Why Do Surrogates Need to Qualify?

Let’s be honest, pregnancy is no small thing. Add in the emotional dynamics of carrying a baby for someone else, and it becomes even more important to screen carefully.

Surrogacy professionals (agencies, fertility clinics, attorneys) screen candidates to:

• Ensure medical safety for the surrogate and baby

• Reduce legal and emotional complications

• Provide intended parents peace of mind

• Build stable, trusting relationships among all parties

Ultimately, these qualifications aren’t about excluding people, they’re about creating the safest, most successful outcome possible.

Surrogacy Requirements in California

To be considered as a surrogate, you must meet specific medical, legal, and lifestyle requirements. Please review our basic requirements before applying to become a surrogate with us.  Confirming that you meet the surrogacy criteria in advance will save you time and effort, and help avoid submitting an application that may not qualify. Surrogacy isn’t open to everyone – and that’s intentional. The requirements are designed to protect not just the intended parents, but also the surrogate herself and the baby she’ll carry. Whether you’re working with a surrogacy agency in California or pursuing an independent journey, the expectations have become more clearly defined and, in some areas, more rigorous.

Requirements and documentation 

Below is a detailed overview of the requirements and documentation needed to become a surrogate in California.

Residency & Citizenship

• You are a resident of a surrogacy-friendly state, such as California.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.

Age Requirements

• Must be between 21 and 38 years old.

• This age range is considered biologically ideal by fertility specialists for healthy and successful gestational surrogacy.

Pregnancy & Medical History

• • Must have had at least one full-term pregnancy resulting in the live birth of a healthy child.

  • No more than five vaginal births or two cesarean deliveries.

  • Must be free of serious pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm labor.

  • Free of any treatable STDs for at least 12 months.

  • Must have a BMI of 32 or lower to reduce pregnancy-related risks.

Why BMI?

• • • High BMI increases risk of pregnancy complications like hypertension and gestational diabetes.

    • IVF success rates drop with higher BMI.

    • Lower extremes (underweight) can also increase miscarriage risk.

Lifestyle & Legal Requirements

• Must currently be raising your child(ren) at home.

• Must have discontinued use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for at least 12 months before beginning surrogacy.

• Must wait at least 12 months since your last tattoo or piercing before starting the surrogacy process.

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel for medical appointments.

• Must maintain a stable lifestyle and supportive home environment, ensuring emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey.

Mental and Emotional Readiness

Pregnancy is as emotional as it is physical—especially when you’re carrying a child who won’t be yours. That’s why all surrogates must undergo a psychological evaluation.

This is handled by a licensed mental health professional and includes:

• A clinical interview

• A psychological profile (sometimes using standardized tools like the MMPI)

• Review of your support system, mental health history, and emotional preparedness

• Your ability to separate from the baby after birth

Surrogates must be stable, self-aware, and ready to face a journey that’s both beautiful and demanding.

Required Documentation

Along with meeting the qualifications, certain documents are required to begin the application process. These documents help ensure transparency and allow intended parents to get to know their potential surrogate.

• Completed Application Form – This provides us with essential information about your health, lifestyle, and surrogacy readiness.

• Identification & Insurance Information – Copies of your driver’s license, green card (if applicable), and health insurance documents.

• Photos – Personal photos you’d like to share with intended parents to help them connect with you during the matching process.

Additional Records Upon Matching

Once you are matched with intended parents, we may request assistance in gathering medical records to confirm your eligibility, including:

• Prenatal, labor, and delivery records from past pregnancies.

• Recent Pap smear results to ensure reproductive health.

Still have questions that you want to ask before you apply? Give us a call at 626-427-3000

Apply Now

Qualifications to Be a Surrogate in California

Here’s a quick checklist of what Acorn surrogacy agencies will expect before we approve your application: