If you are thinking about becoming a surrogate, I want to start with this: thank you. Wanting to carry a baby for a family who cannot is one of the most generous things a person can do.
Here is a friendly self-check to help you see whether you might be a fit. It is not a pass or fail test. Final decisions are made after medical and psychological screening, so if you are unsure about anything, please ask.
Age
- Are you at least 21? That is the legal minimum in Canada.
- Most agencies and clinics prefer candidates up to about 40 to 45, and older candidates receive extra medical review.
Pregnancy history
- Have you had at least one healthy pregnancy and birth? This is the most common requirement.
- Without a prior pregnancy, some candidates can still be considered with extra review.
- Have you had a C-section? Not automatically a no. It is reviewed case by case.
Health
- Are you generally healthy, with a body weight within the range a fertility clinic requires?
- Do you have conditions that are managed or under control?
- Please be honest with us. Many things that sound disqualifying are reviewed case by case.
Lifestyle
- Do you smoke or vape? Smoking is not an automatic no at CSO, but it must stop during pregnancy. We ask about your willingness to quit.
- Do you use recreational drugs? These are not compatible with surrogacy.
Health coverage
- Do you have a provincial health card? Not having one is a flag we look at, but it is not an automatic disqualifier.
Life circumstances
- Is your life stable right now, with housing and a support network?
- If you have a partner, are they supportive?
- Can you commit to 12 to 18 months of appointments, medications and travel?
Your reasons
- Are you doing this because you want to help a family?
- Surrogates cannot be paid a fee in Canada. They are reimbursed for expenses.
What happens if you check most of these boxes
- Application to us
- Medical review and screening at a fertility clinic
- Psychological evaluation with a counsellor
- Matching with intended parents
- Independent legal advice and a surrogacy agreement
- Embryo transfer and pregnancy
- Birth and aftercare, including emotional support
You will have a support person on our team at every step.
If you are not sure
Come and talk to us. It costs you nothing to ask, and we would rather have a conversation than have you rule yourself out.
Book a call at calendly.com/cso-robyn
From hope to heartbeat to home.