Becoming a surrogate is one of the most generous things a woman can do for another family. But before the journey begins, there is one question worth answering honestly: what can disqualify you from being a surrogate?
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics have specific standards in place to protect everyone involved: the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents. This article covers every category of surrogate disqualifications, from medical and mental health factors to lifestyle and background requirements, so you know exactly where you stand before you apply.
How Surrogate Disqualification Standards Are Set and Who Decides Them
The Role of Fertility Clinics and Medical Guidelines
Surrogate disqualification standards aren’t invented by individual agencies. They are primarily set by fertility clinics and grounded in guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the leading medical authority on reproductive health in the United States.
These guidelines are designed to identify candidates most likely to carry a healthy pregnancy to term, reduce the risk of complications for both the surrogate and the baby, and ensure the emotional readiness needed for this unique commitment.
Every clinic may apply these guidelines slightly differently, which is why requirements can vary from one agency to the next.
Why Requirements Can Vary Between Agencies
Not every surrogacy agency sets the same bar. Some are more flexible on certain criteria; others are stricter. The standards at Surrogacy by Faith are guided by the clinics they work with, ASRM recommendations, and a genuine commitment to protecting both surrogates and intended parents throughout the journey.
If you’re unsure whether something in your history affects your eligibility, the best step is always to apply and let the team review your specific situation. Many factors are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Medical Disqualifications for Surrogacy
Age and Weight Requirements
Most surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics look for surrogates between the ages of 21 and 40. At Surrogacy by Faith, the upper age limit is 37. This range reflects both the physical demands of pregnancy and the medical evidence around pregnancy outcomes at different ages.
Weight also plays a role. A Body Mass Index (BMI) that falls outside the healthy range can increase the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Surrogacy by Faith requires a BMI of 29 or below.
Pregnancy and Delivery History
To become a surrogate, you must have already given birth to at least one child, and be actively raising that child. This requirement confirms that your body can carry a pregnancy to term and gives the medical team important information about how your pregnancies have gone.
Your most recent delivery should have occurred at 36 weeks or later (unless it was a multiple pregnancy), and your pregnancy history should be free of major complications. You must also have given birth within the last five years.
Additionally, you cannot have had more than five previous vaginal deliveries. Each pregnancy adds wear on the body, and clinics factor this into their assessments.
C-Section History
Having had a C-section doesn’t automatically disqualify you. However, multiple C-sections can. Most clinics follow ASRM guidance, which generally limits surrogates to no more than two or three previous cesarean births.
If you’ve had C-sections in the past, this will be reviewed carefully during your medical screening. The condition of your uterine scar tissue is an important factor in this evaluation.
Health Conditions That Can Disqualify You
Certain medical conditions make it unsafe to carry a surrogate pregnancy. Common disqualifying conditions include:
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Heart, kidney, or autoimmune disorders
- HIV, hepatitis B or C, or certain untreated infections
- Endometriosis (depending on severity)
- A history of uterine abnormalities or prior endometrial ablation
- A history of serious pregnancy complications such as severe preeclampsia or placental abruption
Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy is not an automatic disqualifier, but it will be reviewed carefully. If it was diet-controlled and did not lead to complications, you may still be eligible.
Medications That May Rule You Out
Surrogates cannot be taking medications that are unsafe during pregnancy. This includes most psychiatric medications. If you’ve been on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, you generally need to have been off them for at least one year before applying.
Hypothyroidism is one exception: surrogates managing this condition with appropriate medication can often still qualify, with ongoing monitoring throughout the pregnancy.
Smoking, Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol
Surrogates must be non-smokers and free from tobacco and vaping products for a minimum of 12 months before applying. Smoking during a previous pregnancy is typically an automatic disqualification.
Recreational drug use of any kind is not permitted. Alcohol use is also assessed; heavy or regular alcohol consumption is a disqualifying factor. Surrogacy by Faith looks for women committed to a healthy, substance-free lifestyle throughout the journey.
Mental Health Disqualifications for Surrogacy
What a Psychological Evaluation Looks For
Every surrogate candidate at Surrogacy by Faith undergoes a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist, typically via a Zoom appointment. This is a standard part of the process, not something to fear.
The evaluation looks at emotional stability, your understanding of what surrogacy involves, how it may affect your family, and your ability to hand the baby over to the intended parents after birth. It also explores your motivations and your support system at home.
The goal is not to find reasons to disqualify you. It’s to make sure you’re fully prepared for a journey that is as emotionally significant as it is physically demanding.
Mental Health Conditions That Are Reviewed Case by Case
A history of mental health treatment doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Context matters: how long ago, what the diagnosis was, whether it was treated, and whether you’ve since maintained stable mental health.
That said, active or recent diagnoses of conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, or untreated depression or anxiety are typically disqualifying. A history of postpartum depression, particularly if it occurred after more than one delivery or required antidepressant treatment, is also carefully reviewed.
Lifestyle and Background Disqualifications for Surrogacy
Financial Stability and Government Assistance
Surrogates should not be relying on surrogacy compensation to cover their basic living expenses. This is an important ethical standard, ensuring that the decision to become a surrogate is driven by a genuine desire to help, not financial pressure.
Women currently receiving certain forms of government assistance, including cash aid, welfare, public housing, or Section 8, are typically not eligible. Other forms of government support are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Criminal Background Requirements
All surrogate applicants and the adults living in their household undergo a criminal background check. Felony convictions are a disqualifying factor. This requirement protects the intended parents and ensures a safe, stable environment for the pregnancy.
Living Situation and Support System
Surrogacy is a significant physical and emotional commitment that affects your entire household. Surrogacy by Faith looks for candidates who have a stable home environment and a strong support network, whether that’s a partner, family members, or close friends.
If you’re located in Southern California, the process also includes a home visit to confirm that your living situation is stable and supportive.
Your support system isn’t just a checkbox. It’s one of the most important factors in whether your surrogacy journey goes well, for you and for the family you’re helping.
Surrogate Disqualifications That May Be Temporary
Conditions That Could Change Your Eligibility Over Time
Not every disqualification is permanent. Some factors that prevent you from qualifying today may change, which means the door isn’t necessarily closed forever.
Examples of potentially temporary disqualifications include:
- Currently taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications (you may be eligible after being off them for at least 12 months)
- BMI above the required threshold (losing weight could bring you into the eligible range)
- Recent smoking or vaping (12 months tobacco-free is typically required)
- A very recent delivery (most agencies require adequate recovery time since your last birth)
- Currently receiving certain types of government assistance (your situation may change)
How to Know When You’re Ready to Reapply
If something in your history or current circumstances is preventing you from qualifying, the best thing to do is have an honest conversation with the Surrogacy by Faith team. They can tell you exactly what would need to change and what the timeline might look like.
Many women who weren’t ready the first time they inquired go on to become wonderful surrogates once the timing is right. Circumstances change, and Surrogacy by Faith is happy to revisit your application when they do.
How Surrogacy by Faith Screens Its Surrogates
What the Screening Process Looks Like Step by Step
Surrogacy by Faith uses a secure online portal to guide every surrogate through the screening process. Once your initial application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be invited into the portal where you’ll complete detailed screening questions and upload your relevant documents, including your OB/GYN records, previous delivery records, and insurance information.
From there, the team sends your documents to their medical team for review. If you pass that stage, you’ll be scheduled for a psychological evaluation with a licensed psychologist. The entire screening phase typically takes two to four weeks.
Every step is supported. The portal lets you see exactly where you are in the process, and the Surrogacy by Faith team is available around the clock if you have questions.
To learn more about the full journey from application to matching, visit the surrogacy process guide.
What Surrogacy by Faith Looks for Beyond the Checklist
Meeting the medical and lifestyle requirements is essential, but Surrogacy by Faith looks for something more than a ticked checklist. They look for women who genuinely want to help another family, who understand the commitment they’re making, and whose values align with the agency’s faith-based, relationship-first approach.
That’s why the team, many of whom have been surrogates themselves, takes time to get to know every applicant. This isn’t a process that moves people through a system. It’s one that treats every surrogate as a person whose wellbeing matters every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogate Disqualifications
Can I Be a Surrogate if I’ve Had a C-Section?
Yes, in most cases. Having one or two previous C-sections does not automatically disqualify you. What matters is the total number of cesarean births, the condition of the uterine scar tissue, and whether your pregnancies were otherwise uncomplicated. This is assessed during your medical screening at the IVF clinic.
Does Gestational Diabetes in a Previous Pregnancy Disqualify Me?
Not automatically. If your gestational diabetes was diet-controlled and did not lead to complications for you or your baby, you may still be eligible. If it required insulin or resulted in a difficult delivery, that is more likely to be a disqualifying factor. The medical team will review your full pregnancy history.
Can I Apply if I’ve Had Postpartum Depression?
It depends. A single episode of mild postpartum depression that was not treated with antidepressants may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A history of postpartum depression after multiple pregnancies, or treatment with antidepressants, is generally a disqualifying factor. If this applies to you, speak directly with the Surrogacy by Faith team, who will review your situation with care.
Can I Reapply After Being Disqualified?
In many cases, yes, especially if the reason for disqualification was a temporary one. If you were disqualified due to BMI, medication use, smoking, or a timing issue related to your last delivery, these are factors that can change. Reach out to Surrogacy by Faith to discuss your specific situation and whether reapplying makes sense for you.
Do I Need to Be Married to Become a Surrogate?
No. Marital status alone is not a disqualifying factor. What matters is that you have a stable home environment and a strong support system in place. If you have a partner, their support and participation in the psychological evaluation will be part of the process.
Can I Be a Surrogate if My Tubes Are Tied?
Yes. This is one of the most common misconceptions about surrogacy. Because gestational surrogacy uses an embryo created from the intended parents’ genetic material, transferred directly to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF, the fallopian tubes are not involved in the process at all. A tubal ligation does not affect your eligibility.
Not Sure if You Qualify? Here’s What to Do Next
Reading through a list of disqualifications can feel daunting, but the truth is, the best way to find out if you qualify is simply to apply. Many factors are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the Surrogacy by Faith team takes the time to understand your specific situation before drawing any conclusions.
If you’re ready to find out whether surrogacy is the right path for you, start by reviewing the full surrogate requirements at Surrogacy by Faith. Then, when you’re ready, take the first step and fill out the application.
You can also explore the complete how to become a surrogate guide or visit the can anyone be a surrogate guide for more detail on eligibility.
| Ready to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey?
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Sources
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Practice Guidelines