How Can I Become a Surrogate in 2026

Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute supports women who want to become surrogates through every stage of the journey, from initial screening to post birth care. If you are wondering how to become a surrogate, this page explains the requirements, the step by step process, compensation structure, and the medical and legal support provided throughout the experience.

Pregnant woman standing between white curtains, holding her belly and looking out peacefully.

What You Need to Qualify as a Surrogate

Becoming a surrogate lets you change a family’s life in a powerful way. If you qualify, the experience is safe, supported, and deeply meaningful.

EDSI guides you with clear communication, steady support, and total compensation that can reach $125,000. If you want a caring and well structured journey, this is the right place to begin.

Smiling pregnant woman in a sweatshirt gently holding her belly in soft indoor lighting.

Click the button below to start a short pre-qualifying application to become a surrogate.

How Can I Become a Surrogate

To become a surrogate, you must meet medical and pregnancy history requirements, complete medical and psychological screening, match with intended parents, sign a legal agreement, and undergo embryo transfer through IVF.

Most surrogate journeys follow a clear sequence that includes application, screening, matching, legal preparation, IVF transfer, pregnancy support, and delivery with coordinated compensation and care.

  1. Submit a short pre qualification application

  2. Complete medical record review and screening

  3. Match with intended parents

  4. Sign a legal agreement and establish a secure escrow account

  5. Begin IVF preparation and embryo transfer

  6. Carry the pregnancy with structured medical and emotional support

  7. Deliver and receive final compensation


What Are the Requirements to Become a Surrogate

Most fertility clinics and surrogacy programs require candidates to meet specific medical, pregnancy history, and lifestyle standards before moving forward. These guidelines protect both the surrogate and the intended parents and ensure a safe, successful journey.

Then add your short bullet summary:

• At least one healthy full term pregnancy
• No major pregnancy complications
• Healthy BMI within clinic guidelines
• Non smoker and no drug use
• Stable mental health and support system
• Ability to attend medical appointments

For full qualification details, review our complete surrogate requirements page.

 

Who Can Become a Surrogate

Most surrogates are healthy women who have experienced at least one full term pregnancy and meet established medical and lifestyle guidelines. Candidates must demonstrate physical health, emotional stability, reliable communication, and a supportive home environment. Each applicant completes medical and psychological screening to ensure a safe and responsible journey.

For complete eligibility criteria, review our detailed surrogate requirements guide.

 

What Disqualifies You From Being a Surrogate

Certain medical, lifestyle, or pregnancy history factors may prevent someone from qualifying as a surrogate. Common disqualifiers can include serious pregnancy complications, unmanaged medical conditions, active nicotine or drug use, unstable housing, or untreated mental health concerns.

Each fertility clinic applies medical screening standards to protect the health of the surrogate and the future baby. If an applicant does not meet current criteria, eligibility may change over time as circumstances improve.

For a full list of qualification guidelines, visit our detailed surrogate requirements page.

 

What Is the Process of Becoming a Surrogate

Once you qualify, the process is clear and supportive. EDSI stays with you from your first questions to the day you deliver.

Becoming a surrogate follows a structured medical and legal pathway designed to protect everyone involved. Each phase is coordinated by experienced professionals to ensure clarity, safety, and steady progress from application through delivery.

  1. Submit a short pre qualification application

  2. Complete medical record review and psychological screening

  3. Match with intended parents

  4. Sign a legal agreement with independent legal counsel

  5. Establish a secure escrow account

  6. Begin IVF preparation and embryo transfer

  7. Attend regular prenatal appointments with ongoing support

  8. Deliver and receive final compensation

Our goal is to keep you safe, prepared, and connected to a family who is grateful for your help.

 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Surrogate

The timeline varies depending on screening speed, matching availability, and clinic scheduling. Many surrogates complete initial screening within several weeks and match within a few months once approved.

From application to delivery, the full journey typically spans twelve to eighteen months, depending on medical timing and embryo transfer success. Explore the step by step surrogate process to understand how each phase of screening, matching, legal agreements, medical coordination, and pregnancy support works from start to delivery.


How Much Do Surrogates Make in 2026

Surrogate compensation depends on experience, medical factors, and individual agreements. Base compensation typically begins at 82,000 dollars and can reach 125,000 dollars or more when additional allowances and milestones are included.

Compensation may include base pay, monthly allowances, embryo transfer fees, maternity clothing, travel reimbursement, lost wages, childcare support, and additional payments when medically necessary procedures occur.

For complete details, review our 2026 full surrogate compensation page.

 

What Support Does EDSI Provide to Surrogates

Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute coordinates medical, legal, and emotional support throughout the entire journey. Surrogates work with experienced case managers, reproductive attorneys, fertility clinics, and mental health professionals to ensure each phase is clearly explained and carefully managed.

Clear communication, transparent timelines, and structured compensation planning help create a predictable and supported experience from screening through delivery.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Surrogate

How can I become a surrogate?

To become a surrogate, you must meet medical and pregnancy history requirements, complete screening, match with intended parents, sign a legal agreement, and undergo embryo transfer through IVF. The process is coordinated by medical, legal, and case management professionals from start to delivery.

What are the requirements to become a surrogate?

Most surrogates must have had at least one healthy full term pregnancy, meet clinic health standards, maintain a stable lifestyle, and pass medical and psychological screening. Detailed qualification guidelines are reviewed during the application process.

What disqualifies you from being a surrogate?

Common disqualifiers may include serious pregnancy complications, unmanaged medical conditions, active nicotine or drug use, unstable living conditions, or untreated mental health concerns. Each clinic applies screening standards to protect everyone involved.

How long does it take to become a surrogate?

Initial screening can take several weeks, and matching may take a few months depending on availability and clinic scheduling. From application to delivery, the full journey typically spans twelve to eighteen months.

How much do surrogates make in 2026?

Base compensation typically begins at 82,000 dollars and can reach 125,000 dollars or more when allowances and milestone payments are included. Total compensation depends on individual agreements and medical factors.

Do surrogates get paid monthly?

Compensation is usually structured through scheduled payments once pregnancy is confirmed. Additional allowances and reimbursements may be provided throughout the journey based on agreed terms.

Can a surrogate keep the baby?

No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. Legal agreements establish intended parents as the legal parents before or shortly after birth, depending on state law.
Become a Surrogate