To become a surrogate, you generally need to follow a multi-step process involving self-assessment, meeting eligibility requirements, medical and psychological screening, legal steps, and matching with intended parents. Here is a detailed overview:

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be within the age range of about 21 to 39 or up to 43 years old depending on the agency or location.
• Have had at least one full-term, healthy, and uncomplicated pregnancy.
• Be physically healthy with no chronic conditions, non-smoker, and a healthy BMI (often between 19 and 30).
• Be emotionally stable and prepared for the demands of surrogacy.
• Reside in a surrogacy-friendly state or country where compensated surrogacy is legal.
• Usually a long-term resident of the country where the IVF clinic is located (commonly the US or UK)

Steps to Become a Surrogate

1. Self-Assessment
   Reflect on your motivations and emotional and physical readiness for surrogacy. This helps ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities and challenges involved

2. Research Surrogacy
   Learn about the surrogacy process, legal implications, and what to expect during pregnancy and after birth

3. Application
   Complete an application with a surrogacy agency or clinic, providing detailed personal, medical, and family information. This includes:

   • Medical history and records
   • Pregnancy history
   • Lifestyle habits
   • Household details

4. Screening and Evaluation
   Undergo medical exams (physical, blood tests, ultrasounds) to confirm you are healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy.
   Complete psychological evaluations to ensure emotional readiness and stability for the surrogacy journey

5. Matching with Intended Parents
   Once approved, you will be matched with intended parents. This involves profile exchanges and interviews to ensure compatibility and shared expectations

6. Legal Process
   Sign contracts that outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties. Legal guidance ensures fair agreements and protects everyone involved

7. Medical Procedures and Pregnancy
   After medical clearance, you undergo IVF embryo transfer and begin pregnancy monitoring with regular medical visits. You maintain communication with intended parents throughout

8. Delivery and Conclusion
   Carry the pregnancy to term and deliver the baby. After birth, the child is handed over to the intended parents, concluding the surrogacy journey

Summary of Key Points

• Eligibility: Age 21-39/43, healthy, previous uncomplicated pregnancy, legal residency.
• Process: Self-assessment → Application → Medical & psychological screening → Matching → Legal contracts → IVF & pregnancy → Delivery.
• Emotional and physical readiness are critical throughout.
• Agencies provide support, legal guidance, and compensation details.

This process typically takes 14-20+ months from application to delivery, depending on matching and medical factors

. In the UK, similar steps apply with additional requirements like minimum age 21 (or 25 if childfree) and agency support for checks and consultations

. Becoming a surrogate is a significant commitment requiring careful preparation, but it offers the rewarding opportunity to help others build families

. If you want to start, contact a reputable surrogacy agency to begin the application and screening process.