Age is one of the key criteria for becoming a surrogate. Most agencies set minimum and maximum age limits to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the journey.
In this article, we’ll explore why age matters in surrogacy, what the typical age requirements are, and how those can vary from one agency to another. We’ll also go over the most common qualifications beyond age, including health and lifestyle factors, and review what might disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate. Finally, we’ll take a look at whether the age of the intended parents has any impact on the process.
If you’re considering surrogacy or simply want to understand how it works, this guide will walk you through the essential requirements.
Why Age Matters in Surrogacy
Medical and Emotional Readiness
Age is more than just a number when it comes to gestational surrogacy. It directly influences a person’s physical health, emotional stability, and overall ability to carry a pregnancy safely. That’s why age is often one of the first factors reviewed during the surrogate screening process.
Medically, the surrogate must be old enough for her body to have fully matured, but not so old that the pregnancy would involve unnecessary risks. Most agencies also require that she has already had at least one successful pregnancy. This shows that her body is capable of carrying a child to term and that she understands what pregnancy involves, both physically and emotionally.
Emotional readiness is just as important. Surrogacy is a long journey that includes medical procedures, legal steps, and close communication with the intended parents. It requires commitment, patience, and emotional strength. These qualities are more likely to be present in individuals who have reached a certain stage of life, with enough life experience to handle the process with care and maturity.
For these reasons, age is a helpful indicator of overall readiness in terms of physical health, emotional maturity, and life experience. Learn more in our guide on the emotional effects of surrogacy.
ASRM Guidelines and Common Agency Standards
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that gestational carriers be between the ages of 21 and 45. This range is based on a combination of medical data, emotional factors, and fertility considerations.
Still, many agencies choose to adopt narrower limits. Some prefer to work with surrogates between 21 and 40, while others may accept candidates up to 45 after additional health screening. Some agencies, like Surrogacy by Faith, set their upper age limit at 37 to reduce health risks and improve pregnancy outcomes.
These differences reflect each agency’s values and priorities. They may also depend on past experiences, clinic recommendations, or the agency’s overall approach to care and risk management. Age alone doesn’t determine eligibility, but it plays a central role in shaping safe and successful journeys for all involved.
What Is the Minimum Age to Become a Surrogate?
Why Most Agencies Require a Minimum Age of 21
Most surrogacy agencies in the United States require surrogates to be at least 21 years old. This standard ensures that candidates have the emotional maturity, stability, and life experience needed to handle the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy.
Additionally, many women under 21 haven’t had a child yet, which is a common requirement. Agencies want to ensure that every surrogate has already experienced pregnancy and understands what it involves.
Can Someone Be a Surrogate at 18?
Legally, some states may allow someone to become a surrogate at 18. For example, in Florida, gestational surrogacy contracts are enforceable if the surrogate is at least 18 years old. However, this is extremely rare. Most surrogacy professionals consider 18 too young due to emotional, medical, and psychological factors.
Agencies usually reject applicants under 21 because they are less likely to meet other key requirements, such as having previously given birth or maintaining a stable lifestyle. Surrogacy by Faith, like many agencies, does not accept surrogates younger than 21.
What Is the Maximum Age to Become a Surrogate?
General Upper Age Limits Among Agencies
The maximum age to become a surrogate is not the same everywhere. While the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends allowing gestational carriers up to age 45, most agencies set more cautious limits.
In practice, many agencies accept surrogates up to age 40, and some stop at 38 or even 37. This decision is based on health and safety. As age increases, so do the risks of pregnancy complications. These can include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or a higher chance of cesarean delivery.
Older candidates may still be considered in some cases, but agencies often require additional medical screenings and fertility evaluations. A strong health history, recent pregnancies, and no previous complications may improve eligibility for women in their early forties.
Age Limit at Surrogacy by Faith
Surrogacy by Faith accepts surrogates between the ages of 21 and 37.
This specific range was chosen to prioritize safety and optimize the success of every surrogacy journey. By setting the upper limit at 37, the agency aims to reduce the likelihood of complications during pregnancy, while still welcoming candidates with valuable life experience.
The agency’s screening process considers more than just age. However, this age policy helps maintain a high standard of care and supports the health of both the surrogate and the baby from start to finish.
Other General Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate
Age is just one part of the screening process. Surrogacy agencies also look at a wide range of health and lifestyle factors to make sure each candidate is well-prepared for the journey.
Here are some of the most common surrogate requirements found across agencies:
- A healthy BMI, typically between 19 and 32
- At least one previous full-term pregnancy with no major complications
- Currently raising at least one child
- No history of smoking, drug use, or untreated mental health conditions
- A stable and supportive home environment
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
These general requirements help ensure that every surrogate can safely carry a pregnancy, follow medical guidance, and remain emotionally available throughout the process. Agencies aim to support surrogates who are not only physically capable but also equipped to manage the unique responsibilities of the role.
What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate
While many people may be interested in becoming a surrogate, not everyone meets the medical and personal criteria required to move forward. Agencies and clinics follow strict screening guidelines to protect the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.
Several factors play a role in determining what disqualifies you from being a surrogate. These often include medical conditions, past pregnancy complications, and lifestyle risks. Here are some of the most common disqualifying factors:
- Ongoing or recent use of tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol misuse
- Untreated or unstable mental health conditions
- Chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure
- Serious complications in previous pregnancies, including preeclampsia or preterm labor
- A BMI outside the acceptable range, typically under 19 or over 32
- Recent piercings or tattoos without proper documentation
- Financial instability or active reliance on government assistance
- Lack of support from immediate family or household members
These criteria are in place not to exclude, but to ensure that every surrogacy journey begins from a place of health, safety, and emotional readiness.
Does the Age of the Intended Parents Matter?
Unlike surrogates, intended parents are not bound by strict age requirements. There is no legal age limit that applies across all agencies or fertility clinics.
That said, some professionals may consider age when reviewing intended parents, especially if one or both individuals are over 50. In these cases, clinics may request additional health screenings or ask for a clear plan that shows how the child will be cared for long term. This is particularly relevant when third-party reproduction, such as egg or sperm donation, is involved.
Ultimately, what matters most is emotional readiness, financial stability, and the ability to raise a child in a loving and secure environment. Age alone is rarely a deciding factor, but it can be part of a broader conversation about preparation and long-term support.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Surrogacy by Faith
At Surrogacy by Faith, we believe that every surrogacy journey should begin with trust, support, and clear guidance.
If you meet the age and health requirements, and feel ready to help build a family, we invite you to take the first step.
You can learn more about becoming a surrogate by visiting our Surrogate Application Form, or explore the process as an intended parent by filling out the Intended Parents Form.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way.