What are the basic qualifications to be a surrogate?

You must be between 21-40 years old, have given birth before, be physically and emotionally healthy, and live in a surrogate-friendly U.S. state.

Do I have to be straight or cisgender to apply?

Not at all. We welcome gestational carriers of all genders and sexual orientations. Allies are welcome, and LGBTQ+ folks are celebrated.

Do I get paid to be a surrogate?

Yes! Gestational carriers through Quest Surrogacy typically earn $60,000–$100,000 depending on experience and location.

Do I Qualify? | Quest Surrogacy

Gestational Carrier Requirements and Qualifications

Becoming a gestational carrier is one of the most powerful, life-changing ways to support LGBTQIA+ families. At Quest Surrogacy, we celebrate and uplift gestational carriers of all identities—and we’re here to guide you through every requirement with transparency, care, and community.

Please read through the requirements and qualifications for those interested in becoming gestational carriers with Quest Surrogacy. The screening criteria guide us to ensure healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and overall experiences between gestational carriers, babies, and their intended parent(s).

#1 - Personal Requirements

Identify as LGBTQ+

Be between 21-39 years of age

Currently raising at least one of their children in the home

Have completed at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, with documented medical records

#2 - Health Requirements

Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of no higher than 32; some exceptions apply

Have had 5 or fewer previous deliveries and 2 or fewer c-sections

Have no sexually-transmitted diseases

No illegal drug use or alcohol abuse.

No cigarette smokers

#3 - Financial Requirements

Not participate in government aid programs such as cash assistance, welfare, public housing, and section 8. All other forms of government assistance are to be considered case-by-case.

Have a dependable income either on your own or with a partner.

#4 - Lifestyle Requirements

Have the ability to travel to a fertility clinic for the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process as needed

Have the help and support of family. If married or partnered, have support from a partner or spouse.

Have no felony convictions and can pass a background check and drug screening. If in a relationship, a partner or spouse must be willing to undergo a background check and drug screening.

Quest Surrogacy is based in Portland, Oregon and supports gestational carriers across the U.S. in surrogate-friendly states. Unfortunately, we cannot work with carriers in Nebraska, Michigan, or Louisiana due to legal restrictions.

Becoming a gestational carrier is a big decision—and chances are, if you're here, something inside you is already whispering “maybe this is for me.” Here are six signs that you might be ready to say yes to something extraordinary:

🌈 Top 6 Reasons You Might Be Ready to Be a Surrogate

You’ve loved being pregnant—and you’re done building your own family.

Pregnancy was a joyful or empowering experience for you, and while you’re not looking to grow your own family further, you miss that part of your life. You’re open to doing it again—for someone else.

You believe everyone deserves the chance to be a parent.

You’re passionate about helping people grow their families—especially LGBTQIA+ individuals, single parents, or folks who’ve faced fertility struggles. You want to make parenthood possible for someone who’s been told “no” too many times.

You’re emotionally steady and have a solid support system.

You know yourself. You communicate well. And you’ve got people in your life who will show up for you with meals, childcare, hugs, or just space to be heard.

You’re financially stable—and this isn’t your only motivation.

While the compensation is meaningful (and deserved!), you’re not relying on it as your sole source of income. You’re doing this from a place of generosity, not desperation.

You’re in good health—physically and mentally.

You’ve had healthy pregnancies before. You’re not on any medications that would interfere with carrying a pregnancy. And you feel emotionally prepared to take on this experience with clarity and care.

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You’re curious, committed, and ready to learn.

You might not know everything yet—and that’s okay. But you're open. Open to asking questions, navigating legal steps, and walking through this process with intention.

Still nodding? You might be more ready than you think.
Let’s talk about what’s next.

👉🏽 Start Your Application

Common Disqualifications

At Quest Surrogacy, we’re here to support every person who comes to us with a heart full of intention. That said, there are some health, legal, and personal circumstances that may disqualify someone from becoming a gestational carrier—for the safety of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the baby.

We’re always happy to talk through your unique situation with care and compassion. But in general, you may not qualify to be a surrogate if any of the following apply:

🚫 You have never given birth to a child of your own.

🚫 You have unmanaged chronic health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy).

🚫 You have a BMI over 35 at the time of application.

🚫 You have an active or recent history of severe mental health challenges (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major untreated depression)

💌 Still Not Sure?

If you’re unsure whether something in your background might be disqualifying, you’re encouraged to reach out. We approach every application with kindness, respect, and zero judgment.

Even if you’re not eligible now, we’re happy to help you understand your options or revisit your application in the future.

👉🏽 Find out!

We totally get it—navigating surrogacy requirements can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and we’re here to walk through it with you. Our screening criteria are designed to ensure safe, supported, and successful journeys for gestational carriers, intended parents, and the babies they help bring into the world.

Quest Surrogacy aligns with the guidelines recommended by leading fertility clinics and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), so you can feel confident that you're on a trusted, ethical, and medically sound path. Whether you're exploring how to become a surrogate for the first time or returning for another journey, we’ll meet you with clarity, care, and compassion.

✨ Ready to find out if
you're eligible?

Not sure if you qualify? That’s okay. Some requirements are flexible, and we’re happy to talk through your unique circumstances. Our goal is to help you feel seen and supported—not screened out.

Take our 2 Minute Assessment and find out!

2-minute Assessment!