If you’re considering becoming a surrogate mother, one of the biggest questions that is asked is “How old does a surrogate have to be?” It’s a valid question, and one that can sometimes vary by agency or even the intended parents’ wishes. If you’re looking for answers that cover surrogacy age requirements, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on as we delve into all things surrogacy and age-related – making sure a potential surrogate is the appropriate age not only protects all parties involved, but it is actually an important part of the vetting process as well.
Can you be a surrogate at 18?
Since at the age of 18 you’re legally an adult, one would be safe to assume that this also applies to a potential surrogate mother – but that is simply not the case. Any young woman who would love to gift the joy of motherhood should be applauded and revered for her selflessness at such a young age. Unfortunately, despite the altruistic intentions, she is not eligible to become a surrogate until she turns 21, and this rule is across the board for almost every surrogate agency. There are a myriad of reasons why a teenager, albeit an adult, isn’t allowed to become a gestational carrier just yet.
First, this age requirement is in place to ensure that surrogates are physically and emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibilities of pregnancy and surrogacy. At 18 the minds and bodies of young women are still developing, and so the general medical consensus has established that it isn’t until the age of 21 that such maturity is more feasible.
Second, it is a mandatory stipulation that all surrogates not only have previously given birth, but that they’re also raising their own child (ren). And although not a requirement, it is recommended that a surrogate has hopefully completed her family prior to starting the surrogacy journey.
Lastly, age restrictions are established by surrogacy professionals to protect the well-being of many young women who are interested in teen surrogacy. These requirements are put in place because most of those under 21 do not meet the necessary criteria for surrogacy, which ensures that teenagers are not permitted to serve as carriers.
Becoming a surrogate demands a deep commitment, as it involves not only carrying a child but also providing emotional support to the intended parents throughout the journey. The age requirement of 21 and over helps ensure that surrogates are adequately prepared for this responsibility.
Can you be a surrogate over 30?
On the opposite end of the age spectrum, there’s a common concern about whether you can be a surrogate if you are over 30. The answer is, absolutely! Many surrogacy agencies accept surrogates who are in their 30s and, in some rare cases, even at 40+. The most important factor to consider is not just the surrogate’s age but their overall health, wellness, and willingness to fulfill the role. Since every surrogate is required to have given birth before, the deciding factor of whether a hopeful gestational carrier will be seriously considered, really comes down to whether she successfully carried a pregnancy to term without any severe complications.
We have to remember that the intended parents are putting their complete trust into the surrogate process, and all their hopes and dreams of having a baby rely on the success of the surrogate mother. As we age, health conditions can become more relevant, so of course the question of how old does a surrogate have to be plays a significant part. However, it is the overall health, and more importantly a transparent medical history, that will ultimately determine how eligible the potential surrogate is for the role, and ensure that they are physically fit to carry a pregnancy to term safely.
Is 40 too old to be a surrogate?
While 40 shouldn’t be considered too old to carry a pregnancy, and many women even have successful pregnancies of their own even after 40, when it comes to surrogacy and the high stakes involved, the rules are a little different. While a surrogate who is 40 may be able to carry to term successfully, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Each surrogacy agency may have specific age guidelines or restrictions in place, so it’s crucial to consult with the agency that you’re interested in working with.
Most agencies have an age limit set in the late 30s – Surrogacy by Faith, for instance, has a max age for surrogates that caps out at 37.
Of course, medical factors play a substantial role in determining whether someone in their 40s is a suitable candidate for surrogacy. Additionally, a younger surrogate can sometimes increase the success rates of the surrogacy – although thankfully surrogacy in and of itself is a highly successful venture. It’s always recommended to seek professional advice from medical experts and surrogacy agencies and receive guidance that reflects your specific circumstances.
What are the surrogacy age requirements?
Although every agency’s age limits differ slightly, as mentioned previously, there can never be a surrogate younger than 21. Surrogacy age requirements can also vary based on location and state regulations. In general, most agencies look for surrogates between the ages of 21 and 40, with most preferring gestational carrier candidates to be before the age of 37/38. These age parameters are designed to guarantee that the surrogate can carry a pregnancy safely to term, while ensuring a healthy pregnancy experience for her. Any reputable agency will always put the safety of all parties involved at the forefront of their
The age requirement is not just about the surrogate’s age but also about their physical and emotional readiness for the journey. Becoming a surrogate necessitates a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and understanding of the significant commitment involved.
What is the age limit for surrogacy in CA?
If you’re considering surrogacy in California, it’s essential to understand the specific regulations of the state; however, when it comes to age, there is no strict limit for surrogates. While the exact age range can vary between surrogacy agencies, the standard age requirement for surrogates in California tends to be between 21 to 40 years old. Despite the absence of a state-wide age limit, surrogates in California, and everywhere else, must be in good health and meet certain criteria irrespective of how old they are. Any intended parents should always choose a surrogate within an ideal age range and ensure she’s physically and emotionally fit to undertake the surrogacy journey, while also understanding the significance of thorough health screenings to determine that the surrogate can safely carry the pregnancy to term.
What are other requirements to be a surrogate?
Age is just one of the many qualifications for being a surrogate. In fact, there are a number of specific surrogacy requirements that must be met prior to a surrogate moving forward with the process. Having had a successful pregnancy and delivery once before, having a proportionate BMI, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle are some of the basic requirements needed to proceed to the next steps of becoming a surrogate. Additionally, you must have a stable family environment and adequate support network, as well as successfully pass comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. Most importantly, all surrogate candidates must possess a genuine desire to help others realize their dreams of parenthood and an altruistic dedication to the surrogate journey.
How do I become a surrogate with Surrogacy by Faith?
If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, the initial step is to research and select a reputable surrogacy agency that aligns with your values and requirements, and even your personal beliefs. Once you’ve chosen an agency, you’ll need to complete an application, attend interviews, undergo medical and psychological evaluations, and meet legal and contractual obligations.
Surrogacy by Faith is a dedicated agency that’s committed to assisting individuals and couples in achieving their dreams of parenthood, while respecting the values and beliefs of the surrogates we work with. Our knowledgeable team of professionals have world-class experience, and many of them have been surrogates themselves! We pride ourselves on putting the needs of both our surrogates and intended parents first, and our strong faith and Christian values motivate us to stay on the righteous path, and help dreams come true by bringing a new life into this world.
If you have any questions regarding surrogacy, make sure to read through the knowledgeable articles on our surrogacy blog, or visit our information page for surrogates. And if you’re ready to embark on an experience that is filled with kindness, selflessness, sacrifice, and the greatest gift of all – life – contact us by filling out the surrogacy inquiry form.
We’re ready to embark on this blessed journey with you – get in touch with us today!