Alpha Fidelis
Surrogate Requirements

Do I Qualify to Be a Surrogate?

Some requirements are fixed. Others depend on your medical history and individual circumstances. Here is the full picture — clearly laid out.

Quick Answer

To become a gestational surrogate, you must be 21–39 years old, have previously given birth to at least one child you are currently raising, have a BMI of 32 or below, be a US resident, and be a non-smoker with no drug use. C-section history, prior pregnancy complications, and managed mental health conditions are evaluated individually during screening — they are not automatic disqualifiers.

Baseline Eligibility

These Requirements Are Fixed

These criteria must be met before an application can move forward. They are not evaluated case by case.

Age
21 – 39 years old
Must fall within this range throughout the entire journey, not just at the time of application.
Prior Birth
At least one successful live birth
You must have previously carried a pregnancy to term and given birth. This demonstrates your body can sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Raising Your Children
Currently parenting the child(ren) you gave birth to
Standard requirement across the industry. Intended parents need to see that you have made parenting decisions before.
BMI
32 or below
Higher BMI increases anesthesia and obstetric risk. Some IVF clinics require BMI under 30 — your clinic's specific policy applies.
Residency
US citizen or permanent resident
Required for legal contract execution and compliance with California Family Code requirements.
Tobacco & Nicotine
Non-user — including vaping
No tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products. Must remain smoke-free for the entire journey.
Substances
No recreational drug use
Includes marijuana, even where legally permitted. All surrogates are tested during medical screening.
Criminal History
No felony convictions
A background check is completed for all applicants and household members over 18.
Medical Screening

What Gets Evaluated — Not Automatic Disqualifiers

These factors are reviewed during your medical screening. Many candidates who are uncertain about one of these areas are still cleared after evaluation. The most common reason we see potential surrogates disqualify themselves is worrying about something that turns out not to matter.

C-Section History
Up to two prior C-sections is typically accepted. Three or more is reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the IVF physician, depending on the nature of each delivery.
Pregnancy Complications
A history of preterm labor, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes does not automatically disqualify you. The severity, management, and outcome of each case is reviewed by a consulting OB and IVF physician.
Mental Health History
A psychological evaluation with a licensed therapist is required. Managed, stable mental health conditions are reviewed individually. Active untreated psychotic disorders or severe mood disorders are disqualifying.
Current Medications
Many common medications are compatible with surrogacy. Antidepressants are evaluated case by case based on the medication, dosage, and length of use. Depo-Provera requires a waiting period before you can begin the process.
Uterine Structure
Fibroids, polyps, or other structural findings may be identified during pre-screening. Some are treatable prior to the transfer; others may affect eligibility. A uterine cavity assessment is completed during screening.
Infectious Disease Panel
FDA-mandated testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other communicable diseases. Active infections are disqualifying; prior exposures are evaluated individually.
Chronic Health Conditions
Well-managed conditions such as hypothyroidism are generally compatible. Autoimmune conditions, type 1 or 2 diabetes, and similar chronic conditions are reviewed individually with the IVF physician.
BMI Between 32 – 35
Borderline BMI is not an automatic rejection. Physician evaluation is required and the specific IVF clinic's policy applies. Documented commitment to health management is considered.
Practical Considerations

Lifestyle & Commitment

Beyond medical eligibility, surrogacy requires a real commitment — typically 14–18 months of your life. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Alcohol-Free for the Journey
You must be willing to abstain from alcohol for the full duration of the surrogacy — from embryo transfer through delivery. The journey typically lasts 14–18 months.
Schedule Flexibility
Monitoring appointments during the embryo transfer cycle occur in the mornings, every 1–2 days for approximately 2 weeks. You need to be able to attend consistently.
Reliable Transportation
You must be able to get yourself to and from clinic appointments. All mileage is reimbursed. If you live outside the clinic's area, we coordinate travel logistics.
Willingness to Self-Administer Injections
Daily subcutaneous injections are part of the FET (frozen embryo transfer) protocol. The fertility clinic provides full training. Most surrogates find it straightforward after the first few days.
Household Support
A stable home environment and a supportive partner, spouse, or support person matters — not because it is a legal requirement, but because surrogacy is easier and more successful when you have people around you who are on board.
Financial Stability
You should not be entering surrogacy primarily as a financial necessity. Intended parents and their legal counsel look for surrogates who are financially stable and making this decision freely. Compensation is significant, but surrogacy requires you to be in a position to make this commitment regardless of the payment.
No Active Military Deployment
The journey requires local availability for approximately 14–18 months. Active military deployment is not compatible with this commitment.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

The best way to find out is to submit an application and speak with our team. We review every candidate individually, and we will tell you honestly whether you are a strong candidate — including if something in your history might be a concern. There is no commitment required to apply.

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