Becoming a Surrogate Mother through Gestational Surrogacy
Who is a Gestational Surrogate?
A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual, also known as a gestational carrier. Surrogate mothers are impregnated through the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which doctors create an embryo by fertilizing eggs from the intended mother (or an egg donor) with sperm from the intended father (or a sperm donor).
Because the gestational carrier doesn’t provide the egg, she is not genetically related to the baby. Learn more about the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. Note that traditional surrogacy is mostly illegal across the world and instead, gestational surrogacy is the more popular surrogacy route.
Other names you might come across in your research to becoming a surrogate mother: gestational carrier, gestational surrogate, surrogate mother, surrogate carrier – these terms are often used interchangeably. A gestational carrier is different from a traditional surrogate. A traditional surrogate is the child’s biological mother, but a gestational surrogate has no relation to the child.
Consider helping someone have a child and give one of the greatest gifts of all!
Surrogate Mother Qualification
Women who are considered for participation in our Oklahoma Surrogacy Choices program must meet requirements to be a Surrogate Mother. Are you eligible to be a Surrogate?:
- Must live in the U.S. and be a U.S. citizen with valid identification and birth certificate
- Are between the ages of 21 and 39
- Have a Body Mass Index between 18-31
- Not have any new tattoos, piercings, or blood transfusions within the last twelve months
- Not have any mental health issues nor have been on medication for depression, bipolar disorder, nor other mental health issues
- Not take illicit drugs or medications not prescribed
- Not be taking any medication that may harm the pregnancy
- Have had at least one healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy
- Not have had postpartum depression after previous birth(s)
- Must be actively parenting at least one child (there are certain exceptions to this)
- Be a non-smoker, living in a non-smoking home, for at least one-year before completing our application
- Are not alcohol dependent
- Are healthy and free of sexually-transmitted diseases
- Not be receiving any public assistance (including medicaid and food stamps)
- Be willing to complete a background check and psychological evaluation
Quick Contact: Comments / Questions
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, have you read the eligibility requirements?
Surrogate Compensation
The compensation for being a surrogate varies depending upon your location, circumstances, and history of previous surrogacy (if any). We have the most comprehensive compensation packages anywhere. Compensation may be up to $40,000 and more for qualified surrogates. All compensation is agreed to between you and the intended parents and written into a contract approved by both parties, Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma, and attorneys representing the you and the intended parents. All of the expenses related to surrogacy process are paid by the Intended Parents, and acting as a surrogate will not cost you anything.
The surrogacy process can be complicated, and every pregnancy comes with possible difficulties, which is why Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is committed to promoting the physical, emotional, and financial health of every single surrogate. Please contact our Oklahoma surrogacy agencies today to learn more about your options helping families in need through the miracle of surrogacy. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
