Qualifications For Surrogacy

Surrogacy laws vary widely from state to state in the U.S. and are constantly changing. In order to avoid potential legal challenges, VIVO Surrogacy does not currently accept surrogate applicants residing in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wyoming.

You must be a U.S. citizen in order to become a surrogate with VIVO Surrogacy. Permanent Residents/Green Card or Visa holders are ineligible.

From our experience, we have found that women between 23 – 40 years of age have fewer complications during pregnancy and delivery.  Typically, women within this age range have the physical, emotional and practical maturity that it takes to be a surrogate.

We perform criminal background checks on the surrogate, spouse/partner, and anyone 18 years or older residing with the surrogate (or on the same property).  Misdemeanors do not always necessarily disqualify you, but are considered on a case-by-case basis.  We perform DMV checks on the surrogate and (if applicable) her surrogate/spouse.

Potential surrogates must have given birth to, and parented, at least one child. Past pregnancies must have reached at least 36 weeks gestation without any pregnancy or delivery complications. Certain exceptions are made in the case of multiple gestations.

Potential surrogates cannot have had 6 or more prior deliveries.  Candidates that have had 4 or more cesarean sections are also ineligible; however, we will consider 3 cesarean sections on a case-by-case basis.

All applicants must have an up-to-date well-woman physical exam.

Applicants cannot have a history of severe mental illness. We will consider Postpartum depression (PPD) on a case-by-case basis.

A healthy height to weight ratio (BMI greater than 18, but less than 31) To calculate BMI, refer to the CDC’s Adult BMI Calculator:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

No history of drug or alcohol abuse/addiction.

Surrogates are prohibited from using tobacco or drugs. Candidates will be disqualified if they have smoked, vaped, or used drugs (including marijuana) within the past 6 months. Nicotine and drug testing will be performed during the medical screening process. Please refer to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for additional information regarding nicotine and marijuana use during and prior to pregnancy.
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Marijuana-and-Pregnancy-Infographic] 
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Tobacco-and-Pregnancy-Infographic)
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/index.htm)

No tattoos or piercings within the past 12 months.

The Zika virus can be transmitted through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her partners (even if the infected person does not have symptoms).

The FDA has established the following eligibility requirements for surrogacy:

• 1. No medical diagnosis of Zika in the past 6 months
• 2. No residing in or travel to an area with an increased risk of Zika transmission within the last 6 months
• 3. No sex within the past 6 months with a person who has either of the risk factors listed in #1 and #2

For additional Zika travel information, visit:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information

Surrogates must live in safe and stable home environments with a supportive social network. This is for the welfare of our babies and surrogates.

Surrogates must be financially stable. While surrogates are well-compensated for their time and effort, it is unwise to use surrogacy as a family’s primary source of income.

Examples of government assistance programs: Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) otherwise known as welfare, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (i.e. food stamps), Supplemental Security Income, Earned Income Tax Credit and Housing Assistance.

If you have a partner/spouse, he or she must be involved, supportive, and willing to participate in the process. This includes submitting to a background check, blood draws, and consultations.

• Thorough review of all medical records from previous pregnancies
• Background checks
• Psychological evaluation/screening
• Medical evaluations and procedures – including blood draws and exams, pelvic exams, vaginal ultrasounds, and possibly a uterine cavity evaluation
• Self-administered fertility medications, including injections
• Multiple medical appointments throughout the surrogacy journey
• Your Surrogacy Agreement will cover a wide range of topics. Some of these will be practical, such as the location of medical appointments or travel reimbursements; some will address issues such as, preferred amounts of communication or who is present at doctor exams. But some will involve issues that can be hard to even think about; such as termination or selective reduction. At VIVO Surrogacy, we help facilitate these difficult but important discussions so that everybody feels informed and comfortable before reaching a mutually favorable agreement.