Becoming a surrogate is an incredible way to help another family achieve their dream of parenthood.
However, not everyone qualifies—and that's completely okay.
Surrogacy programs have medical and lifestyle requirements designed to protect the health of the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.
If you're wondering whether you qualify, this guide explains the most common reasons applicants may not be eligible.
One of the most important requirements is having previously delivered at least one healthy baby.
Why?
A previous healthy pregnancy helps fertility specialists better understand how your body responds to pregnancy and reduces potential risks for everyone involved.
Most surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics have BMI requirements.
While the exact number varies by clinic, many programs prefer candidates whose BMI falls within a healthy range.
This is because BMI can affect:
If your BMI is currently outside the guideline, improving your overall health may help you qualify in the future.
Most surrogacy programs do not accept applicants who:
Nicotine exposure increases pregnancy-related risks and may reduce IVF success rates.
Applicants are generally expected to be nicotine-free before entering the program.
Some medical conditions may make pregnancy higher risk.
Examples include:
Each applicant is reviewed individually by fertility specialists.
Having a medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot qualify, but additional evaluation may be required.
Your previous pregnancies provide important medical information.
Some situations that may require further review include:
The goal is always to prioritize the safety of both the surrogate and the baby.
Some prescription medications may not be compatible with IVF treatment or pregnancy.
Examples include medications used to treat:
This doesn't necessarily mean you won't qualify, but your medical team will carefully review your history.
Surrogacy requires commitment over many months.
Programs often look for applicants who have:
A strong support system contributes to a smoother journey.
Your body needs adequate time to recover before beginning another pregnancy.
Most programs require a waiting period after giving birth before starting the surrogacy process.
The exact timeframe depends on your delivery history and your physician's recommendations.
Many U.S. surrogacy programs require applicants to:
Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the fertility clinic and intended parents.
Surrogacy is both a physical and emotional commitment.
As part of the process, candidates complete a psychological evaluation to ensure they understand:
This evaluation is designed to support—not discourage—potential surrogates.
Many women worry they'll be turned away permanently.
In reality, some reasons for not qualifying are temporary.
For example:
If you're not eligible today, you may still qualify in the future.
Reading requirements online can be helpful—but every situation is unique.
The fastest way to find out if you're eligible is to complete a confidential application and speak with an experienced coordinator.
Our team reviews every application individually and is happy to answer your questions.
At New Grace, we guide potential surrogates through every step of the qualification process.
We'll help you understand:
If you're ready to learn more, we'd love to hear from you.
👉 Apply today to see if you qualify.
👉 Speak with a New Grace coordinator.
👉 Take the first step toward an incredible journey.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All fertility decisions should be made based on your individual circumstances and in consultation with qualified medical professionals.
New Grace Fertility | Asian Family Surrogacy Inc.
📧 Email: info@newgracefertility.com
🌐 Website: www.cneggbank.com｜www.newgracefertility.com