Requirements for surrogacy: Answering top 5 FAQs about becoming a Surrogate 

The Qualifications to be a Surrogate: What you need to know before becoming a Surrogate at NewGen Families 

Embarking on the path of Surrogacy is indeed something to be proud of. However, carrying someone else’s child involves far more than good intentions and an initial verbal agreement.

At NewGen Families, our commitment to the well-being of our Surrogates is on par with our dedication to Intended Parents, who entrust us with growing their family. Consequently, those interested in becoming Surrogates must fully understand the requirements for Surrogacy and why they are in place before applying to our agency.

Today’s article is guided by our core value of inclusivity, delving into specific areas that prospective Gestational Carriers and Intended Parents may need clarification on. We answer questions such as ‘Can you be a Surrogate with PCOS?’ or ‘Can you be a Surrogate if you have had an abortion?’ to dive deeper into the Surrogacy process.

Even though not everybody can meet the requirements for Surrogacy, we encourage all individuals to discover how Surrogacy is an underestimated path to creating beautiful families.  

It’s time to explore the requirements for Surrogacy together! 

NewGen Families’ Requirements for Surrogacy

Before we delve into our top 5 FAQs by prospective Gestational Carriers, our team at NewGen Families would like to familiarize you with the foundational requirements for Surrogacy. Ones that you can likely grasp without medical expertise. 

Whether you decide to pursue Surrogacy through an agency or independently, these universal prerequisites are essential considerations as you embark on your Surrogacy journey. 

These requirements for Surrogacy for Surrogates at NewGen Families include the following:

• Be between the ages of 21 – 42, depending on the clinic.
• Be financially secure.
• Live in a Surrogate-friendly state.
• Have experienced at least one successful full-term pregnancy and delivery.
• Have experienced uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
• Have not experienced more than three previous births by cesarean section.
• Be free of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Be non-smokers and unexposed to second-hand smoke at home and work.
• Be willing to refrain from consuming alcohol throughout the entire pregnancy.

In addition to the basic requirements for Surrogacy above, our Gestational Carriers must demonstrate a genuine motivation to help others beyond financial compensation. The best candidates meet the above criteria, are experienced, and love being pregnant. 

Are you interested in becoming a Surrogate? Take our quick quiz to see if you pre-qualify! 

Can you be a Surrogate with Herpes?

Now that we have covered the basic requirements for Surrogacy, it is time to dive into some specific concerns prospective Gestational Carriers may share. Even if these questions do not necessarily apply to you, we encourage anyone interested in Surrogacy to have a well-rounded understanding of the process. 

Herpes (HSV-2) is a common sexually transmitted infection affecting 491 million people (World Health Organisation, 2023). However, the answer to whether you can be a Surrogate with Herpes is contested. The truth is that a Herpes diagnosis does not necessarily mean you cannot be a Surrogate. 

Since HSV-2 transmits via skin-to-skin contact (Ibid.), a Surrogate may need to undergo a C-Section to protect the baby during an outbreak. To avoid difficulties finding a match, all Surrogates applying to NewGen Families must be free of all STIs. 

Some clinics may support your decision to become a Surrogate if you manage your condition. In addition to the strong possibility of a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy with Herpes, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that the risk that a sexual partner with genital herpes passes on the infection, even when there are no signs or symptoms, is “very small” (2023).

Can you be a Surrogate after menopause?

Another reoccurring question about the qualifications to be a Surrogate is whether or not it is possible after menopause. Unfortunately, the answer to the question above is no. The foundational requirement for Surrogacy is that the Gestational Carriers are in the optimal physical condition to bear a pregnancy successfully. 

Specifically, you cannot be a Surrogate after menopause because the body stops building up the uterus lining necessary to support a healthy pregnancy. As a result, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends agencies and clinics set a maximum age of 45 (2022).

The best Surrogacy agencies do everything they can to make the journey to pregnancy as seamless as possible. At NewGen Families, this means selecting candidates who can help us maintain the highest Surrogacy success rate. The maximum age set for our Gestational Carriers is 42, reflecting our dedication to ensuring the highest standards.

Can you become a Surrogate more than once?

Unlike our response to the former question, the answer to ‘Can you become a Surrogate more than once?’ is yes! In fact, previous experience of a successful pregnancy is actually a requirement for Surrogacy at NewGen Families. 

Building on this information, you may also wonder: How many times can you be a Surrogate? Similar to the question, ‘Can you be a Surrogate with Herpes?’, the responses you may find online will likely be conflicting.

NewGen Families is proud to be endorsed by the best clinics in America, a testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding the most rigorous criteria for selecting our Surrogates. 

Therefore, our Gestational Carriers should not have experienced over five previous deliveries or three deliveries via cesarean section, as enforced by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. 

This particular requirement for Surrogacy also ensures our Gestational Carriers are up to the task of being pregnant before undertaking such a critical role for someone else.

Can you be a Surrogate with PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that impacts an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age (World Health Organization, 2023). Surprisingly, the World Health Organization reports that 70% of women worldwide remain undiagnosed (Ibid.).

As the name implies, PCOS involves the development of small fluid-filled collections, or cysts, on the ovaries. These follicles contain eggs that fail to mature as they should.

In a typical menstrual cycle, the ovaries release a single mature egg. For those affected by PCOS, however, multiple immature follicles are released. This results in a disrupted menstrual cycle and the occurrence of heavy periods.

This condition gives rise to a spectrum of symptoms, including fertility challenges. Given that a healthy reproductive history stands as a fundamental requirement for Surrogacy, the response to the question ‘Can you be a Surrogate with PCOS?’ is no. This is due to the increased likelihood of pregnancy-related complications associated with PCOS.

Can you be a Surrogate if you have had an abortion?

Addressing the query, ‘Can you be a Surrogate if you have had an abortion?’ The answer is yes: having had an abortion does not inherently disqualify someone from embarking on the Surrogacy journey.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that each Intended Parent harbors distinct preferences when selecting Surrogates, some of which transcend the basic requirements for Surrogacy outlined earlier. Specifically, factors such as the context surrounding the abortion, and the Surrogate’s overall emotional well-being play a pivotal role in determining the compatibility with a specific family.

Due to the nuanced complexity of these considerations, it is strongly recommended that prospective Surrogates with abortion experiences initiate direct engagement with our dedicated team. 

We invite you to book a free consultation with one of our trusted advisors if you are interested in becoming a Surrogate at NewGen Families!

Conclusion

At NewGen Families, we consider the safety of our Surrogates to be the highest priority. For this reason, we hope this article can be of service to all potential Gestational Carriers and Intended Parents alike. 

While the qualifications to be a Surrogate might initially seem restrictive, we extend a warm welcome to prospective Surrogates from all walks of life. We encourage you to contemplate the Surrogacy path, as it offers the chance to help another family realize their dream of parenthood.

Should you seek further insights on the requirements for Surrogacy as a prospective Surrogate, don’t hesitate to connect with our dependable team of experts!

Your journey with us starts with your questions.