Are you interested in becoming a surrogate mother but not sure if you meet the requirements? We always get a lot of questions about surrogate requirements—and why gestational carriers need to meet certain qualifications. Surrogacy requirements are put in place to ensure the most positive outcome for the baby and the surrogate because we value safety above all else. Our top priority is the health and well-being of our babies and our surrogates!
We are excited that you are interested in becoming an alternate! Before you apply, it’s helpful to review our requirements.
What Are the Requirements to Surrogate Through Circle Surrogacy?
Below is a list of surrogate requirements for Circle Surrogacy, as well as the reason why they are requirements. It is important to note that for some of our surrogate requirements, Circle follows the guidelines set forth by American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), an organization that ensures that ethical standards are upheld through the practice and promotion of reproductive medicine. We must also comply with the regulations set by IVF clinics to accompany them on egg replacement and donation journeys. In order to be approved by this organization and work with clinics, Circle must uphold their requirements, including age and BMI requirements for surrogacy.
1. Our surrogates must have children of their own and be current parents of at least one child.
A surrogate applicant must have had a successful pregnancy before becoming a surrogate. This removes any questions about whether she can carry a baby to term.
We also need to obtain OB and delivery records to confirm that the pregnancy and delivery were without complications.
2. We require all surrogates to have had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery in the past, as documented by medical records.
Women who have had complications during pregnancy or childbirth are at increased risk of harm or further complications to the baby and themselves. We put the safety of our surrogates and babies above all else and do not want to risk any future complications.
3. The candidates should be between the age of 21 to 44 years old.
While there are cases of uncomplicated pregnancies outside this age range, age limits are set by IVF clinics. Due to fluctuating hormones and the increased health risk to you and the baby or babies, the age limit is no more than 44 years old.
4. In most circumstances, candidates must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) not higher than 33.
These rules are set by IVF clinics. BMI requirements are established not only for health reasons but also to ensure that you will respond appropriately to the necessary medications. We understand that not everyone knows their BMI, which is why we provide a link to a BMI calculator right in our application. Calculate My BMI.
5. Alternates must be citizens, legal residents, or legal immigrants of the United States. If a surrogate is a legal resident or legal immigrant of the United States, the surrogate must be able to provide documentation valid for at least 2 years. They must also have a valid driver’s license.
Each state and country has different laws for surrogates, and we are only legally allowed to work with surrogates in the 47 states where surrogacy is legal. We cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska, Louisiana, or Michigan. To learn more about state-specific laws and regulations, we have pages for each state with more information!
6. Our successors must be financially secure.
There are income and financial requirements, and each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
7. Surrogates must have the support of their family. If married or partnered, the successor must have the support of his partner. Also, the surrogate and his partner/primary supporter must agree to participate in a social work evaluation.
Becoming a surrogate is a huge decision and it is critical to have a support system in place throughout the journey. There are times during a surrogacy journey when a surrogate mother will need help from her support system: such as childcare, transportation to/from appointments, or a travel partner. For these reasons, he needs a strong support system that accompanies his decision and is available to help him. You can learn more about preparing for surrogacy, both emotionally and physically, in our related blog post.
8. Our successors must lead a healthy, stable, and responsible lifestyle.
Caring for and carrying someone else’s baby is a big responsibility. To ensure that the baby is safe and not exposed to too much stress, we ask that our surrogates can provide a stable and healthy environment for themselves and the baby.
9. Surrogates must be willing to travel for medical examination and embryo transfer. Often these trips include overnight stays.
The surrogate has to go to the IVF clinic where her parents work. Our IPs are 
are allowed to choose any clinic in the US, regardless of where they or their surrogate live. The surrogate will travel for their medical evaluation appointment, which is an overnight stay. Local follow-up appointments are made locally to monitor the surrogate’s progress through the IVF cycle in preparation for transfer. When she is ready for transfer, the surrogate returns to the IVF clinic for the embryo transfer, again, which requires an overnight stay
10. We ask that our surrogates not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol.
To ensure that the parents’ intended babies are in the safest possible environment, we cannot accept surrogates who abuse drugs or alcohol, which could put the baby at risk. Drug or alcohol abuse can also lead to complications or health risks for the surrogate.
What Disqualifies You from Being a Substitute?
A woman may be disqualified from surrogacy for not meeting surrogacy requirements; however, that never reflects on her ability to conceive or as a person or mother.
Some reasons why a woman may be disqualified from being a surrogate include:
- He does not meet the age requirements.
- She does not meet the BMI requirements.
- She experienced infertility in her own pregnancy.
- She doesn’t live in a surrogacy-friendly state (or doesn’t live in the US).
- He had a pre-existing condition that was not accepted by the clinics.
- She had a complicated pregnancy or delivery.
As you consider surrogacy and surrogacy agencies, you may have questions along the way. With many experienced surrogates on staff, we’ve helped women successfully navigate their surrogacy journeys, and we’ve answered almost every question out there and given our best shot. often asked on our website! If you have further questions, you can contact us at social o email us!
