Gift of Life

Surrogacy Agency

SURROGACY REQUIREMENTS

At Gift of Life Surrogacy Agency, we have specific requirements in place to ensure that you are ready to become a surrogate. Following the standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, we prioritize the health and safety of every surrogate. By upholding these guidelines, we provide a supported and successful journey for both surrogates and intended parents. During your initial consultation, our staff will review all requirements in detail, but there are a few key prerequisites that potential surrogates must meet.

Surrogacy Requirements:

Health Requirements:

Must be between the ages of 21-39 years old
Must have delivered a child of her own and is currently parenting at least one child
Must have no more than 2 C-sections
Must have no more than 5 pregnancies
Must not have history of any pregnancy (prenatal or postnatal) complications (gestational diabetes (diet controlled is okay) , pre-eclampsia, pre-term labor, etc.)
Must not have history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or major depressive disorder
Must not be on currently taking any medication unsafe for pregnancy, including those for mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety or depression)

Financial Requirements:

Must have a stable source of income or live in a financially secure household with a supportive partner.

Lifestyle Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen, and live in a surrogate friendly state
Must be able to travel as needed for appointments, screening, monitoring and IVF transfers.
- Traveling by plane may be required
Must live a healthy lifestyle free of illicit and recreational drug use
Must have a stable lifestyle and support system
Must not use nicotine (including vapes, pouches, or cigarettes)
Must be willing to complete medical, psychological, and background screenings
Must be comfortable taking fertility medications and following medical guidance throughout the process
Must not have a felony or serious criminal history

My first journey as a gestational carrier could not have gone any more smooth than it did with Gift Of Life Surrogacy Agency! I spent months and months researching and consulting with agencies around the U.S. and finally came across Gift Of Life Surrogacy. They were such a blessing in disguise-very family oriented, kind, sweet, and had the utmost support for me as a GC! I was thrilled to know they do all their screening of gestational carriers prior to matching in order to really vet their carriers and avoid any possible let downs for the Intended parents!

R. O., Gestational Carrier

Surrogacy Requirements FAQs

Do I have to have health insurance to become a surrogate?

No, you do not need to have your own health insurance to become a surrogate. If your current plan doesn’t cover surrogacy-related care. The agency will work with a third party company insurance company to provide a surrogacy-friendly policy to ensure all pregnancy and delivery costs are covered. This is arranged before any medical procedures begin so you’re fully protected.

I had a C-section with my last baby. Can I still be a surrogate?

Yes, in most cases — as long as you have had no more than two C-sections.

Do I need to have children of my own first?

Yes. You must have given birth to at least one healthy, full-term baby before becoming a surrogate. This helps ensure you understand the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy.

I take a daily prescription medication. Does that disqualify me?

Not always. Some medications are safe for pregnancy, but others are not. Your medical records will be reviewed to determine if your current prescriptions meet the guidelines for surrogacy.

Do I need to be done breastfeeding?

Yes, you’ll need to be finished breastfeeding before starting the medical process. Fertility medications used for surrogacy can affect your milk supply and may not be safe while breastfeeding. Most clinics recommend waiting until at least one regular menstrual cycle has returned before beginning the journey—this helps ensure your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy.

Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had my tubes tied?

Yes! Having your tubes tied does not prevent you from being a gestational carrier because the embryo is created outside your body and then placed in your uterus. What matters most is that your uterus is healthy and able to carry a pregnancy.

Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had gestational diabetes before?

It depends on your history and current health. We will review your past pregnancies and how your gestational diabetes was managed. Many women who had gestational diabetes can still be surrogates if it was diet controlled and you have no ongoing health complications.

Apply to become a surrogate