What Can Disqualify You From Becoming a Surrogate

Carrying a baby for intended parents is a meaningful decision. Knowing thecalifornia surrogacy requirementsup front helps you decide whether this path is right for you. This guide walks through the main reasons someone might be ruled out as a surrogate—medical, psychological, lifestyle, and legal—so you can get clear, practical information before you apply—and seehow to become a surrogate in california.Many people don’t realize that certain healthissues, past pregnancyexperiences, or life circumstances can affect qualification. Read on to understand the common disqualifiers and what they mean for prospective surrogates.

What Are the Main Medical Reasons Someone Might Be Disqualified?

Medical screeningexists to protect the healthof both the surrogateand the baby. Certain medical conditions can make carrying a pregnancyunsafe or increase the chance of complications. Knowing these medical red flags helps you and the intended parents make an informed decision about moving forward.

Which Health Conditions Can Affect Surrogate Eligibility?

Some healthissues that commonly disqualify candidates include:

• Chronic medical conditions: Long-term illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or serious autoimmune diseases can raise pregnancyrisks.
• Reproductive health problems: Structural uterine issues, severe endometriosis, or other past reproductive complicationsmay affect the ability to carry safely.
• Infectious diseases: Active infections like HIV or untreated hepatitis B or C typically exclude candidates because of the riskto the baby.

If you’re thinking about surrogacy, be prepared to share your full medical historyso the team can evaluate your situation fairly.

Why Do BMI Requirements Matter?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is one screeningtool teams use to assess pregnancyrisk. Extremely low or high BMI values can increase the chance of complicationsfor both the surrogateand the pregnancy. Agencies commonly setbmi requirements for surrogacy—and at Baby Tree Surrogacy medical screening typically relies on a BMI range of approximately 18 to 30 to help promote safer outcomes. If your BMI falls outside an agency’s range, they’ll discuss options or next steps with you.

How Does Your Pregnancy History Influence Eligibility?

Past pregnancies matter. Agencies usually prefer candidates who have previously carried a pregnancyto term without major complicationsbecause that history demonstrates the body’s ability to carry successfully. Your obstetric record is one of the clearest predictors used in screening.

What Age and Prior-Birth Requirements Should You Expect?

Most programs set age and experience guidelines—commonly applicants are between about 21 and 40 years old—and expect at least one prior healthy pregnancyand delivery. These limits are in place to reduce medical and emotional risks for everyone involved.

How Do C-Sections and Past Pregnancy Complications Affect Qualification?

Agencies often limit the number of prior cesarean deliveries a surrogatehas had with many California programs, including Baby Tree Surrogacy, allowing up to three prior C-sections and considering a fourth only with strict medical clearance and obstetrician approval, because multiple C‑sections can increase surgical riskin subsequent pregnancies. Significant complicationsfrom earlier pregnancies—like severe preeclampsia or uncontrolled gestational diabetes—may also affect eligibility depending on how recent and how severe they were. Each case is reviewed individually.

Researchunderscores that surrogatepregnancies can carry higher rates of certain complications, including cesarean delivery and postpartum mood issues.

Surrogate Pregnancy Risks: Higher Rates of High-Risk Pregnancy, C-Section & PPD

The data showed that pregnancies carried as surrogacies were more likely to be classified as high-risk compared with non-surrogate pregnancies, even after accounting for maternal age and number of prior pregnancies (OR 11.4, 3.5–36.6; p<.0001). Surrogate pregnancies had roughly three times the odds of ending in cesarean delivery (p<.0001) and were five times more likely to result in earlier birth (p<.0001). In this study, women were also significantly more likely to report postpartum depression after delivering surrogate children than after their non-surrogate births (p = .01), and overall experienced more adverse outcomes during surrogate pregnancies.

A comparison of American women’s experiences with both gestational surrogate pregnancies and spontaneous pregnancies, 2022

Which Lifestyle Factors Can Lead to Disqualification?

Non-medical lifestyle elements are part of screeningbecause they affect pregnancyhealthand the surrogate’s ability to follow medical care plans. Agencies look for stable, healthy habits and a living situation that supports prenatal care.

How Does Substance Use Influence Eligibility?

Use of tobacco, heavy alcohol, or recreational drugs is typically disqualifying. Agencies and clinics expect surrogatesto commit to a pregnancy-safe lifestyle; many require drugtesting as part of the evaluation and ongoing monitoring.

Why Is a Reliable Support System Important?

A dependable support network—partner, family, or close friends—makes a real difference. Practical help and emotional backing reduce stress, make appointments and recovery easier, and improve outcomes for surrogatesand intended parents. Agencies also make sure financial and caregiving arrangements are realistic—especially for intended parents askinghow much does a surrogate cost in ca.; many programs offer comprehensive compensation packagesto help with costs.

What Mental Health Standards Apply in Screening?

Mental and emotional readiness are as important as physical health. Psychological screeningidentifies strengths, potential challenges, and whether counseling or additional support would benefit a candidate. This helps set up the best possible experience for everyone involved.

First-Hand Experience: How Thorough Screening Protected My Surrogacy Journey

“When I first talked with BabyTree Surrogacy, I was nervous that my medical history might immediately disqualify me and that I would never really understand why. Instead, the team took time to review my past pregnancies, C-section records, and lab work in detail, and they explained each step of the screening process in plain language. I never felt rushed to ‘pass’ quickly—the focus was clearly on whether another pregnancy would be safe for me and the baby.”

