and delivery well before.
Why These Criteria Matter
These baseline requirements aren’t arbitrary. They come from decades of medical research and real-world experience. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), prior successful pregnancy is one of the strongest predictors of a healthy surrogacy journey.
Your safety comes first. Always!
Medical Requirements for Washington Surrogates
Medical screening is a key part of the surrogacy process. It protects both you and the pregnancy!
Healthy Pregnancy History
You’ll need at least one prior pregnancy that went smoothly. Ideally, your previous pregnancies were uncomplicated. This means no major issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring insulin, or preterm deliveries.
General Health Standards
Fertility clinics look at your overall health picture. This includes your weight, blood pressure, and any chronic conditions. They want to make sure your body is ready for pregnancy.
Clinic Medical Screening
Once you’re matched with Intended Parents, you’ll undergo comprehensive medical screening at a fertility clinic. This typically includes:
- A physical examination
- Blood tests and lab work
- Review of your complete medical records
- Uterine evaluation
Your partner or spouse may also need screening if applicable.
The CDC recommends that women of reproductive age maintain good overall health. This is especially important when planning a pregnancy for someone else!
Don’t worry about medical jargon. Your Care Team at Golden Surrogacy will explain everything clearly. Founder Frank Golden leads our team, and we guide every Surrogate like family!
Psychological and Emotional Readiness
Surrogacy is a beautiful journey, but it’s also an emotional one. That’s why psychological readiness matters so much!
Purpose of Psychological Screening
Every Surrogate completes a psychological evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. This isn’t about judging you. It’s about making sure you feel prepared and supported!
The screening helps identify any concerns early. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and process your feelings about surrogacy.
Emotional Preparedness
You’ll need to feel comfortable with the idea of carrying a baby for someone else. This includes understanding that you won’t be the baby’s parent. It’s a selfless gift, and that requires emotional clarity.
Communication and Boundaries
Good communication skills help throughout the journey. You’ll interact with Intended Parents, medical staff, and your agency team. Being able to set healthy boundaries is important too!
Personal and Family Support
Your support system matters! Having a spouse, partner, family member, or close friend who supports your decision makes a big difference. Golden Surrogacy’s dedicated Care Team also supports Surrogates throughout the entire process. Our Agency Director is available via phone, text, and email whenever you need us!
Think of psychological screening as protection, not evaluation. We want you to thrive!
Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
A stable environment helps ensure a smooth surrogacy experience. Here’s what agencies typically look for:
Stable Housing
You should have a safe, stable place to live throughout the pregnancy. This doesn’t mean you need a mansion! Just a secure home environment.
Reliable Transportation
You’ll have medical appointments, clinic visits, and check-ups. Having reliable transportation ensures you can attend everything on time.
Household Support
If you have children, think about childcare arrangements. Pregnancy can be tiring! Having help at home makes things easier.
Consistency Throughout Pregnancy
Surrogacy requires commitment over many months. Stability in your daily life helps you focus on taking care of yourself and the pregnancy.
Understanding the full surrogacy process can help you prepare for what’s ahead!
Legal and Contractual Requirements in Washington
Washington has specific legal requirements for gestational surrogacy. These protect everyone involved, especially you!
Written Gestational Surrogacy Agreement
Washington law requires a written surrogacy agreement. This contract outlines everyone’s rights, responsibilities, and expectations. It must be signed by you, each Intended Parent, and your spouse if applicable.
Independent Legal Counsel
You must have your own attorney who represents only your interests. This is non-negotiable! Your lawyer will review the contract and make sure you understand everything.
The best part? Intended Parents cover your legal fees. You won’t pay for your attorney.
Timing Matters
The legal agreement must be completed before any medical procedures begin. This protects you from starting the process without clear terms in place.
For more details about how the law protects Surrogates, check out our guide on Washington surrogacy laws!
Note: This information is educational only. It’s not legal advice. Your attorney will provide guidance specific to your situation.
Why Washington Surrogate Requirements Matter
You might wonder: why so many requirements?
The answer is simple. Every single guideline exists to protect you!
Protecting Your Health
Medical requirements ensure your body can handle pregnancy safely. No one wants to put you at unnecessary risk.
Preserving Your Autonomy
Legal requirements guarantee you have independent representation. Your voice and choices matter throughout the journey.
Reducing Risk
Psychological and lifestyle screenings identify potential challenges early. This lets everyone prepare and provide proper support.
Upholding Ethical Standards
Reputable agencies like Golden Surrogacy follow strict ethical guidelines. We believe Surrogates deserve respect, transparency, and care at every step.
When you understand Washington surrogate compensation, you’ll see how these protections extend to financial security too!
Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
Sometimes women don’t meet all the requirements right away. That’s completely okay!
Medical History Considerations
Certain pregnancy complications in the past may affect eligibility. This includes conditions like severe preeclampsia or multiple cesarean sections. Each situation is different.
Lifestyle or Timing Factors
Maybe you recently moved, changed jobs, or have a lot going on at home. Stability matters, and sometimes the timing just isn’t ideal.
Readiness and Support
If your family isn’t fully on board yet, or you’re feeling uncertain, it might be worth waiting. Surrogacy works best when everyone feels ready!
Eligibility Can Change
Here’s the encouraging news: eligibility isn’t permanent! Many women who don’t qualify today become excellent Surrogates later. Circumstances change, health improves, and timing aligns.
If you’re curious about the full journey, our Washington surrogacy timeline breaks down each phase!
What Happens After You Meet the Requirements?
Once you meet the basic requirements, the real adventure begins! Here’s a quick overview:
Application Review
Your agency reviews your application and pre-screening information. This helps confirm you’re a good fit.
Clinic Screening
You’ll complete comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations at a fertility clinic. In-person screening must align with menstrual cycle timing.
Legal Coordination
The legal process begins only after medical clearance. You’ll work with your independent attorney to finalize the surrogacy agreement.
Matching Phase
You’ll be matched with Intended Parents who share compatible values and expectations. This is an exciting step!
By the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence. You’ll be well-supported every step of the way.
No pressure! Take things at your own pace. When you’re ready to learn more, visit our Become a Surrogate page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Surrogate Requirements
Do I need to live in Washington to be a Surrogate there?
Not necessarily! Washington law requires that at least one party to the agreement be a Washington resident, or that at least one medical evaluation or procedure occurs in the state. Your agency can help clarify your specific situation.
Do I need prior pregnancy experience?
Yes! You must have carried at least one pregnancy to term and delivered a healthy baby. This requirement exists in nearly all surrogacy arrangements.
Can requirements vary by clinic?
Absolutely. Each fertility clinic may have slightly different protocols. Your agency will match you with a clinic whose guidelines align with your profile.
What if I’m unsure I qualify?
Reach out anyway! Many women are surprised to learn they do qualify. A quick conversation can answer your questions without any obligation.
Can I apply again later if I don’t qualify now?
Yes! Eligibility can change over time. If you don’t meet requirements today, you may qualify in the future.
Deciding Whether Surrogacy Is Right for You
Understanding Washington surrogate requirements is the first step toward an informed decision. Knowledge is empowering!
Take your time. Ask questions. Talk to your family. There’s no rush.
Surrogacy is a profound gift. It’s also a significant commitment. The right time is when you feel ready, supported, and excited about the journey ahead.
Golden Surrogacy is here whenever you want to learn more. We’re happy to answer questions, explain the process, and help you explore your options. No pressure, just support!
When you’re ready, we’d love to hear from you.
