Surrogate Eligibility & Required Conduct

New York Surrogacy Center has strict eligibility requirements for our surrogates in an effort to provide the best possible chance for a successful match and pregnancy.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please review the eligibility criteria below to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Do I Qualify?

  1. Must be between the ages of 21 and 45
  2. Must have had at least one term pregnancy (37 weeks) without significant complications
  3. Must not have had more than five deliveries
  4. Must not have had more than three C-sections
  5. Must not have had more than one miscarriage
  6. Must not have had more than one still birth
  7. Must be in good mental and physical health
  8. Must have a BMI below 35
  9. Must not have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis B or active/untreated Hepatitis C
  10. Must not have HIV or any current or active STDs or STIs
  11. Must not have any unresolved or ongoing issues with eating disorders
  12. Must not have any prior issues with severe post-partum depression
  13. Must be able to provide informed consent to engage in a surrogacy arrangement
  14. Must not consume alcohol to excess while not pregnant and must not consume alcohol or marijuana while pregnant or going through a transfer cycle
  15. Must not smoke cigarettes
  16. No non-sterile tattoos or body piercings within the last twelve months
  17. Must have no prior indicated findings of child abuse
  18. Must have no disqualifying criminal convictions
  19. Must not be on probation or parole
  20. Must not be a current victim of domestic violence
  21. Must have a stable family environment with adequate support system
  22. Must have the consent of spouse, if married
  23. Must not have travelled to any country identified by the CDC as being at risk for Zika infection within the last 12 months (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information)
  24. Must be willing to submit to an HIV/STD screening
  25. Must be willing to submit to a comprehensive medical examination by a qualified medical professional, including sexual health history and clinical examination
  26. Must be willing to submit to a comprehensive mental health screening/psychosocial evaluation by a qualified mental health practitioner to discuss the anticipated emotional impact of surrogacy
  27. Must be willing to submit to additional medical or laboratory testing as determined by the healthcare professional in accordance with professional medical standards issued by ASRM and/or ACOG

Surrogates working with New York Surrogacy Center are also required to adhere to certain standards of conduct while pregnant to ensure the best possible chance of delivery of a healthy baby. Below are the required standards:

  1. Must not smoke cigarettes or be around second-hand smoke of any kind
  2. Must not consume alcohol or marijuana while pregnant
  3. Must not use any type of illegal drugs
  4. Must not use any prescription or over-the-counter medication unless approved by OBGYN
  5. Must follow all doctor’s recommendations with respect to:
    • Foods that are safe to consume during pregnancy
    • Limitations on physical activity
    • Restrictions regarding travel, including locations where it is unsafe to travel during pregnancy
  6. Must follow all medical recommendations and CDC guidelines regarding safety precautions for Covid-19
  7. Must not travel to any country identified by the CDC as being at risk of Zika infection (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information)
  8. Must attend all prenatal and pregnancy-related medical appointments and follow all recommendations of treating physician
  9. Must not use a sauna, hot tub or steam room
  10. Must not change or have contact with cat litter
  11. Must not engage in dangerous or hazardous activities (i.e., rock climbing, sky diving, etc.)
  12. Must not obtain any non-sterile tattoos or body piercings
  13. Must only engage in protected sexual contact
  14. Must maintain employment if health insurance coverage is provided through employment, or be willing to obtain COBRA or other independent health insurance coverage without surrogacy exclusion or pre-existing condition exclusion for ongoing pregnancy
  15. Must notify NYSC of any plans to move from your current state of residence
  16. Must maintain regular communication with NYSC
  17. Must maintain regular communication with intended parents
  18. Must notify NYSC if there are any substantial or material changes to the information provided in surrogate application