“There were moments when the screening felt intense—multiple appointments, bloodwork, psychological testing—but I always felt supported. My coordinator checked in after every visit, asked how I was feeling emotionally, and made sure I had space to ask questions about risks or possible disqualifiers. Knowing that they were willing to say no if something didn’t look safe actually made me trust the agency more, because I could see my long-term health mattered as much as helping intended parents grow their family.”

“Looking back, I’m grateful they were strict about eligibility. Some of my friends thought the BMI rules, mental-health screening, and background checks sounded like a lot, but going through that process gave me peace of mind on transfer day. I knew I had been fully evaluated, my support system was in place, and the agency would step in quickly if any complications came up. That level of structure and communication is a big part of why my journey felt safe, organized, and ultimately very positive.”

Which Mental Health Conditions Might Be Disqualifying?

Certain mental healthdiagnoses can raise concerns—especially if they are active, untreated, or have previously interfered with functioning. Examples include severe, untreated depression, unmanaged anxietydisorders, or a history of substance dependence that hasn’t been stable. Evaluators look for emotional stability and the ability to work through the unique stresses of surrogacy.

What Does the Psychological Evaluation Look Like?

Psychological assessment is typically multi-layered: standardized tests, clinical interviews, and sometimes narrative or collateral informationare used to form a full picture. The goal is to confirm readiness, identify supports, and flag areas where counseling could be helpful before or during the pregnancy.

Standardized measures and multi-method approaches are commonly used to make these evaluations thorough and fair.

Psychological Screening Practices for Gestational Surrogates

Common psychological tools for screening gestational surrogates include instruments like the MMPI-2-RF and the PAI. This body of work evaluates the value of using several methods together—tests, clinical interview, and narrative assessment—to reach a reliable determination of a candidate’s readiness.

Clinical considerations in the psychological evaluation of gestational surrogates: uses of narrative assessment, M P Riddle & S R Jenkins, 2022

What Legal and Residency Rules Can Affect Eligibility?

Legal requirements and state laws shape whether a surrogacyarrangement is possible and how it’s structured. Knowing your state’s rules—and whether the agency will work in that jurisdiction—is a key part of screening.

Do Criminal Records Affect Qualification?

Agencies typically run background checks. Many agencies, including Baby Tree Surrogacy, require satisfactory background checks and a clean criminal record, so serious offenses or any history that raises safety concerns generally result in disqualification. The goal is to ensure a safe environment for the child and a predictable relationship with intended parents.

How Do Residency and State Laws Come Into Play?

Residency requirements andcalifornia surrogacy lawscan shape whether a surrogacy arrangement is possible and how it’s structured.Some states have clear legal pathways for compensated surrogacy; others restrict or don’t recognize certain agreements. It’s important to review the legal landscapewhere you live and discuss any questions with agency legal staff before you commit.

Legal questions about surrogacyhave long been discussed; early scholarship laid out many of the foundational concerns that still matter today.

Foundational Legal Questions About Surrogacy

As surrogacy became more common, legal scholars raised important questions about whether the practice fit within existing laws and how best to protect everyone involved. Early analyses considered whether criminal statutes or family law rules might unintentionally block surrogacy and argued for clear guidelines to allow the procedure under regulated conditions.

Different conditions and circumstances can affect whether someone is eligible to be a surrogate. The table below summarizes common healthissues and how they’re typically handled during screening.

Medical screeningis a cornerstone of safe surrogacy—its purpose is to protect you and the child. If you want to learn more, BabyTree Surrogacyis here to guide you through each step with clear informationand compassionate support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What medical screenings are required for surrogates?

Screenings usually include a full medical exam, blood work, infectious-diseasetesting, and reproductive imaging when needed. Your obstetric history, current health, and medications are reviewed so providers can assess pregnancysafety. These checks help identify any issues that need attention before a match is made.

How does prior pregnancy experience affect eligibility?

Having carried at least one prior healthy pregnancyis often preferred because it shows your body has handled pregnancywell. Complicationsin past pregnancies don’t automatically disqualify you, but they’ll be reviewed to understand any ongoing risks.

Why is emotional support important during surrogacy?

Emotional support helps you manage stress, appointments, and recovery—practical help and understanding from family or friends can make the process smoother. Agencies also connect surrogateswith counselors and peer groups to provide ongoing emotional care.

Are there legal protections for surrogates?

Yes. Legally binding contracts outline rights, responsibilities, and compensation, and independent legal counsel is strongly recommended for both surrogatesand intended parents. The exact protections depend on state lawand the contractterms negotiated before pregnancy.

What if my health changes during pregnancy?

Your healthtakes priority. If new issues arise, the agency and medical team will coordinate care and follow the contract’s terms regarding medical decisions and responsibilities. Many agreements spell out how such situations will be handled.

How can I prepare for the emotional parts of surrogacy?

Talk openly with intended parents, set expectations, and build a support plan with family, friends, and a counselor if needed. Understanding potential emotional challenges—like attachment or postpartum mood changes—helps you plan coping strategies in advance.

What risks should I know about as a surrogate?

Possible risks include common pregnancycomplicationssuch as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or the need for a cesarean delivery, as well as emotional concerns like postpartum depression. Thorough medical care and emotional supports are central to reducing these risks and helping you through the process.