Surrogacy Requirements

Surrogacy Requirements: What Every Woman Should Know

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Surrogacy is a complex but rewarding process that allows couples and individuals to become parents with the help of a surrogate mother.
However, not every woman can join a surrogacy program. To ensure the health of the surrogate and the child, fertility clinics establish strict surrogacy requirements that cover medical, psychological, lifestyle, and legal aspects.

In Ukraine, surrogacy is fully legal and regulated, making it one of the most popular international destinations for intended parents.
At Militta, we carefully select candidates, ensuring their safety and the success of each program.

“The requirements for surrogacy are not limitations — they are safeguards created to protect the health of the surrogate and ensure the birth of a healthy baby.”

Age Criteria for Surrogates

Most fertility clinics worldwide, including those in Ukraine, accept women for surrogacy between the ages of 21 and 36 years.
This age range is considered optimal because it provides the best balance between reproductive health and emotional readiness.
In some cases, women up to 40 years old may be accepted, but only after a detailed medical evaluation that confirms a good ovarian reserve and general health.

Medical Health Standards

One of the main conditions of becoming a surrogate is excellent physical health. Donors and surrogates undergo comprehensive examinations, which usually include:

• Complete blood count and biochemistry;
• Hormonal tests (AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid hormones);
• Ultrasound of reproductive organs;
• Gynecological examination;
• Screening for infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, TORCH infections);
• General health assessment (cardiology, endocrinology, and other specialists if needed).

These requirements guarantee that the surrogate can safely go through the pregnancy without serious risks to her own health or the baby’s development.

Psychological Readiness

Surrogacy is not only a physical journey but also an emotional one. Clinics require psychological assessments to ensure that the potential surrogate:

• Understands the responsibilities and emotional aspects of surrogacy;
• Is emotionally stable and prepared for the process;
• Has a supportive family or social environment;
• Is motivated by altruism and compassion, not solely by financial reasons.

Genetic & Family Health Background

Genetic screening is another key part of the surrogacy requirements. Doctors review family history to exclude inherited conditions such as:

• Severe genetic disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy);
• Psychiatric illnesses in close relatives;
• Reproductive health issues that may affect fertility.

Ensuring a healthy genetic background helps protect the child and provides confidence to intended parents.

Lifestyle and Responsibility

Surrogates are expected to follow a healthy lifestyle and demonstrate responsibility throughout the program. Requirements usually include:

• No smoking or drug use;
• Minimal or no alcohol consumption;
• Maintaining a healthy BMI (typically 18–30);
• Regular medical check-ups and following treatment plans strictly;
• Commitment to safe habits and balanced nutrition during pregnancy.

These factors are crucial for the health of both the surrogate and the baby, as well as for the trust between the surrogate and the intended parents.

Surrogacy Legal Requirements in Ukraine

Ukraine is one of the few countries in the world where gestational surrogacy is fully legal for heterosexual married couples.
The law clearly states that the intended parents’ names are placed directly on the birth certificate of the child.
Donors and surrogates sign official contracts that regulate responsibilities, confidentiality, and compensation.
This provides transparency, legal security, and protection for all parties involved.

Support & Compensation

Women who meet the surrogacy requirements receive not only financial compensation but also full medical and psychological support.
Compensation typically covers:

• Time and effort invested in the program;
• All medical tests, treatments, and medications;
• Comfortable accommodation and travel expenses for international participants;
• Psychological support and professional supervision during the process.

In Ukraine, compensation for surrogates is transparent, legal, and guaranteed by contract, which makes the country one of the safest choices for international surrogacy.

FAQ: Surrogacy Requirements