The surrogate requirements at Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia are straightforward — but they matter. Becoming a gestational surrogate is one of the most meaningful things a person can do, and these requirements exist to protect you, the baby, and the intended family throughout the process.
Here is exactly what our program requires, what the screening process involves, and what to do if you have questions about your eligibility.
The surrogate requirements in Philadelphia follow guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) — the professional body that sets evidence-based standards for reproductive medicine in the United States.
Surrogates must be between 21 and 42 years old, in line with updated ASRM guidelines. The minimum age reflects the emotional maturity and informed decision-making capacity that surrogacy requires. The upper limit reflects what research shows about pregnancy risk as age increases.
You must have carried and delivered at least one healthy child of your own, with no major complications. This requirement confirms that your body can sustain a pregnancy and that you have firsthand experience with what you are agreeing to.
A history of significant complications — such as severe preeclampsia, insulin-dependent gestational diabetes, or repeated miscarriage — requires medical review. Prior complications do not automatically disqualify you, but they are evaluated carefully.
This is a clinical threshold established by reproductive medicine guidelines. Carrying outside this range increases the risk of gestational complications and affects how the body responds to the hormonal protocols required for an embryo transfer. Free health coaching is available for women working toward this range.
Surrogates must be non-smokers for at least 12 months prior to application and must live in a non-smoking household. Smoking combined with fertility medications significantly increases the risk of blood clots during the transfer cycle.
Surrogates must not currently be receiving government assistance. This requirement protects surrogates from entering the process under financial pressure — compensation should be a benefit of surrogacy, not the sole driver of the decision.
You must have a stable living situation and a support system that understands and endorses your decision. Partners and household adults are part of the screening process.
You must reside in the United States to ensure legal protections for all parties. Our program focuses on surrogates that live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We will work with surrogates in other surrogacy-friendly states, but candidates are considered on a case by case basis. This is because of the level of personal service that we provide. We want you to have a great experience and feel fully supported by our staff.
Meeting the eligibility requirements above is the beginning, not the end, of the process. Every surrogate in our program goes through the following before being presented to intended parents for matching.
We gather OB and delivery records directly from your providers — not through self-reporting. Those records are reviewed by an independent nurse practitioner.
You receive written approval from your OB/GYN, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and the fertility clinic. All three must clear you before matching proceeds.
A licensed psychologist specializing in reproductive medicine conducts a full evaluation, including standardized testing and clinical sessions. Your partner participates as well.
A comprehensive background check is conducted for you and adult household members.
The full process from application to match-ready status typically takes 3 months.
These are the surrogate requirements questions we hear most often from Philadelphia-area women.
Previous C-sections Up to two prior C-sections is generally acceptable with medical review. More than two requires additional evaluation.
History of postpartum depression A prior episode of postpartum depression is not an automatic disqualifier. The psychological evaluation will assess your current status, how it was treated, and your support system today.
BMI currently outside range We offer free health and nutrition coaching for women working toward the BMI requirement. Current status is not necessarily permanent status.
Something else in your history The most direct path is a conversation. Many women who assume something in their background is disqualifying find out otherwise once their full history is reviewed. If something does need to be addressed first, we will tell you clearly what the path forward looks like.
Surrogate base compensation at Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia starts at $50,000, with experienced surrogates receiving $55,000 or more. Total packages including all allowances and benefits typically reach $65,000 or more.
The compensation package includes monthly incidental allowance, medication start fee, embryo transfer fees, wellness allowance, maternity clothing allowance, full medical insurance coverage, travel coverage for all medical appointments, bedrest protection, pumping compensation, C-section compensation if applicable, and a $500,000 life insurance policy.
All compensation is managed through Seed Trust, an independent escrow account. Payments are made on the schedule established in your contract before any medical treatment begins.
Take our short quiz to find out if surrogacy might be the right fit for where you are right now.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start your application below — or reach out to Kaci Moore, our Recruitment and Intake Manager, with any questions.
