Becoming a surrogate is one of the most generous and meaningful decisions a woman can make. For many families, the surrogacy journey provides the only path to parenthood. However, surrogacy is not suitable for everyone. There are specific disqualifications for surrogacy that agencies and fertility clinics use to determine who is eligible to carry a baby for someone else. These criteria protect the health, safety, and emotional well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we care deeply about guiding every prospective gestational carrier with compassion and clarity. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, this guide will help you understand what may disqualify you and how to prepare for a successful journey.
Why Do Surrogacy Disqualifications Exist?
Surrogacy is a complex process that involves physical health, emotional stability, legal clarity, and ethical responsibility. Surrogacy disqualifications are not meant to discourage women, but to ensure a healthy surrogate pregnancy and a safe outcome for everyone involved. Fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies set strict guidelines because the health of both the surrogate and the baby is of the utmost importance.
Each gestational surrogate carrier must meet detailed surrogacy requirements before being matched with intended parents. These requirements include medical records review, lifestyle assessments, psychological evaluations, and more. Any red flags that appear during the surrogate screening process may lead to disqualification, either temporarily or permanently.
Medical Conditions That Disqualify Surrogate Candidates
Medical disqualifications are the most common reason a woman may not be able to pursue surrogacy. These decisions are based on documented medical records, previous pregnancies, and recommendations from reproductive medicine specialists.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Out of Range
Most fertility clinics require a healthy body mass index between 19 and 32. A BMI that is too high or too low can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low birth weight, or premature birth. These risks make it more difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy and delivery.
If your body mass index is slightly outside the preferred range, you may still be able to become a surrogate after improving your physical health with the guidance of your doctor.
Chronic Health Conditions
Some medical conditions are considered disqualifying factors because they increase the chance of a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication. You may be disqualified from the surrogacy process if you have:
- Type 1 diabetes or poorly controlled gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure that requires ongoing medication
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Heart disease or kidney conditions
- Endometrial cancer or other reproductive cancers
- Severe asthma or autoimmune disorders
Fertility clinics carefully evaluate your medical history to determine whether your health issues pose a risk to the surrogacy journey.
Mental Health History
Mental health is just as important as physical health in gestational surrogacy. Surrogates must be emotionally stable and capable of managing the demands of pregnancy, especially when carrying a child for someone else.
Women with a history of bipolar disorder, severe depression, psychosis, or suicidal ideation may be disqualified. A history of substance abuse related to mental health treatment may also be disqualifying. However, mild anxiety or depression that is well-managed with therapy or medication may be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Reproductive Health Concerns
Your pregnancy history and gynecological health also play a critical role in the surrogate screening process. Conditions that may disqualify surrogate candidates include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that affects ovulation or hormone balance
- Uterine fibroids or abnormalities that interfere with embryo transfer
- Repeated miscarriages without a known cause
- Endometriosis that impacts the uterine lining
- History of preeclampsia or placental abruption
These conditions may reduce your chances of carrying a healthy baby to term and can endanger both you and the baby during future pregnancies.
Obstetric Disqualifications: What Your Pregnancy History Reveals
Your previous pregnancies tell fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies how your body handles pregnancy and delivery. This is why we require all gestational carrier applicants to have had at least one child of their own. This helps ensure that both the surrogate and the intended parents can move forward with confidence.
No Previous Full-Term Pregnancy
If you have never given birth to your own child, you are not eligible to become a surrogate. Gestational surrogacy requires a proven record of a full-term, healthy pregnancy with minimal complications.
History of Pregnancy Complications
If your past pregnancies included serious medical concerns, you may be disqualified. These include:
- Preterm delivery before 37 weeks
- Gestational diabetes requiring insulin
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Hemorrhaging during or after delivery
- Postpartum depression requiring hospitalization
The goal of every surrogacy program is a healthy, safe experience for all parties involved. Complications in past pregnancies often indicate increased risk in future pregnancies.
Too Many C-Sections
While many surrogate mothers have had previous C-sections, too many can increase risks like uterine rupture. Most clinics accept surrogate candidates with up to two or three prior cesarean sections, depending on how well you healed and what your medical records show.
Lifestyle and Environmental Disqualifications
Surrogates must maintain a lifestyle that supports their health and the development of the baby. That includes avoiding illegal drugs, limiting exposure to toxins, and maintaining emotional and financial stability.
Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol Use
Use of tobacco, illegal drugs, or abuse of alcohol is one of the fastest ways to be disqualified. This includes:
- Cigarettes, cigars, and vaping nicotine
- Marijuana or THC products
- Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or other illegal drugs
- History of substance abuse without documented recovery
All surrogates are drug tested during the screening process and may be tested randomly during the surrogacy journey. Your lifestyle directly impacts the baby’s development, and both you and the intended parents deserve peace of mind.
