Exploring Surrogacy Eligibility After Having Your “Tubes Tied”

Surrogacy is a deeply personal and empowering journey—especially for women who’ve completed their families and feel called to help others build theirs. One of the most common questions we hear at Made in the USA Surrogacy is: Can I be a surrogate mother if I’ve had my tubes tied? The answer is yes—and in many cases, women who’ve had a tubal ligation procedure make excellent surrogate candidates.

If you’ve had this procedure and are exploring surrogacy, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about surrogacy after tubal ligation, including eligibility, health factors, and the application process.

Understanding Tubal Ligation and Your Future Fertility

What Is Tubal Ligation?

Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a form of permanent birth control. It’s a surgical procedure that involves cutting, blocking, or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from traveling to the uterus, where it could be fertilized. In essence, this procedure prevents pregnancy by stopping the natural path of conception.

Many women choose this method after they’ve had their own child or completed their families. It offers long-term peace of mind when it comes to birth control and is considered a safe and effective option by fertility specialists and healthcare providers.

Does Tubal Ligation Affect Future Fertility for Surrogacy?

While tubal ligation blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes and prevents her from becoming pregnant naturally, it does not affect the uterus or the hormonal functions of the reproductive system. Women continue to have a normal menstrual cycle, which is a good sign of continued reproductive health.

This is especially important when considering gestational surrogacy. Because modern surrogacy relies on the in vitro fertilization process, the fallopian tubes are bypassed altogether. A woman who has undergone tubal ligation can still carry a healthy pregnancy—making her a strong surrogacy candidate.

Can You Be a Surrogate Mother After Tubal Ligation? Yes—Here’s Why

A woman smiling with her baby

Understanding Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

To clarify: Made in the USA Surrogacy only supports gestational surrogacy, which means the surrogate mother (also called a gestational carrier) does not use her own eggs and is not genetically related to the baby she carries.

In this model, embryos are created via the vitro fertilization process using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm. The resulting embryo is then placed directly into the surrogate’s uterus through a procedure called embryo transfer.

Since your fallopian tubes are not used at all, having your tubes tied is not a barrier to becoming a gestational carrier.

Why Surrogacy After Tubal Ligation Is Not Only Possible—It’s Common

Many women who’ve undergone a tubal ligation procedure go on to become incredible surrogates. In fact, many surrogacy professionals prefer working with women who’ve had this procedure, as it often signals:

  • A history of previous pregnancy and giving birth
  • Completion of their own family
  • Emotional readiness to support someone else’s parenthood journey

These are all key traits of an ideal surrogacy candidate.

Benefits of Surrogacy After Tubal Ligation

Reduced Risk of Unintended Pregnancy

Because your fallopian tubes have been sealed or removed, you cannot become pregnant naturally. This removes any risk of unplanned pregnancy during the surrogacy process, which gives peace of mind to both you and the intended parents.

You’ve Completed Your Family and Had Your Own Child

Many women pursue surrogacy after they’ve had their own child and are ready to help others grow their families. This stage of life often brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s ideal for someone considering becoming a surrogate mother.

Evidence of Previous Healthy Pregnancies

One of the core surrogate health requirements is having at least one prior full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy. Since most tubal ligation procedures happen after a woman has had children, it’s often seen as a sign of proven reproductive health.

Surrogate Health Requirements You’ll Still Need to Meet

General Surrogacy Requirements Beyond Tubal Ligation

Although your tubal ligation won’t disqualify you, you must still meet several key surrogacy requirements, including:

  • Age between 21–39
  • At least one prior healthy pregnancy
  • No major complications during previous deliveries
  • BMI between 19–30
  • No smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol use
  • U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  • Living in a surrogacy-friendly state

These standards help ensure that every surrogate pregnancy is safe and successful for everyone involved. Learn more on our Surrogate Requirements page.

Medical and Psychological Screening Process

As part of the screening process, you’ll undergo several medical procedures to evaluate your overall health and ability to carry a pregnancy. These include:

  • Review of surgical history, including your tubal ligation procedure
  • Hormonal lab work
  • Uterine ultrasound to assess the uterine lining
  • Infectious disease screening
  • Mental health evaluations to confirm your emotional readiness

These medical screenings help ensure that your surrogate pregnancy is not only physically safe but also emotionally sustainable.

Legal Eligibility and State Regulations

Because laws vary from state to state, surrogacy professionals will help confirm that you live in a surrogacy-friendly region and have access to the right legal protections. Learn more on our Surrogacy Laws by State hub.

Your Surrogacy Journey After Tubal Ligation

A surrogate at the park

Starting the Surrogacy Process

At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we make the surrogacy process welcoming, streamlined, and guided by compassionate experts. After filling out our application, a coordinator will support you through each step:

  • Pre-qualification interview
  • Background check
  • Medical screenings
  • Matching with intended parents

Get started on our Surrogacy Process page.

What Happens After You’re Accepted

Once you’re cleared by doctors and attorneys, you’ll be matched with a family that aligns with your values and expectations. This partnership is about more than paperwork—it’s about trust, understanding, and a shared dream.

You’ll undergo the embryo transfer process, begin hormonal medications, and attend check-ins with healthcare providers. Once pregnant, you’ll be supported throughout your surrogate pregnancy by our team and the family you’re helping.

The Emotional Power of the Surrogacy Journey

Every surrogacy experience is different, but all are life-changing. Becoming a surrogate mother after tubal ligation is a way to channel your own experiences—of giving birth, of building a family—into something profoundly generous.

Whether you’ve just stopped breastfeeding or your kids are older, if you’re emotionally ready, the surrogacy path is open to you.

FAQs: Surrogacy After Tubal Ligation

Can I be a surrogate with my tubes tied?

Yes. Having your tubes tied (via a tubal ligation procedure) does not disqualify you from being a gestational surrogate.

Do I need a reversal to become a surrogate?

No. The in vitro fertilization process bypasses your fallopian tubes entirely. A reversal is not needed.

Will tubal ligation affect embryo implantation?

No. As long as your uterine lining is healthy, the embryo transfer process can proceed successfully.

Can I become a mother after tubal ligation using IVF?

Yes. IVF allows women to become a mother after tubal ligation, especially when using donor eggs or embryos.

What do many surrogacy professionals look for in a surrogate?

Many surrogacy professionals prioritize candidates who’ve had a healthy pregnancy, completed their own family, and are emotionally ready to help others.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a Surrogate Mother After Tubal Ligation Is Possible—and Powerful

If you’ve had your tubes tied and feel called to help another family grow, you’re not only eligible—you may be exactly what hopeful parents are searching for. Many women who’ve had a tubal ligation are experienced mothers, emotionally prepared, and physically capable—traits that make an ideal surrogate.

At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we’re honored to walk this path with you. From the first application to delivery day, our team is here to support, guide, and celebrate every milestone of your surrogacy journey.

Ready to take the next step? Apply to Become a Surrogate Today or speak with our caring team to find out if surrogacy after tubal ligation is right for you.

Become a Parent Become a Surrogate