Many women want to change their lives for the better, and one way they can do that while helping another family is to become a surrogate.

While it is a noble cause, not everyone is qualified to become a surrogate. If you are considering becoming a surrogate in Portland and partnering with a reputable surrogacy agency, you have to meet their requirements. While these are not set by the state, they are imposed by the fertility clinics and surrogacy professionals you will work with.

What is the age limit for surrogates in Portland?

The most commonly asked question concerning Portland surrogacy requirements is usually “How old do you have to be to be a surrogate?” While the acceptable range varies between surrogacy professionals, the usual age requirement is around 21 to 42 years old.

Surrogacy professionals impose age limits for prospective surrogates to ensure their protection against the many risks that come with pregnancy. Age limits are also in place to minimize health risks for the baby and limit the legal risks for everyone involved in the process.

What are the health requirements to be a surrogate in Portland?

Another common issue for women interested in becoming a surrogate is whether having a certain health condition will prevent them from meeting the surrogacy agency’s health requirements in Portland. Their health concerns usually involve previous complicated pregnancies, weight requirements, sexually transmitted diseases/infections, and the possibility of being a surrogate without previously being pregnant.

These health requirements are in place for both the surrogate’s protection and the baby’s:

• A BMI range of about 19-30
• Be drug- and smoke-free, including exposure to second-hand smoke
  
• Successfully given birth without complications at least once
  

If you meet these initial requirements to become a Portland surrogate, you will then move forward to the medical screening state. At this point, you will undergo a physical examination, complete blood tests, and more procedures. This ensures that you are physically capable of going through the medical process of your surrogacy journey. Make sure to speak to a surrogacy professional to learn more about the different health requirements to be a surrogate in Portland, so you can see if your current state of health can handle the surrogacy journey.

What are the mental and emotional requirements needed to be a Portland surrogate?

One criterion that every surrogate shouldn’t overlook is whether or not they are mentally and emotionally ready to become a surrogate.

Pregnancy is usually draining for many women, and the additional responsibility of being a surrogate can heighten the emotions and mental fatigue involved in the process. This is why it is important to establish expectations very early on and ensure that surrogates have a clear understanding of the emotional weight of surrogacy. A standard psychological screening is also key.

The psychological screening can involve personality tests, discussing how you might handle certain stages during the surrogacy journey, and talking about how you might feel about possible outcomes such as becoming pregnant with multiples or having to go through additional medical procedures.

A strong support system significantly helps surrogates throughout their journey. In fact, many surrogacy professionals include this as part of their essential requirements for Portland surrogates. Ideally, surrogates would have the complete support of their partner and at least one child in the family.

What are the other qualifications I need to meet so I can become a surrogate in Portland?

The specific surrogate requirements that you need to meet vary depending on the surrogacy professional you work with. Here are some of the most common qualifications:

• • • You are a permanent U.S. resident
    • You are able to speak English fluently
    • You are not receiving any government financial assistance
    • You agree to and are able to travel to all surrogacy-related appointments
    • If you are married, you must have your spouse’s support for legal reasons
    • You don’t have any serious criminal offenses
      

If you meet all these requirements, then you’re a viable candidate to become a surrogate in Portland. Becoming a surrogate is one of the greatest things one can do for hopeful parents. Thank you for selflessly offering this gift to intended parents who want to build a family!

Do you feel like you meet the qualifications for being a surrogate in Portland? Do you have more questions about the surrogacy process and its requirements? Contact the surrogacy professionals at All Families Surrogacy today!

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