Does Taking Antidepressants Disqualify You From Surrogacy?

Current antidepressant use is a significant eligibility concern and may prevent a candidate from being approved.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) lists current use of psychoactive medication among its recommended criteria for rejecting a gestational carrier candidate. Its guidance also identifies certain unresolved mental health conditions and histories that require particular attention during screening. 

However, having taken antidepressants in the past does not necessarily mean someone will be permanently ineligible.

Fertility clinics evaluate medical and psychological histories, and their specific eligibility policies may differ.

Why Do Fertility Clinics Review Antidepressant Use?

Surrogacy involves hormonal treatment, pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery.

During screening, medical professionals may consider:

• The reason antidepressants were prescribed

• Current symptoms and treatment needs

• Medication type and dosage

• Duration of treatment

• Previous pregnancy and postpartum mental health

• Current emotional stability and support systems

The goal is to evaluate whether a candidate can safely manage the physical and psychological demands of a surrogacy journey.

Can You Become a Surrogate With a History of Depression or Anxiety?

A previous diagnosis of depression or anxiety does not provide enough information to determine eligibility on its own.

The fertility clinic and qualified mental health professional may review the condition's severity, treatment history, recurrence, current functioning and other relevant factors.

ASRM recommends psychological evaluation and counseling for gestational carrier candidates, including a review of psychiatric history, medication use and previous perinatal mental health concerns. 

A history of significant depression, postpartum mood disorders or clinically significant anxiety may affect approval, even if symptoms are currently controlled.

Should You Stop Taking Antidepressants to Qualify?

No. Never stop or change prescribed antidepressants simply to meet surrogacy requirements.

Stopping treatment without medical supervision can increase the risk of symptoms returning or cause withdrawal effects.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends against discontinuing medication for mental health conditions solely because of pregnancy or breastfeeding status.

Although surrogacy eligibility requirements may be more restrictive than ordinary pregnancy care, medication decisions should always be made with the prescribing healthcare professional.

Your health and well-being should remain the priority.

What Happens During Psychological Screening?

Prospective surrogates generally complete a psychological evaluation before entering a surrogacy agreement.

The evaluation may explore:

• Mental health history: Previous diagnoses, medications and counseling.
• Emotional readiness: Understanding of the surrogacy process and potential challenges.
• Support system: Family relationships and available emotional support.
• Pregnancy experience: Previous pregnancies, deliveries and postpartum recovery.
• Expectations: Communication, boundaries and relationships with intended parents.
• The assessment helps determine whether surrogacy is appropriate for the candidate's individual circumstances.

Can You Apply If You Previously Took Antidepressants?

Potentially, depending on the circumstances and program requirements.

If you previously used antidepressants, it's helpful to be prepared to discuss your treatment history accurately.

A fertility clinic or mental health professional may request additional information from your treating provider, with appropriate consent.

Importantly, there is no universal waiting period after stopping antidepressants that guarantees surrogate eligibility.

Eligibility depends on the individual's clinical history and the fertility clinic's screening standards.

FAQs

1. Can I be a surrogate while taking Zoloft or Lexapro?

Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are commonly prescribed antidepressants. Current use may prevent approval under gestational carrier screening recommendations, even though these medications may be appropriate for some patients during pregnancy. Individual eligibility requires professional assessment.

2. Can I be a surrogate if I had postpartum depression?

A history of postpartum depression is an important screening consideration. ASRM identifies a history of postpartum mood disorders among its criteria for rejecting gestational carrier candidates, so acceptance should not be assumed.

3. Do surrogacy agencies review mental health records?

Medical and psychological screening may involve reviewing relevant treatment history and, with appropriate consent, communicating with treating healthcare professionals.

4. Can I qualify after completing antidepressant treatment?

Possibly, but completing treatment does not automatically establish eligibility. The clinic must assess your medical and psychological history and current health.

Final Thoughts: Your Health Comes First

Taking antidepressants or having a mental health history does not define someone's ability to help others.

However, gestational surrogacy involves specific medical and psychological eligibility requirements, and current antidepressant use can be a reason a candidate is not approved.

If you're considering becoming a surrogate, the appropriate first step is to understand the screening requirements and discuss any treatment-related questions with qualified healthcare professionals.

Medical References

1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Recommendations for Practices Using Gestational Carriers: A Committee Opinion (2022).
   https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/recommendations-for-practices-using-gestational-carriers-a-committee-opinion-2022/

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Treatment and Management of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum (2023).
   https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2023/06/treatment-and-management-of-mental-health-conditions-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual eligibility for gestational surrogacy depends on medical and psychological evaluations, fertility clinic policies, and personal health circumstances. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before making treatment or medication decisions.

Interested in Becoming a Surrogate?

At New Grace, we help prospective surrogates understand program requirements, medical screening and the steps involved in becoming a gestational carrier.

If you're interested in learning more about eligibility, our team can help explain the application and screening process.