Can I Be a Surrogate if I’ve Had an Abortion?

Yes, you may still be able to become a surrogate if you’ve had an abortion. A previous abortion does not automatically disqualify you, especially if you’ve also had a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics consider your overall reproductive and pregnancy history, including whether you experienced any complications that could affect a future pregnancy. If you’ve recovered without complications, a past abortion is unlikely to prevent you from qualifying.

If you’re interested in helping another family, connect with a surrogacy professional to discuss your eligibility and take the first step toward becoming a surrogate.

Does the Type of Abortion Affect Surrogate Eligibility?

Both medication and surgical abortions are generally compatible with surrogate eligibility. What matters most is whether you experienced any complications that could affect a future pregnancy.

• Medication Abortion: Uses prescribed medications to end a pregnancy without a surgical procedure. If you recovered without complications, a previous medication abortion is unlikely to affect your eligibility.
• Surgical Abortion: Uses a medical procedure to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. While this typically doesn’t affect future pregnancies, complications such as infection or uterine scarring may require additional evaluation.

Regardless of which type of abortion you’ve had, fertility clinics will consider your recovery and any related complications during medical screening to determine whether you can safely carry another pregnancy.

Can You Be a Surrogate if You’ve Had More Than One Abortion?

Yes, you may still qualify to become a surrogate if you’ve had more than one abortion. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics consider your overall reproductive and pregnancy history rather than the number of previous abortions alone.

For example, multiple surgical D&Cs may increase the risk of developing uterine scar tissue, which can affect a future pregnancy. Your fertility clinic may review your medical records or recommend additional testing to check for any concerns.

If you’ve had a healthy, full-term pregnancy and your medical evaluation shows no concerns, having multiple abortions may not prevent you from becoming a surrogate.

Do You Need to Disclose a Past Abortion During Surrogate Screening?

Yes, you should disclose every past pregnancy, delivery, miscarriage and abortion during your surrogate application and medical screening. Disclosure is a routine part of compiling an accurate reproductive history, not something you need to justify or defend.

Surrogacy professionals and fertility clinics use this information to identify anything that could affect a future pregnancy. Providing a complete history is important for several reasons:

• Accurate Medical Records: Sharing your full pregnancy history helps ensure your application and medical records provide a consistent picture of your reproductive health.
• Appropriate Medical Screening: Your fertility clinic can review any previous procedures or complications and determine whether additional testing is needed.
• Your Health and Safety: An accurate medical history helps professionals assess whether you can safely carry another pregnancy.

Being open about your reproductive history helps your medical team make informed decisions about your care and eligibility.

How Does Surrogate Medical Screening Work if You’ve Had an Abortion?

Your medical screening begins with a review of your pregnancy and reproductive history. During the initial application process, a surrogacy agency will look at your previous pregnancies, deliveries and any complications associated with a past abortion to identify potential eligibility concerns.

If you meet the agency’s initial requirements, the intended parents’ fertility clinic will conduct its own medical evaluation. Depending on your history, this may include additional testing, such as a saline infusion sonogram (SIS), to check for uterine scarring or other conditions that could affect embryo implantation.

What Other Requirements Are There to Become a Surrogate?

Agencies and fertility clinics establish these surrogate health requirements to help ensure you can safely carry a pregnancy. Common qualifications include:

• Previous Pregnancy: You must have carried and delivered at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy without significant complications, such as severe preeclampsia or placental abruption.
• Current Parenting Status: You must currently be raising at least one child.
• Age Range: Most programs require surrogates to be between 21 and 40 years old.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Agencies and clinics typically require a BMI between 19 and 35.
• Lifestyle Habits: You must be a non-smoker, live in a smoke-free home and avoid illicit drug use.
• Mental Health: Some programs restrict the use of prescription medications for depression or anxiety. You’ll also need to complete a psychological evaluation.
• Background Checks: You must pass a criminal background check, with felony convictions generally disqualifying applicants.

Exact requirements will vary by agency and fertility clinic.

Talk With a Professional About Becoming a Surrogate After an Abortion

If you’ve had an abortion and are interested in becoming a surrogate, you don’t have to figure out your eligibility on your own. A surrogacy professional can review your pregnancy and reproductive history, answer your questions and help you understand what to expect from the screening process.

Speak with a surrogacy professional to find out how your individual medical history may affect your eligibility and whether surrogacy could be a good fit for you.

What if I’m Not Eligible for Surrogacy?

If you’re unable to qualify as a surrogate, your past abortion may not be the reason. Complications from a previous procedure, certain medical conditions or other eligibility requirements could affect your ability to safely carry a pregnancy.

Finding out you don’t qualify for surrogacy can be disappointing, especially when you’re excited about helping another family. However, there are still meaningful ways to make a difference.

You can advocate for surrogacy, support others through their journeys or participate in programs like American Surrogacy’s surrogate referral program, which rewards you for connecting eligible women with intended parents.