Are you considering becoming a surrogate mother in 2024? If so, we want to make sure you have the information you need to make your experience as safe, smooth, and rewarding as possible.

As you’ll discover, being a surrogate is a life-altering experience (in the best way possible), and you’ll have an incredible amount of support along the way.

Read on to learn the who, when, why, and how of becoming a gestational surrogate at Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS)—one of the best surrogacy agencies in California.  

Who can become a surrogate?

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) sets forth guidelines which they believe should determine the eligibility of surrogates. Most surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics follow the ASRM guidelines before approving a surrogate (some agencies and clinics have even stricter requirements). 

In addition to the ASRM guidelines, surrogacy agencies also approve surrogates based on the preferences of recommendations of the doctors they partner with. 

Here are the typical requirements for becoming a gestational surrogate:

  • You must have had one or more easy pregnancies and deliveries.
  • You must be between the ages of 21 and 40.
  • You must have at least one child of your own living with you.
  • You must be a non-smoker.
  • You must have reliable transportation.
  • You must be financially stable.
  • You must have a good support system.
  • You must have a desire to help another in a special way.

Follow this link to learn more about what might disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. 

When can you be a surrogate?

The ASRM recommends that gestational surrogates be between 21 and 45 years old. In some situations, surrogates can be older than 45, but all parties involved “must be informed of the potential risks of pregnancy with advancing maternal age.”

The fertility clinics we work with at SPS have an age limit of 40, so we require our surrogates to be between 21 and 40 years old.

While it’s not a requirement, we also strongly recommend that surrogates finish building their family before they begin their surrogacy journey. So, if you are considering surrogacy and are on the younger side of this age range, this is important to keep in mind.

Why should you become a surrogate?

For most surrogates, giving a precious gift to hopeful parents is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences of their lives. 

Here are three of the best reasons to become a surrogate:

  • Help others bring a dream to life

Gestational surrogacy has opened up amazing opportunities for hopeful parents who want a biological connection with their child but aren’t able to have a child in the “traditional” way. Surrogates help fulfill that dream. 

Many surrogates add yet another layer of purpose and fulfillment to their surrogacy journey by partnering with intended parents who face specific cultural or physical challenges, such as LGBTQ+ parents, cancer survivors, and more. 

  • Build fulfilling new relationships

Being a surrogate is an incredibly unique and profound experience. Many surrogates develop extremely close bonds with their intended parents throughout the process and remain close after the baby is born. 

  • Meet a financial goal

Surrogates who have the most successful and fulfilling experiences are primarily inspired by the incredibly powerful motivations described here.  

That said, there is also a financial component to surrogacy in the U.S., and it can provide a significant contribution towards achieving a financial goal. For example, putting a down payment on a new home, starting a college fund, going back to school, funding a “year off” to follow a passion, or traveling with the family to experience new cultures.

How do you become a surrogate?

After you’ve determined that surrogacy is the right decision for you and ensured you meet SPS’ requirements…

  • Find the best surrogacy agency in California for your needs

As you begin conducting your research and interviewing agencies, you have two basic goals: to find the reputable agencies that work in your area, and to identify which surrogacy agency is best suited for your unique needs. Learn more here.

  • Go through the application and interview process

Each agency has a slightly different process. At SPS, there are several steps involved in the screening process, including a phone interview, review of your pregnancy and delivery records, and meeting with Cristie Montgomery, our founder and president. Learn more here. 

  • Match with intended parents 

At SPS, we don’t offer an online database of surrogates for IPs to review. We feel the matching process should be much more personal—and we believe this is one of the main reasons for our success. Learn more about the matching process here. 

  • Finalize the surrogacy agreement 

Once the surrogate and intended parents have decided to work together and the surrogate has received medical clearance from the doctors, it’s time to draft a legal contract. Each party will have their own attorney to safeguard their legal interests throughout the process. Learn more about the legal process here.

  • Get pregnant and navigate your pregnancy journey 

After the contracts have been signed, you’ll prepare for the embryo transfer! Your pregnancy will largely resemble any typical pregnancy. Of course, one huge (and wonderful) difference is that you’ll have the opportunity to share this remarkable journey with the IPs. Learn more here.

We hope you have a better understanding of the surrogacy process, and if you do decide to pursue surrogacy, have a wonderful journey!  

Questions? Find out how to contact us below!

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Do you want to become a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.