When it comes to being a gestational surrogate, there are some surprising requirements you may not have considered that could impact your surrogacy journey. While a big heart and a passion for helping others are certainly important, there are other factors that come into play that you should be mindful of. Many people don’t realize that there are more than a few things you need to do in order to become a gestational carrier.
Here are three surprising requirements for surrogates that you may not have known about. Read on to find out what it really takes to become a gestational carrier!
1. Location Matters
Did you know that not all states are surrogacy-friendly? In fact, some states, like Michigan, Louisiana, and Nebraska, have strict laws that make it really tough or downright impossible to be a surrogate. In Michigan, state law prohibits compensated surrogacy and makes contracts void and unenforceable. In Louisiana, surrogacy contracts are considered against public policy and are unenforceable. In Nebraska, surrogacy contracts are legal, but the process is heavily regulated and requires court approval.
For that reason, you need to do your research and find out which states are more welcoming to surrogacy. For example, states like California and Colorado are known for having surrogacy-friendly laws that make the process smoother for everyone involved.
If you live in a state that’s not so surrogacy-friendly, you may have to reconsider becoming a surrogate.
2. You need to be financially stable
You’ve seen the ads – “Become a surrogate today and get paid $XYZ!” It is true –compensation (in addition to a big heart and the desire to help others, plus wrinkly baby toes, of course) draws a lot of attention to potential surrogates. However, you can’t rely on compensation from surrogacy alone for income. Being a surrogate is a big responsibility, and it’s important to be financially stable before you take on this role.
But what does being financially stable really mean? Well, for starters, you cannot be on certain forms of public assistance if you want to be a surrogate. A surrogate who is on public assistance may feel pressure to become a surrogate primarily for financial gain rather than for altruistic reasons. This fact could cause a judge to refuse to recognize the surrogacy contract if they feel the surrogate was under financial duress when they entered the agreement.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet or relying on government assistance, it may not be the right time to become a surrogate.
3. Healthy Weight Is a Must
You don’t have to just have a big heart to be a surrogate – you have to have a healthy heart, too. It’s very important that you are physically healthy if you want to become a gestational surrogate. In the context of being a surrogate, this mainly means maintaining a healthy weight and average BMI. Most clinics require a BMI of 33 or less to accept you as a gestational carrier.
Why does this matter? Well, for one thing, a healthy weight can increase the chances of a successful IVF outcome and delivery. When your body is in good shape, it’s better equipped to handle the demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, being at a healthy weight can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature birth, which is better for both you and the baby.
Find Out If You’re Ready
Above all, the most important requirement to becoming a gestational surrogate is the desire to help others grow their families. However, you also have to live somewhere where surrogacy is allowed, be healthy enough to carry a pregnancy, and be able to support yourself financially. These requirements help ensure both you and the intended parents have a successful surrogacy journey.
Looking to learn more about becoming a gestational surrogate? Visit here to see a complete list of all of the requirements to become a surrogate.
Our experienced team is here to guide you through the surrogacy journey and ensure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish. Remember, being a surrogate is a big responsibility, but it’s also a truly rewarding experience that can change lives. So, if you’re ready to take the leap and help create a family, we’re here to help.
