Being a surrogate is a selfless act of service. Because of you, a new life comes into the world, and people who otherwise couldn't bear children get to experience the joy of having a baby and becoming parents. 

However, there are strict requirements for determining who can become a surrogate, including age. Here is a brief overview of the age requirements for surrogacy. 

Minimum age requirement for surrogacy

A woman's age determines her ability to become pregnant and carry the pregnancy to full term without compromising her or the baby's health. For this reason, you must be at least 21 years old to become a surrogate. 

Women aged 21 years old and above are considered mature and healthy enough to decide if surrogacy is the right choice for them. This maturity includes: 

Physical Maturity 

Physical health is a core consideration when determining the ideal age for surrogacy. At 21 years of age, a woman's reproductive system is fully developed and at its prime to carry a pregnancy. Ideally, their physical health is also in top shape, minimizing the risk of serious side effects of carrying a pregnancy. 

Mental Maturity 

Surrogacy, although an amazing service requires a huge commitment. It is a life-changing decision for everyone involved: you and the baby's intended parents. As such, it is always advisable to think it through thoroughly and make a decision that you will not regret in the future. Women aged 21 years old and above have the maturity to understand the implications of surrogacy and make informed decisions. 

Emotional Maturity 

As a gestational surrogate, you may develop a strong attachment to the baby and form an intimate relationship with the intended parents. This does not always happen as many surrogates recognize that the baby is not biologically theirs/

However, the varying emotions can be difficult to juggle and manage, especially when you factor in the drastic emotional changes caused by hormones. Women aged 21 years old and above are emotionally mature and have a network of people to support them throughout the process and accompanying experiences. 

Maximum Age Limit 

The recommended age limit for being a surrogate is 42. Again, health is the greatest consideration when limiting a surrogate's age. In this case, older women are at a higher risk of adverse side effects from pregnancy, including: 

• Hypertension 
• Miscarriage 
• Premature Birth 
• Gestational Diabetes 

Ultimately though, your suitability to become a surrogate depends on your individual health. As such, it is advisable to live a positive lifestyle, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. 

The Postpartum Rule 

Besides being within the recommended age bracket for becoming a surrogate, there are other important requirements based on time. In this case, the postpartum rule is simply a requirement that at least six months must have elapsed since your last pregnancy. 

This rule is designed to protect the surrogate's reproductive and overall health, as back-to-back pregnancies can be overwhelming for the body. It is also meant to discourage surrogacy inspired purely by financial gain. 

It is also worth noting that you must have already successfully carried a pregnancy to full term to become a surrogate. This is meant to verify your reproductive health and ability to carry the intended parents' child to full term. 

Do You Meet These Requirements? 

As explained, you must be at least 21 years old and not older than 42 to become a surrogate. The surrogacy agency that you will be working with will want to verify your age. As such, you may be required to provide official documents verifying your age, such as your birth certificate or driver's license. 

However, there are many other requirements that you must meet to become a surrogate, and they are all designed around protecting your health and well-being. It is advisable to learn more about these requirements and disqualifications if you’re considering becoming a surrogate. 

And, of course, Hatch will answer all of your questions about surrogacy and help you determine whether you qualify with a thorough screening process. Get in touch today to learn more!