Becoming a Surrogate Requirements and Rewards

Becoming a surrogate mother is a profound and life-changing decision. It offers the unique opportunity to help intended parents realize their dream of having a child. However, the process involves important commitments, responsibilities, and careful preparation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about becoming a surrogate — from eligibility requirements to the incredible rewards that come with this selfless act.

What is a Surrogate Mother?

A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry and deliver a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parents. In most modern arrangements, gestational surrogacy is used, meaning the surrogate is not genetically related to the child.

Learn more about becoming a surrogate with Surrogacy4All.

Basic Requirements to Become a Surrogate

While each agency and fertility clinic has specific criteria, the general requirements for becoming a surrogate in the United States include:

Age Requirements

• Typically between 21 to 40 years old.

Health Requirements

• Must have a healthy BMI (generally below 32).
• No major complications in previous pregnancies.
• Non-smoker and drug-free lifestyle.

Pregnancy History

• Have given birth to at least one child of your own.
• Demonstrated a history of healthy pregnancies.

Medical Screening

• Comprehensive physical exam.
• Psychological evaluation.
• Infectious disease screening.

Emotional Readiness

• Ability to handle the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy for another family.

Start your surrogate application today!

The Surrogate Application Process

The journey to becoming a surrogate usually involves several key steps:

• Initial Application: Complete an online or paper application form.
• Pre-Screening: Basic medical, psychological, and background checks.
• Matching: The agency matches you with intended parents.
• Medical Workup: A fertility specialist conducts a full evaluation.
• Legal Contracts: Legal agreements are finalized to protect everyone involved.
• Embryo Transfer: The embryo is transferred via IVF (in vitro fertilization).
• Pregnancy and Birth: Ongoing support and care are provided throughout the journey.

What Are the Rewards of Being a Surrogate?

Surrogacy offers significant personal, emotional, and financial rewards:

• Emotional Fulfillment: Knowing you made a profound difference in someone’s life.
• Financial Compensation: Typical compensation ranges from $40,000 to $80,000+ depending on experience and circumstances.
• Sense of Community: Becoming part of a supportive surrogacy network.
• Medical Care: Top-quality healthcare throughout the pregnancy.
• Lifelong Impact: Creating new families and touching generations to come.

Compensation Breakdown

Type of Compensation	Typical Amount
Base Compensation	$40,000 – $60,000
Monthly Allowance	$200 – $300 per month
Maternity Clothing Allowance	$500 – $1,000
Multiples (twins/triplets) Bonus	$5,000 – $10,000
C-Section Bonus	$2,500 – $5,000
Embryo Transfer Fee	$500 – $1,000
Lost Wages (if applicable)	Varies

Learn about surrogate compensation.

FAQs About Becoming a Surrogate

Q: Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had a C-section?

Ans. Yes, if you had a healthy recovery and no major complications.

Q: Do I need to have insurance to be a surrogate?

Ans. Not necessarily; the intended parents usually provide insurance that covers surrogacy.

Q: Can I choose the intended parents I work with?

Ans. Yes, you are involved in the matching process to ensure mutual compatibility.

Q: Will I have to pay for anything?

Ans. No, all medical and legal expenses are covered by the intended parents.

Q: How long does the surrogate process take?

Ans. From matching to delivery, it can take 12 to 18 months.

Q: What if the embryo transfer doesn’t work?

Ans. Often, multiple embryo transfers are attempted before a successful pregnancy.

Q: How often will I need to attend appointments?

Ans. You’ll attend regular prenatal appointments just like any pregnancy, with some additional check-ins from the fertility clinic.

Q: Will I stay in touch with the intended parents after birth?

Ans. Many surrogates and intended parents stay in touch, but it depends on the agreement.

Q: Is it emotionally difficult to give the baby to the intended parents?

Ans. Surrogates usually approach the pregnancy as carrying a baby for someone else from the start, which helps emotionally.

Q: Can I become a surrogate more than once?

Ans. Absolutely — many surrogates go through the journey multiple times.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surrogate is a remarkable act of kindness, strength, and generosity. It’s a life-changing experience for both you and the family you help create.

Interested in becoming a surrogate?

Questions? Contact us at 1-212-661-7177 or info@surrogacy4all.com

we’d love to guide you through every step of this beautiful journey.