Being a surrogate means giving other people the wonderful gift of parenthood. It’s a selfless, brave journey that you’re interested in pursuing, but you might have questions about the risks. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or 50s, you could be curious if there are any surrogate mother age requirements.
If you would like to speak with one of our surrogacy specialists today, then contact us online to get more free information now.
Maybe you want to pursue surrogacy for a friend or family member. Or, maybe you simply want to help another person complete their family. Whatever your reasons are, it’s important to understand surrogate age requirements. To ensure you’re as safe as possible, we’ve created this guide about the surrogacy age limit just for you.
We want to clarify that nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before becoming a surrogate.
What Are the Surrogate Age Requirements?
According to a study from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the recommended surrogate age limit is between the ages of 21 and 45. If you are a prospective surrogate over 45, then surrogacy may or may not be possible. It is important that you and the intended parents are “informed about the potential risks of pregnancy with advancing maternal age.”
You will want to consider your unique circumstances and any relevant medical conditions. Speak with your primary care physician before committing to surrogacy, as they’ll be able to tell you about any additional steps you need to take. Additionally, check with any surrogacy agency you are considering about their surrogate age limit. When you’re a prospective surrogate, age can play an important role, so make sure you are aware of what this journey physically requires of you.
What Are the Qualifications for Surrogacy?
Regardless of your age, there are certain requirements to be a surrogate that you’ll need to meet. Each agency has its own surrogacy qualifications, but here is a general list of screening items that you can expect:
- Medical screening: Before undergoing the surrogacy process, you’ll have to visit a fertility specialist to ensure that you meet all physical surrogacy requirements. This screening includes blood tests, an overview of your sexual activity and urine samples.
- Psychosocial screening: On top of examining your physical readiness for pregnancy, you’ll also need to meet some psychosocial surrogacy qualifications. A social worker from your surrogacy agency will interview you to make sure that you’re mentally and emotionally prepared to become a surrogate.
- Background screening: Most surrogacy professionals will complete federal and state background checks on your criminal history. This is meant to give the intended parents the reassurance that they’re working with someone trustworthy and reliable.
From a general standpoint, the age limit for being a surrogate goes hand-in-hand with most of these stipulations. Still, you should be aware of surrogacy’s other requirements to make sure that you’re as prepared as possible for the journey that lies ahead.
How Old Can Surrogate Mothers Be?
Although the ASRM provides its own suggested window, there are some increased risks of surrogacy as you get older. Along with medical requirements, each surrogacy organization will have its own age requirements for surrogacy. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with these health risks and pregnancy symptoms for those interested in the process.
If you are an older prospective surrogate, such as 40 or older, then you’ll face heightened chances of:
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Gestational diabetes
- Cesarean-section delivery
- Body aches and pains
- And more
Still, it’s always best to contact a reputable surrogacy professional. They’ll help you assess whether this path is viable for you or not. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor, as well, as they can give you the best advice when it comes to the age range for surrogate mothers. Keep in mind that each surrogacy agency will have its required age range, so take that into account, too.
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Are you interested in starting the surrogacy process? Our team is more than happy to help you get started today. To get more surrogacy information now, you can fill out our online contact form at any time. We can answer any questions you have about the age limit for a surrogate mother. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!
