Surrogates have helped intending parents who can’t carry their children by themselves to have a loving family of their own and experience the joys of motherhood. Although so much is involved, many intended parents may have their hopes of raising children crushed without surrogacy.

If you've decided to help an intending parent carry their child, you must know how big the responsibility is and the United States' screening process for surrogacy. In this article, we will discuss all the requirements you must meet before qualifying for surrogacy and the compensation you will receive for it.

Surrogacy screening requirements

Surrogacy laws in the United States vary by state, so the process may differ depending on where you live. However, there are a few general requirements that are commonly seen across states:

Physical and Reproductive capacity

The United States age requirement for surrogates is between the ages of 21 and 40. Depending on your state, an age restriction within the acceptable range might exist. It is believed that when you are in your strongest and healthiest season, carrying a child with zero to minimal complications will be easier.

Women between 21-40 are considered to have a higher reproductive capacity than older women. Also, they are legally at the age of maturity and are fully aware or capable of comprehending the risk and responsibilities involved in surrogacy. They have also legally reached the age of entering and binding a contract.

Mental and Physical fitness

All surrogates or interested surrogates must be physically, medically, and mentally healthy and in good shape. This minimizes the risk of passing down any significant health risk to the child. You will be thoroughly screened to know if you’re in an excellent mental and physical state.

History of successful pregnancies

States require a history of previous pregnancies to ensure no significant complications were experienced during childbirth. A surrogate must be able to birth a healthy child and remain healthy. Also, surrogates are required to have had no more than three caesarean sections.

Alcohol and Smoking Check

If you are a smoker or an alcoholic, most surrogacy agencies or clinics will reject you. The safest and most healthy delivery is required. Anyone using illicit substances, abusing alcohol, or smoking cigarettes doesn’t qualify for surrogacy.

Financial, emotional, and psychological stability

Surrogates should be emotionally healthy, psychologically stable and must not have used any medication within the past six months. Some states also require that surrogates are financially sound and are not entirely dependent on the compensation from the surrogacy arrangement to make a living.

Surrogacy requirements may vary from state to state, and some agencies or clinics may require other legal requirements or additional screening.

Surrogacy Compensation in the United States

The compensation for surrogacy in the United States is between $50,000 to $60,000. Although, compensation usually depends on other factors and can vary from time to time, especially when surrogates are to receive several other benefits.

These benefits may include clothing, transportation, lost wages, insurance premiums, household expenses, meals, bonuses, medical and psychological evaluation fees, and other legal fees. Intending parents can negotiate prices and come to a unique settlement with the surrogate. The surrogate's compensation is paid in monthly installments throughout the gestational process.

It’s important to remember that in choosing to help others have children, you are sacrificing your time and energy to make intending parents' dreams come true, and it’s important to get paid and taken care of. It is advisable to consult with a legal practitioner if you are unsure what compensation or benefit to expect as a surrogate.

Jurnee Staff Member

Aug 14, 2023

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