Unstable Living Environment
To pursue surrogacy, you must have a stable support system and a clean, safe living environment. If you or your household members have a recent criminal history, involvement with child protective services, or live in unsafe conditions, you may be disqualified.
A strong support system is also crucial. Surrogacy is a significant commitment, and you will need a supportive partner, family, or friends to help with childcare, transportation, and emotional support throughout the process.
Receiving Government Assistance
While being financially stable doesn’t mean you must be wealthy, you should not be dependent on government assistance such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing support. These benefits are meant to support low-income families, and receiving them may indicate that the financial pressures of pregnancy could be too great.
Legal and Geographic Disqualifications for Surrogacy
Residing in a Surrogacy-Unfriendly State
Some states do not permit compensated surrogacy or do not enforce surrogacy contracts. If a surrogate resides in Louisiana, Nebraska, or certain parts of Michigan, she may not be able to legally participate in a surrogacy program.
Surrogacy laws change often, and we encourage women to check with our agency to learn if their state is currently surrogacy-friendly.
Criminal Record
Surrogates must pass a background check. Any felonies, especially related to abuse, fraud, or violence, will result in disqualification. Misdemeanors may be reviewed depending on the circumstances. The safety of the child and all involved is a priority.
Immigration Status
To become a surrogate with Made in the USA Surrogacy, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with documentation. This ensures clear legal protections and access to health care services throughout the surrogacy journey.
Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualifications
Not all disqualifying factors are permanent. Some surrogate candidates may become eligible in the future after addressing certain concerns.
Temporary disqualifications may include:
- Body mass index slightly outside the required range
- Mild, well-managed mental health conditions
- Short recovery window after childbirth
- Minor lifestyle habits like recent smoking that have stopped
Permanent disqualifications include:
- Serious medical conditions with long-term risks
- No history of giving birth
- Multiple high-risk pregnancies or deliveries
- Severe psychiatric history or substance abuse
- Living in a state that prohibits surrogacy
Can I Reapply to Become a Surrogate?
Yes, many women improve their eligibility and reapply successfully. If you were previously disqualified because of weight, lifestyle, or timing, our team is happy to guide you on what changes could make you eligible in the future.
We encourage every woman who feels called to help grow a family to learn more, even if you aren’t ready to apply today.
How We Screen Surrogate Candidates at Made in the USA Surrogacy
Our surrogate screening process is designed to ensure that every surrogate is healthy, prepared, and supported. This includes:
- A detailed application covering lifestyle, previous pregnancies, and motivation
- Review of your complete medical history and documented medical records
- A physical exam and lab testing through one of our trusted fertility clinics
- Psychological evaluation with a licensed professional to assess your ability to make sensitive judgment calls throughout the surrogacy process
- Background check for you and any adult household members
- A home assessment to confirm a stable, clean living environment
These steps allow us to match you with the right intended parents and provide full transparency throughout your surrogacy journey.
Frequently Asked Disqualifications for Surrogacy Questions
Can I become a surrogate if I had my tubes tied?
Yes, tubal ligation does not disqualify you. Surrogates do not use their own eggs, so your fallopian tubes are not needed. Gestational surrogacy involves embryo transfer, not egg donation from the surrogate.
Can I become a surrogate if I’ve had gestational diabetes?
If it was mild and diet-controlled, you may still qualify. Severe gestational diabetes may disqualify you.
What if I’ve had anxiety or depression?
Mild mental health conditions may not disqualify you, especially if treated. A history of psychiatric hospitalization may.
Do tattoos or piercings disqualify me?
No. As long as they are fully healed and done in sanitary conditions, they are not disqualifying factors.
Can I be a surrogate if I’ve received government assistance?
If you rely heavily on government benefits, you may not qualify. Surrogacy should not add financial strain.
What are the age restrictions for becoming a surrogate?
Most fertility clinics require you to be between 21 and 40 years old. These age restrictions help ensure the health and safety of both pregnant women and the baby during the surrogacy journey.
Final Thoughts on Surrogacy Disqualifications
Becoming a surrogate is a profound decision, and it’s important to understand the qualifications and disqualifications before beginning the surrogacy process. While not everyone will be eligible, many women who once thought they were disqualified have gone on to have a successful journey.
The safety, well being, and stability of both the surrogate and the baby are our top priorities. If you’re curious whether you qualify, we encourage you to take the first step.
Ready to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to apply or just gathering information, our team is available to help. Click below to learn more about our surrogate requirements or to begin your application.
Start Your Application to Become a Surrogate Today.
