What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate is a generous and life-changing commitment, but not everyone who wants to help will qualify. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics have screening criteria designed to protect your health, the baby’s health, and the intended parents’ investment. Understanding these disqualifications upfront can save you time and help you decide whether surrogacy is the right path for you.

This guide covers the most common reasons women are disqualified from becoming surrogates — and in some cases, what you can do about it.

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Key Takeaways

• Disqualifications focus on health safety, not personal worth
• Some disqualifications are permanent, while others are temporary or fixable
• Common deal-breakers include certain medical conditions, smoking, and no prior pregnancies
• Each agency has slightly different standards — a “no” from one doesn’t mean a “no” from all
• Being honest during screening protects everyone involved

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Medical Disqualifications

No Prior Pregnancies

This is a non-negotiable requirement at virtually every surrogacy agency. You must have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery. This ensures that:

• Your body has demonstrated the ability to carry a pregnancy to term
• You understand the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy firsthand
• There are no unknown reproductive issues

There’s no workaround for this one — if you haven’t given birth, you’ll need to wait until you have before applying.

High BMI

Most agencies require a BMI of 33 or below. A BMI significantly above this threshold increases pregnancy risks including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and delivery complications.

Temporary disqualification: If your BMI is borderline, you may be able to qualify after healthy weight loss. Use our BMI Calculator to check where you stand.

Age Outside the Accepted Range

The standard age range is 21-40. Being younger than 21 or older than 40 typically disqualifies you, though some agencies accept candidates up to 42-45 on a case-by-case basis.

History of Pregnancy Complications

Certain pregnancy complications may disqualify you:

• Preeclampsia or eclampsia in a prior pregnancy
• Placenta previa or placental abruption
• Preterm delivery (before 36 weeks)
• Gestational diabetes requiring insulin
• Incompetent cervix requiring cerclage
• Multiple C-sections (usually more than 2-3)

Not every complication is an automatic disqualification. Mild gestational diabetes controlled by diet, for example, may be acceptable to some clinics. Having had a C-section doesn’t necessarily disqualify you either.

Chronic Health Conditions

Certain ongoing medical conditions will typically disqualify you:

• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Heart disease or heart rhythm disorders
• Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
• Kidney disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C

Reproductive Issues

• History of ectopic pregnancy
• Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, septum, bicornuate uterus depending on severity)
• History of multiple miscarriages (typically 2 or more)
• IUD currently in place (temporary — can be removed)

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Mental Health Disqualifications

Current Untreated Mental Health Conditions

Having a mental health history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but untreated or unstable conditions may:

• Untreated depression or anxiety — If managed with medication and therapy, many agencies will still consider you
• Bipolar disorder — Usually a disqualification due to medication concerns during pregnancy
• Schizophrenia or psychotic disorders — Typically a disqualification
• Active eating disorders — Disqualifying due to nutritional concerns during pregnancy

History of Postpartum Depression

Mild postpartum depression that was treated and resolved may not disqualify you. Severe postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis is typically disqualifying.

Learn more about emotional considerations in our surrogate mental health guide.

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Lifestyle Disqualifications

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Current smoking or tobacco use (including vaping) is a universal disqualification. You must be tobacco-free for at least one year before applying. Nicotine during pregnancy is linked to:

• Low birth weight
• Preterm birth
• Placental problems
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Drug Use

Any current recreational drug use is an immediate disqualification. This includes marijuana, even in states where it’s legal. You’ll undergo drug testing during the screening process and periodically during pregnancy.

Excessive Alcohol Use

While moderate alcohol consumption before pregnancy isn’t necessarily disqualifying, a history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism is. You must be willing and able to abstain completely during pregnancy.

Criminal History

Most agencies conduct background checks. Felony convictions — particularly those involving violence, drugs, or child abuse — are typically disqualifying. Minor offenses may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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Financial and Situational Disqualifications

Government Assistance Dependency

Some agencies require that you are not primarily dependent on government assistance (welfare, food stamps, etc.). The concern is that financial pressure might motivate someone to become a surrogate for the wrong reasons.

Unstable Housing

You need to demonstrate a stable living situation. This doesn’t mean you need to own a home, but frequent moves, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions will disqualify you.

Lack of Support System

Surrogacy agencies want to see that you have a support system — a partner, family, or friends who understand and support your decision to be a surrogate. Being completely isolated can be a concern.

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What’s NOT a Disqualification

Some things people worry about that generally do not disqualify you:

• Being a single mother — Perfectly acceptable if you have a support system
• Having tattoos or piercings — No issue as long as they’re not recent (within 12 months) due to infection risk
• Being a different race than the intended parents — Surrogacy is about gestational carrying, not genetics
• Having had a C-section — One or two prior C-sections are usually fine
• Taking antidepressants — Certain medications are considered safe during pregnancy
• Being on birth control — You’ll discontinue it as part of the medical protocol

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What to Do If You’re Disqualified

1. Ask why — Understanding the specific reason helps you determine if it’s fixable
2. Try other agencies — Standards vary, and another program may accept you
3. Address fixable issues — Weight loss, smoking cessation, mental health treatment can change your eligibility
4. Wait and reapply — Some disqualifications are time-based (recent tattoo, recent pregnancy)
5. Consider other ways to help — If surrogacy isn’t possible, you might consider egg donation or other forms of family building support

For the full application process, see our how to become a surrogate guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had a C-section?

Usually yes. One or two C-sections are generally acceptable. Three or more C-sections may be disqualifying at most agencies due to increased surgical risks. Read our detailed guide on surrogacy after a C-section.

Can I be a surrogate if I take antidepressants?

Possibly. Some antidepressants (particularly certain SSRIs) are considered relatively safe during pregnancy. You’ll need to discuss this with the fertility clinic’s medical team, and your prescribing doctor will need to be involved in the conversation.

Can I be a surrogate if I have an IUD?

Yes — an IUD is a form of birth control that can be removed. Once removed, it’s not a factor in your eligibility. This is a temporary, easily fixable situation.

Do surrogacy disqualifications vary by state?

The disqualifications discussed here are primarily set by agencies and clinics, not state law. However, surrogacy laws vary by state, which can affect the overall process. Check your state’s specific requirements for more details.

Can I reapply after being disqualified?

Yes, if the disqualification reason is resolved. For example, if you were disqualified for BMI but have since lost weight, or if you quit smoking and have been tobacco-free for a year, you can reapply. Most agencies are happy to reconsider candidates who’ve addressed the initial concern.