Help Create a Family’s Greatest Joy.
Becoming a surrogate is an extraordinary decision—one rooted in compassion, generosity, and the desire to make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
If you’re interested in learning more about the surrogacy journey, qualifications, and support available to you, please visit our sister website, Surrogacy Inc. There, you’ll find the guidance and resources you need to explore this meaningful opportunity with confidence.
Surrogate Benefits
Pregnancy Bonuses
Receive additional incidental monies once contracts are signed.
Wage Compensation
Get compensated during any time off from work.
Household Compensation
Get bills & expenses covered for a stress-free, healthy pregnancy.
Child Care
Balance work/life issues with help for your family's needs.
Care Packages
Get personalized gifts to pamper & treat you.
Additional Bonuses
Get compensated for twin pregnancies, IVF transfers, and more.
Where Can I Become a Surrogate?
Your state of residence plays an important role in determining whether you can become a gestational surrogate. Surrogacy laws vary across the country, and eligibility may depend on state law, local court procedures, and the circumstances of each journey.
Surrogacy-Friendly States
These states generally provide an established legal pathway for gestational surrogacy:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
States Requiring Additional Legal Review
Surrogacy may be possible in these states, but additional requirements or legal considerations may apply:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States Generally Not Considered Surrogacy-Friendly
These states have significant restrictions or may not recognize compensated surrogacy agreements:
Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, and Nebraska.
Because surrogacy laws continue to evolve, our team will review your location and individual circumstances to help determine whether you qualify.
Ready to learn more? Contact our team to explore your next steps.
Last updated August 2026. This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Do You Qualify to Become a Surrogate?
Every journey is unique, but prospective surrogates should meet these essential requirements:
- Be between 21 and 37 years old.
- Have previously delivered at least one child following a healthy pregnancy. A prior C-section does not automatically disqualify you.
- Have no more than six previous deliveries and a BMI below 30.
- Be nicotine- and drug-free for at least one year and willing to complete screening.
- Be in stable physical and emotional health and complete medical and psychological evaluations.
- Be financially stable and meet the program’s public-assistance guidelines.
- Have no disqualifying criminal history and complete a background check. A spouse or partner may also be required to participate.
- Be willing to follow fertility-clinic requirements regarding medications, contraception, testing, and travel
*Please note that health insurance is helpful but not required. Our team will review your coverage and discuss available options with you.
Think you may qualify? Take the next step and complete our surrogate application.
The Surrogate Experience
Becoming a gestational surrogate is a deeply personal decision, one that can be both emotional and profoundly rewarding.
Every surrogate and intended parent completes a thoughtful screening process to ensure they are medically, emotionally, and personally prepared for the journey ahead. From matching and legal agreements through pregnancy and delivery, each person is supported with care, respect, and open communication.
Surrogacy is a shared journey. The surrogate is committed to caring for herself and the pregnancy, while the intended parents provide encouragement and meaningful support along the way. Together, they create a partnership centered on trust, compassion, and the hope of building a family.
There are four distinct steps that are part of the Surrogate experience:
The Application Process
You'll fill out an application and have your initial consultation with NWED.
Making the Match
You'll go through a screening process during which you are matched with an ideal parent or couple that would like to work with you. During this part of the process all contracts will be finalized.
Medical Procedures
You'll undergo the necessary procedures, which can include artificial insemination, or in-vitro fertilization.
Pregnancy and Birth
With the support of NWED, you will continue through your pregnancy and the experience of childbirth.
How Does Compensation Work?
A standard base compensation is paid to the surrogate
In some cases, a request is made for additional compensation
Existing health-care provided surrogacy insurance can impact compensation
Experienced, previously successful surrogates are eligible to receive higher compensation
Understanding Compensation
Surrogates should expect a standard base compensation, but can ask for what compensation they want. Typically, $40,000 to $50,000 is expected for first-time surrogates with approved insurance.
Surrogates without approved insurance are typically compensated $5,000 less to allow intended parents to purchase insurance for them.
Experienced surrogates often receive an additional $5,000 over their previous base fee (assuming their insurance status hasn't changed since their last surrogacy journey).
APPLY TO BECOME A SURROGATE
If you would like to apply to become a surrogate or have questions about the process, please get in touch via one of the methods on our contact page or simply click the button below to email us now.