Surrogacy Medical Requirements That Every Agency Requires

By Kyla Helwig

Surrogacy is a very special process. For couples that can’t have children of their own, surrogacy is a way to start a family. Being pregnant is not the most glamorous thing, but there are many benefits to pursuing surrogacy. Not only do you get to help out a family in a very meaningful way, but you also can receive compensation. Additionally, you may form a special relationship with the child as they grow up. It is important that every gestational carrier is healthy enough to carry a child when it comes to surrogacy. This is why there are several surrogacy medical requirements that surrogates must fulfill.

No matter what agency you pursue in the United States, these requirements will stay the same. These requirements are in place to ensure your safety and the child’s safety. Familiarize yourself with these requirements if you want to become a surrogate mother with Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma. 

1. Physical Health Requirements

Pregnancy can take a great toll on the body of a woman who isn’t healthy. This is why it’s important that all gestational carriers are in good physical condition. Many of the families that seek out our agency for gestational surrogacy have undergone infertility trauma of their own. Our OK surrogacy agency must provide them with good care. We also want to protect your life and keep you from harm. Listed below are the physical requirements for surrogate mothers:

• Must have a Body Mass Index between 18-31
• No new tattoos, piercings, or blood transfusions within the last twelve months
• Not taking illicit or unprescribed drugs and medications
• Not taking pregnancy-harming drugs
• Experience with at least one healthy pregnancy in the past
• Must be a non-smoker, living in a non-smoking home, for one year before applying
• Not dependent on alcohol
• Must be healthy and free from sexually-transmitted diseases

This may seem like an extensive list, but these are requirements that any surrogacy agency across the country will have. Becoming a surrogate mother is a big commitment, and we want to make sure your body won’t be harmed in the process. Not fulfilling any of these requirements could lead to a difficult pregnancy or harm the child. If you don’t fulfill these requirements–that’s ok! Not everyone can become a surrogate mother. Keeping these requirements in place protects life and emotions from damage. 

2. Mental Health Requirements

Pregnancy and the separation of surrogacy can take a toll on a woman mentally. Carrying a child for nine months and then giving the child up to a different family. This is why surrogacy agencies have requirements to ensure all surrogate mothers are mentally healthy. If you’re not doing well mentally, your focus should be on seeking help for yourself. We want to make sure all women who become surrogate mothers will be able to handle separation and emotions. Here are the mental health requirements for surrogate mothers:

• Must not have any mental health issues
• Not be on medication for depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues
• Must not have a history of postpartum depression after previous birth(s)

If you fulfill all of these requirements and the physical health requirements, you can apply to be a surrogate mother. 

Additional Steps in Surrogacy 

After submitting your application, you will be notified if you meet all the requirements. However, this is not the end of the process. You will have to undergo a physical and mental examination to make sure you are ready to become a surrogate mother. You will meet with a fertility specialist to determine if you will be able to conceive. Additionally, you will undergo a background check to ensure you will be a good fit for our agency.

Surrogacy is a unique process. Surrogacy might be for you if you are interested in helping out a couple just by using your natural anatomy. Here are some additional requirements that surrogate mothers must fulfill:

• Must live in the U.S. and be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 21-39
• Must be actively parenting one child
• Must not be receiving any public assistance

If you want to pursue surrogacy and you fulfill all these requirements, visit our agency’s website to apply. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.

Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643 | Email