What Are the Main Disqualifications for Surrogacy?

Disqualifications for surrogacy are important for safety. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics closely evaluate each candidate. They focus on the health of the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents. Medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors are key in the screening process. Understanding these criteria helps potential surrogates feel confident. By meeting these requirements, surrogates have a safe and successful experience.

Common Disqualifications for Surrogacy

Disqualifications for surrogacy help keep everyone safe and healthy. These make sure that the surrogacy process is as successful as possible. What disqualifies you from being a surrogate is a common question between applicants. Understanding these common disqualifications helps surrogates prepare for the screening process. This lets them start their surrogacy journey empowered.

#1: Medical History

A detailed medical history helps identify conditions that could affect the surrogacy process. Past issues in pregnancy or childbirth are checked. Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, can raise risks. These complications can impact the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.

Certain chronic illnesses may also disqualify a candidate. Conditions like lupus, heart disease, or uncontrolled diabetes can create serious health risks. These illnesses could affect the surrogate’s well-being and the baby’s development.

#2: Psychological Assessments

Psychological assessments are a necessary part of the surrogacy process. They ensure that a candidate is ready for the special challenges of being a gestational surrogate. Agencies and fertility clinics focus on mental health. This helps protect the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.

Mental Health History

A candidate’s mental health history is thoroughly reviewed during the screening process. Mental health issues, such as severe anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, can disqualify a person from being a surrogate. This ensures that the surrogate can handle the emotional demands of carrying a child for someone else.

Emotional Stability

Emotional stability is equally important. Surrogates must be able to experience the surrogacy journey. Experts assess the candidate’s skills in building strong relationships, handling stress, and dealing with challenges. Strong support systems and a positive mindset are key factors in this assessment.

#3: Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices also play an important role in deciding if someone can be a surrogate. These choices directly impact the health and safety of the pregnancy. Checking the habits and behaviors of the surrogate can provide the best possible environment for the baby.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is one of the most significant surrogacy disqualifications. The use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications poses serious risks to both the surrogate and the baby. Candidates must not show a history of substance dependency to qualify as gestational surrogates.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also disqualifiers. These habits can lead to complications such as low birth weight, preterm labor, or developmental issues. Surrogates must stay smoke-free and alcohol-free during the surrogacy journey. This helps ensure the baby’s health and well-being.

#4: Age and Reproductive Health

Both elements impact the safety of the pregnancy and the likelihood of a positive outcome. These criteria are used to minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Age Limitations

Age plays a significant role in the surrogacy process. Most agencies set an age range between 21 and 40 years for potential surrogates. This range shows when women are most likely to have healthy pregnancies with fewer risks. Surrogates outside this range may face challenges related to fertility or pregnancy complications, disqualifying them from becoming a gestational surrogate.

Past Pregnancies and Births

A history of healthy previous pregnancies is another essential requirement. Candidates must have had at least one full-term pregnancy. This means no major problems, like preterm labor or severe gestational diabetes. This demonstrates their ability to handle the physical demands of carrying a pregnancy. Also, past deliveries without issues lower risks for the surrogate and baby in this pregnancy.

#5: Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) is a critical factor in the surrogacy process. A healthy surrogacy BMI ensures the well-being of the surrogate and baby. Agencies and fertility clinics use the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)  guidelines to assess this criterion.

Healthy Weight Range

A surrogate mother qualification recommended by ASRM is to maintain a BMI between 19 and 32. This range helps ensure a healthy pregnancy. It also reduces risks like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. A BMI outside this range may disqualify a candidate. This is because it can impact the surrogate’s ability to carry a pregnancy and the baby’s development.

Impact of BMI on Surrogacy

An unhealthy BMI can increase risks during pregnancy for both the surrogate and the baby. Being overweight or underweight can cause problems. These include preterm labor and issues during delivery. Keeping a stable and healthy weight is key. It supports a successful surrogacy journey and ensures everyone’s safety.

#6 Multiple C-Sections

A history of multiple C-sections can impact a candidate’s eligibility for surrogacy. Repeated C-sections can raise the risk of problems during pregnancy. These may include uterine rupture, infection, and too much scarring. Surrogacy agencies check how many C-sections a potential surrogate has had before deciding.

Surrogates who have had multiple C-sections might find it hard to carry another pregnancy safely. More surgeries raise the risk of pregnancy issues. These include gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Healing and scar tissue can impact the health of both the gestational surrogate and the baby during pregnancy.

One C-section doesn’t disqualify a surrogate. However, several surgeries can greatly affect a candidate’s eligibility. Agencies often require a big gap between surgeries. They also want the surrogate to have had successful, uncomplicated pregnancies. This helps ensure a safer surrogacy process and a successful pregnancy.

How to Address Potential Disqualifications

To anyone who wants to apply to become a surrogate, it is important to address possible disqualifications. If a candidate has a condition or history that might impact their eligibility, there are proactive measures they can take. Surrogacy agencies carefully screen candidates. However, candidates can improve their chances by tackling concerns directly.

Medical Conditions

Surrogates can work with their healthcare provider if a medical condition may disqualify someone. For example, if a surrogate has high blood pressure, they might become eligible if they manage it with medication or lifestyle changes. Tracking the management and progress of the condition shows a commitment to a healthy pregnancy.

Psychological Health

If there are concerns regarding mental health history or emotional stability, seeking counseling or therapy could improve a candidate’s chances. Many surrogacy agencies prefer candidates with strong support systems.

Lifestyle Adjustments

For lifestyle choices like smoking or substance abuse, candidates can make significant changes to their habits. Stopping smoking, and cutting back on alcohol, or substance abuse shows a commitment to a healthy pregnancy..

Becoming a gestational surrogate is a rewarding experience, but it requires meeting certain requirements. Medical history, psychological health, lifestyle choices, age, and reproductive health all play main roles in determining eligibility. Understanding these and taking proactive steps can lead to a successful and fulfilling surrogacy journey. It’s about ensuring a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.