Many people come to surrogacy in Canada for a variety of reasons, but what is a surrogate mother? Whether it’s for a sister who has breast cancer or a gay brother who isn’t ready to have kids yet, they are interested in helping a same-sex couple.
You need to know that while this is amazing to help people have their family, what’s also quite important is that this journey fits for you.
So, who is it that you want to help? Why are you wanting to help them? Begin thinking about why surrogacy, and why now, why it makes sense for you. Learn more on how to become a surrogate mother.
What are the qualifications to be a surrogate mother in our program?
In our surrogacy program, eligible candidates are Canadian women residing anywhere in Canada who are devoted and nurturing mothers. We acknowledge that the definition of ‘healthy’ is subjective. In this context, it implies that prospective surrogates should be free from long-term medications and must responsibly care for their children, regardless of their age. Legal prerequisites include being between the ages of 21 and 45, demonstrating a commitment to helping others become parents and having a history of uncomplicated pregnancies, where ‘uncomplicated’ denotes pregnancies resulting in full-term healthy babies.
Surrogates participating in our program represent diverse backgrounds and various stages of motherhood. We welcome women from all walks of life, including those who are single, married, in lesbian partnerships, or involved in traditional relationships. These personal details, while not imperative for surrogate eligibility, are valued by us as we strive to provide personalized care.
Here you can find the list of requirements for being a surrogate mother:
- Surrogate age limit: The legal requirement is that you are between the ages of 21 and 45.
- Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident: Citizenship or permanent residency in Canada is essential.
- Have Children: Have had at least 1 prior pregnancy/birth (exceptions are sometimes made for surrogate candidates who have not had a child).
- Physical Health: Medical screening is required during our intake process to ensure that your health meets specific criteria.
- Emotional Health: Your emotional well-being is crucial for a successful surrogacy journey.
- Mental Health: Mental health stability is a key factor in qualifying as a surrogate mother.
- Marital Status: Married and nonmarried individuals are welcome to apply.
- Without Criminal Background: A clean criminal record is necessary for eligibility.
- Non-Smoker: Smoking is not permitted during the surrogacy process.
- No Abuse of Drugs/Alcohol: Illegal substances and some recreational substances are a disqualifying factor.
- Desire to Help Others: A genuine motivation to assist others in building their families.
Disqualifications for surrogacy: who our surrogates are not
We often encounter women eager to offer their support, but sometimes, surrogacy might not be the most suitable option for them at the moment. Various factors contribute to this, with common scenarios involving women who are currently breastfeeding and have no plans to stop within the next six months. For those in this situation, we recommend considering signing up when nearing the weaning process, as clinics generally require candidates to be no longer breastfeeding during screening appointments.
Additionally, long-term medication can be a consideration. While antidepressants are generally acceptable, applicants on such medications may be asked by the physician to switch to a pregnancy-safe alternative. Unfortunately, individuals on insulin or high blood pressure medication may not qualify.
Reasons why someone may not qualify as a surrogate:
- Breastfeeding: Currently breastfeeding with no plans to stop within the next six months.
- Medication: On long-term medication, especially insulin or high blood pressure medication, which may disqualify candidates. Antidepressants are generally acceptable, but a physician may recommend switching to a pregnancy-safe alternative.
- No Children: Have not had a prior pregnancy/birth (exceptions are sometimes made for candidates who have not had a child).
- Physical Health: Failing to pass medical medical screening.
- High Usage of Drugs/Alcohol: Illegal substances and some recreational substances are a disqualifying factor.
We appreciate your willingness to sign up, even if we can’t proceed with your application. However, there are alternative ways you can still contribute! Your support in sharing our posts and being a cheerleader for friends and family interested in surrogacy is highly valued.
Surrogate Mothers Needed
Helping to build a family by becoming a surrogate in Canada offers a chance to make a profound impact on others’ lives. Whether motivated by a desire to support a sibling, a friend, or a same-sex couple, the path to becoming a surrogate is a meaningful one. If you feel a calling to be a surrogate and meet the necessary criteria for surrogacy, we invite you to apply to be a surrogate today. Your willingness to share the gift of life is a remarkable and selfless act that can bring immeasurable joy to those dreaming of starting a family.