Becoming a surrogate is a gracious and giving act, even when you, the surrogate is compensated. You’re devoting time and energy over nine plus months so another couple or individual may achieve their dream of having a family.
But not all women who wish to give the gift of surrogacy qualify. To ensure the safety and well being of the surrogate and baby, strict criteria are in place to help sort surrogacy applicants. One such qualification or criteria is that the surrogate must fall within a specific age limit.
The following is a guide on everything you need to know regarding age limits for surrogacy.
Is There A Surrogacy Age Limit?
Yes, there is an age limit for acting as a surrogate (or becoming a surrogate). Because there are serious implications if a woman is too young or too old – and thus, there is an age restriction in place — although the exact ages can vary from one surrogacy program or agency to another.
Age Requirements For Intended Parents
Here at KindEOS, we do not have an age cut off for intended parents but are guided by a case by case analysis which considers the ethics of the arrangement for all parties including the child to be born. As we believe that couples and individuals of all ages should have the chance to raise a family despite being unable to give birth independently.
Age Restrictions For Surrogates
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that surrogates be between the ages of 21 and 45. At KindEOS, our age range is 21 to 42.
Although the age of adults in the U.S. is 18, most surrogacy programs have an age limit of 21 to ensure that surrogates are mature enough to understand the full implications of being a surrogate and responsible enough to look after themselves and the pregnancy.
Why Are Age Limits Necessary For Surrogacy?
Age limits for surrogacy are necessary because of several important factors.
First, we must consider the physical health of the surrogate and unborn baby. For example, women over 35 are more likely to develop complications during pregnancy and birth, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, than women under 35.
Also, women tend to have higher anxiety levels as they grow older, which can affect the mental health and wellbeing of the surrogate throughout the surrogacy process.
Why Is Surrogacy Limited To Women 21 And Over?
First, there should be no question that you must be an adult to be a surrogate. Adulthood ensures that the surrogate is mature enough to make life-changing decisions on their own behalf and that they can handle the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Even though the age of 18 is when individuals are considered to be of legal adult age in the U.S., most surrogacy programs have an age limit of 21, including ours. Maturity and experience ensure that they are mentally and emotionally prepared to become a surrogate, not to mention responsible enough to commit to the sacrifice of time and effort involved.
Help Someone Build Their Family Today
Age is a primary factor in determining eligibility and safety for surrogacy. At KindEOS, we have an age range limit of 21 to 40 (41 in rare circumstances) for surrogates. If you have questions about our qualification guidelines and how they might affect your eligibility, consider filling out our prescreen to determine your eligibility.
We welcome anyone within our age range requirements to apply to become a surrogate and help someone build their family today.
Are you interested in becoming a surrogate? Check out our full list of qualifications today.
