When it comes to building families through surrogacy, the role of the surrogate is nothing short of extraordinary. Many people ask, “Who is a surrogate?” A surrogate is a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parents who cannot conceive or carry a child themselves. This process can be life-changing for all involved — intended parents, the surrogate, and the child.
Whether you are looking for surrogate mother options or considering the journey to become a surrogate in the USA, understanding the traits and requirements of a great surrogate is essential. At Indian Egg Donors, we have worked with surrogates across the globe, including in the USA, Canada, and India, and know exactly what makes this journey successful.
Who is a Surrogate?
A surrogate is a compassionate, responsible, and healthy woman who agrees to carry a pregnancy on behalf of another person or couple. She may be part of a gestational surrogacy arrangement, where the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm, or a traditional surrogacy arrangement, where the surrogate’s egg is used.
Surrogates can help:
- Heterosexual couples facing fertility challenges
- Single parents wishing to have a biological child
- Same-sex couples often go through an LGBT surrogacy agency
- Individuals with health conditions that prevent them from carrying a pregnancy
Key Traits of a Great Surrogate
A great surrogate is more than just someone willing to carry a baby. Here are the most important qualities:
- Strong Emotional Stability – Surrogacy involves complex emotions. A great surrogate understands the journey and handles it with maturity.
- Excellent Physical Health – Good overall health, a healthy BMI, and a history of uncomplicated pregnancies are important.
- Genuine Compassion – The desire to help others create their family is at the heart of surrogacy.
- Commitment & Reliability – A surrogate must follow medical guidelines, attend appointments, and maintain open communication with intended parents.
- Supportive Environment – Having supportive family or friends can make the journey smoother.
- Understanding of Legal Aspects – Awareness of agreements, such as Canadian surrogacy laws or state-specific US regulations, is crucial.
Requirements to Become a Surrogate in USA
If you want to become a surrogate in USA, you must typically meet the following requirements:
- Be between 21–39 years old
- Have given birth to at least one healthy child
- Have no history of major pregnancy complications
- Pass medical and psychological screenings
- Live in a surrogacy-friendly state
- Have no current substance abuse or smoking habits
These requirements help ensure the safety of the surrogate and the baby while protecting the rights of all parties involved.
Understanding the Cost of Surrogacy in India
Surrogacy in India has changed significantly in recent years. While it was once a popular destination for international intended parents due to lower costs, current regulations now restrict access to Indian citizens only.
When available, the cost of surrogacy in India has traditionally been much lower than in Western countries. However, it’s important to work with a trusted agency like Indian Egg Donors to ensure ethical practices and compliance with all local laws.
Benefits of Working with a Surrogacy Agency
Choosing the right agency can make all the difference, especially for international intended parents or those seeking specialized services like LGBT surrogacy agency support
Benefits include:
- Access to screened and qualified surrogates
- Legal guidance across jurisdictions (including Canadian surrogacy laws)
- Emotional support for surrogates and intended parents
- Coordination of medical, legal, and financial steps
- Transparent cost breakdowns and timelines
Why Surrogates Choose to Help
Surrogates often say their motivation is rooted in empathy and the joy of helping someone else’s dream come true. Many have completed their own families and want to give the gift of parenthood to others.
Bullet Points – What Makes a Great Surrogate Stand Out
- Empathy – Truly understands and cares for the intended parents’ journey
- Commitment – Stays dedicated to medical schedules and agreements
- Healthy Lifestyle – Maintains physical and emotional well-being
- Positive Attitude – Keeps a hopeful and optimistic outlook
- Open Communication – Builds trust with the intended parents and agency
FAQs
Q. Who is a surrogate, and how is she chosen?
Ans: A surrogate is a woman who carries a child for intended parents. She is chosen through careful medical, emotional, and lifestyle screenings.
Q. What is the cost of surrogacy in India today?
Ans: Currently, surrogacy in India is restricted to Indian citizens, and costs vary depending on medical needs, legal processes, and agency services.
Q. Can same-sex couples work with a surrogate?
Ans: Yes. Many LGBT surrogacy agencies specialize in helping same-sex couples and individuals build their families through surrogacy.
Q. Are Canadian surrogacy laws the same as in the USA?
Ans: No. Canadian surrogacy laws allow altruistic surrogacy but prohibit paying a surrogate beyond reimbursement for expenses, unlike most US arrangements.
Q. How can I become a surrogate in USA?
Ans: You must meet specific health, age, and lifestyle requirements, have at least one previous healthy pregnancy, and pass medical and psychological evaluations.
Conclusion
Being a surrogate is an incredible act of generosity and love. For intended parents, finding the right surrogate is the key to making their family dreams a reality. Understanding who is a surrogate, the qualities she should have, and the legal and emotional aspects of the process ensures a smooth and rewarding experience.
At Indian Egg Donors, we guide intended parents and surrogates every step of the way — whether you’re looking for surrogate mother options, exploring Canadian surrogacy laws, learning about the cost of surrogacy in India, or planning to become a surrogate in USA.
Contact us today at (212) 661-7177 to start your surrogacy journey with the care, transparency, and compassion you deserve.
Dr. Pooja Patel
Dr. Pooja Patel is a Chief Surrogacy Coordinator at Surrogacy4all. She has 10 years of experience in Anesthesiology and critical care medicine.
She received her medical degree from Seth GS Medical College and K.E.M Hospital in India. She then completed an internship. She finished her Anesthesia residency at Grant Govt Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals in India.
- Dr. Pooja Patelhttps://blog.indianeggdonors.com/author/dr-pooja/
- Dr. Pooja Patelhttps://blog.indianeggdonors.com/author/dr-pooja/
- Dr. Pooja Patelhttps://blog.indianeggdonors.com/author/dr-pooja/
- Dr. Pooja Patelhttps://blog.indianeggdonors.com/author/dr-pooja/
