Become a Surrogate: Requirements, Qualifications, and Everything You Need to Know Before Applying

Thinking about becoming a surrogate? One of the first questions most women ask is, "Do I qualify?"

At ACRC Global Surrogacy, we understand that considering surrogacy is a life-changing decision. While becoming a gestational surrogate is an incredible way to help another family achieve their dream of parenthood, it also requires meeting important medical, legal, and lifestyle requirements that help ensure the safest possible journey for everyone involved.

Whether you're just beginning your research or are ready to apply, this guide explains exactly who qualifies to become a surrogate, why these requirements exist, and how ACRC Global supports surrogates from application through delivery.

Ready to speak with our team? Book a free confidential consultation: https://www.acrcglobal.com/schedule-a-free-consultation

Why Are There Requirements to Become a Surrogate?

Surrogacy is one of the most carefully coordinated areas of reproductive medicine. Every requirement has one goal:

To protect the health of the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.

The guidelines used by fertility specialists are based on recommendations from leading reproductive medicine organisations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), combined with each fertility clinic's own medical protocols.

At ACRC Global, every surrogate works alongside experienced case managers, fertility specialists, psychologists, attorneys, and support coordinators throughout the journey.

Who Can Become a Surrogate?

While every application is reviewed individually, most qualified gestational surrogates meet the following criteria.

1. You Are Between 21 and 38 Years Old

Age plays an important role in pregnancy health.

ACRC Global generally accepts women who are:

• At least 21 years old

• No older than 38 years old

This age range helps reduce pregnancy complications while ensuring surrogates are emotionally and legally prepared for the process.

2. You Have Given Birth to a Healthy Child

One of the most important qualifications is having delivered at least one healthy baby.

This demonstrates:

• Your uterus has successfully carried a pregnancy.

• You understand pregnancy, labour and recovery.

• Doctors have valuable pregnancy history to review.

Women who have never been pregnant unfortunately cannot qualify for gestational surrogacy.

3. You Have Had Healthy Pregnancies

Doctors will carefully review your pregnancy history.

Generally, they look for women who have experienced:

• Full-term pregnancies

• No major pregnancy complications

• Healthy deliveries

• No unexplained preterm births

Previous C-sections do not automatically disqualify you.

Every medical history is reviewed individually.

4. You Have a Healthy BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is important because it can affect:

• IVF medications

• Embryo transfer success

• Pregnancy risks

• Delivery outcomes

Most fertility clinics prefer a BMI of 32 or below, although individual cases may vary depending on your medical history.

5. You Do Not Smoke or Use Recreational Drugs

Healthy pregnancies begin with healthy lifestyles.

Qualified surrogates should:

• Be non-smokers

• Be nicotine free

• Avoid recreational drug use

• Limit alcohol according to medical guidelines

Many clinics also ask that household members do not smoke inside the home.

6. You Are Financially Stable

Applicants should be financially stable and able to support themselves independently. To meet program eligibility requirements, applicants cannot currently be receiving certain forms of means-tested government financial assistance, such as Medicaid or SNAP. If you're unsure whether this applies to you, our team is happy to discuss your situation confidentially.

7. You Live in the United States

ACRC Global works with qualified gestational surrogates throughout the United States.

Because surrogacy laws vary by state, our legal team guides every surrogate through the requirements where she lives.

Our nationwide network allows intended parents from around the world to work with experienced U.S. surrogates under well-established legal frameworks.

8. You Can Pass Medical Screening

Every approved surrogate completes comprehensive medical screening before matching.

This typically includes:

• Blood work

• Infectious disease testing

• Hormone testing

• Uterine evaluation

• Medical history review

• Drug screening

Medical clearance must be provided by the fertility clinic before moving forward.

9. You Complete a Psychological Evaluation

Surrogacy is both a physical and emotional journey.

Every surrogate meets with an independent mental health professional who helps ensure you:

• Understand the process

• Have realistic expectations

• Feel emotionally prepared

• Have a strong support system

This evaluation helps protect everyone involved throughout the journey.

Additional Factors Fertility Clinics Consider

Every journey is unique.

Doctors may also review:

• Previous miscarriages

• Number of previous deliveries

• Number of previous C-sections

• Current medications

• Existing medical conditions

• Family medical history

• Pregnancy spacing

• Lifestyle habits

Even if you have concerns about your medical history, it's still worth speaking with our team.

Many women are pleasantly surprised to learn they qualify.

What Makes a Great Surrogate?

At ACRC Global, qualifications extend beyond medical criteria.

We look for women who are:

✔ Compassionate

✔ Responsible

✔ Reliable

✔ Good communicators

✔ Emotionally prepared

✔ Supported by family or loved ones

Successful surrogacy journeys are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect between surrogates and intended parents.

How ACRC Global Supports Our Surrogates

Choosing the right agency is just as important as qualifying.

For more than 16 years, ACRC Global has helped build families through ethical, professionally managed surrogacy programmes.

Our surrogate support includes:

• Dedicated personal case manager

• Independent legal representation

• Escrow account management

• Medical coordination

• Travel arrangements

• Mental health support

• 24/7 guidance throughout the journey

• Ongoing communication with intended parents

• Birth planning assistance

• Post-delivery support

You'll never navigate your journey alone.

Surrogate Compensation

Qualified surrogates receive comprehensive compensation that recognises the time, commitment, and dedication involved.

Depending on experience and individual circumstances, compensation may include:

• Base compensation

• Monthly allowances

• Medical reimbursements

• Travel expenses

• Maternity clothing allowance

• Childcare reimbursement (when applicable)

• Lost wages (when eligible)

• Additional procedure-related compensation

Our team explains every detail before you make any commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a surrogate if I had a C-section?

Yes. Many women who have had previous C-sections qualify. Your medical records will be reviewed by the fertility clinic.

Can I become a surrogate if I had my tubes tied?

Yes.

Tubal ligation does not affect gestational surrogacy because embryos are transferred directly into the uterus.

Can I become a surrogate if I am single?

Absolutely.

Marital status does not determine eligibility. What matters is meeting the medical requirements and having a reliable support system.

Can I become a surrogate if I take medication?

Possibly.

Some medications are compatible with IVF treatment while others are not. Our medical team will review your specific situation.

How long does the screening process take?

Most women complete screening over several weeks before being matched with intended parents.

The timeline varies depending on medical records, clinic availability, and legal requirements.

Is surrogacy safe?

Gestational surrogacy is considered safe when carefully managed by experienced fertility specialists, following established medical guidelines and comprehensive screening.

As with any pregnancy, there are risks, which will be discussed openly throughout your journey.

Why Families Choose ACRC Global

Families from around the world choose ACRC Global because we combine compassionate care with decades of experience.

Our team provides:

• Over 16 years of experience

• More than 1,300 successful family-building journeys

• A 96% live birth success rate

• Licensed and experienced professionals

• Comprehensive surrogate support

• International intended parent expertise

• Ethical, transparent programme management

Whether you're helping a couple overcome infertility, supporting a same-sex couple, or assisting a single intended parent, you'll become part of one of life's most meaningful journeys.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

If you've been wondering whether becoming a surrogate is right for you, we'd love to answer your questions.

There's no obligation and no pressure—just honest guidance from experienced professionals who are here to help.

Schedule your FREE confidential consultation today:

https://www.acrcglobal.com/schedule-a-free-consultation

Together, we can help build families while supporting you every step of your own surrogacy journey.

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