Surrogacy By State

Surrogacy Requirements in Illinois


Key Points:
  • Understand the complete requirements to become a surrogate in Illinois.
  • Learn more about the medical requirements to become a surrogate.
  • Discover if you meet the requirements to become a surrogate by contacting a surrogacy agency today.

Have you ever thought about becoming a surrogate in Illinois? One of the first questions most women who are considering giving this amazing gift to a family will ask is: Who can be a surrogate in Illinois? Can I be a surrogate mother in this state?

If you have specific questions about the surrogacy requirements in Illinois, you should contact a surrogacy specialist.

Speak with a specialist today!

Individual surrogacy professionals are the ones who establish the requirements for surrogates in Illinois, not state laws. This means surrogacy requirements in Illinois can vary somewhat between surrogacy professionals. However, the following information will give you a better understanding of whether or not you might meet the basic requirements to become a surrogate mother in Illinois:

Is There an Age Limit to Being a Surrogate in IL?

Women of all ages are often willing to help people to become parents, so they’ll ask, “How old do you have to be to be a surrogate mother in Illinois?”

There are age restrictions for surrogacy in Illinois and with every surrogacy professional in the U.S. because the physical demands of pregnancy are, unfortunately, most easily tolerated by women who are within a specific age range.

So, while that exact age range may vary a little from one surrogacy professional to the next, the standard age requirement for surrogates in Illinois is about 21 to 40 years old.

What are the Health Requirements to Be a Surrogate Mother in IL?

Some women have specific health concerns that they worry may prevent them from achieving their dream of becoming a surrogate for someone else. They ask: “Can I be a surrogate after experiencing pregnancy complications?” “Can I be a surrogate if I have an STD or STI?” “Is surrogacy after tubal ligation an option?” “Is surrogacy without previous pregnancy permitted?” “Is there a weight requirement to be a surrogate in Illinois?”

The surrogate health requirements in Illinois and in every state are there to protect surrogates from potential health complications as a result of the surrogate pregnancy, to legally and financially protect intended parents from taking on the risk of those potential complications, and most of all, to protect the health and safety of babies.

As a surrogate, the health requirements that you would generally need to meet include:

  • Being smoke- and drug-free, including second-hand smoke
  • Having a BMI within about 19-33 (calculate your BMI here)
  • Having given birth at least once without experiencing any health complications
  • Previously delivering vaginally no more than five times, or delivering via cesarean section no more than three times

If you’ve met the above health criteria to be a surrogate in Illinois, then you’ll move on to the medical screening stage, which includes blood tests, physicals and more. The medical screening ensures that you’re healthy enough to undergo the fertility treatments, embryo transfers and other medical processes of surrogacy. You can learn more about the health requirements to be a surrogate mother in Illinois and whether or not your specific health condition may affect your ability to become a surrogate here.

What are the Mental and Emotional Requirements for Surrogates in Illinois?

In addition to the health requirements for surrogacy in Illinois, potential surrogates should consider the emotional requirements of surrogacy. You might’ve asked, “Can anyone be a surrogate mother in Illinois? Would I be a good surrogate?”

Pregnancy is, of course, physically demanding. But a surrogate pregnancy is also mental and emotional work, so you’ll need to undergo a psychological screening process. This process typically includes a personality test, discussing the “what ifs” you might encounter, and how you might feel throughout your surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy professionals prefer to work with surrogates who have a strong support system at home, like a spouse or partner who encourages your surrogacy decision, and at least one child. Having a stable team for emotional and physical support throughout your surrogacy journey to turn to is one of the ideal qualifications for being a surrogate in Illinois.

DID YOU KNOW?

You will never have to pay to become a surrogate. All background checks and screenings will be covered in your surrogate compensation.

Additional Requirements for Surrogacy in Illinois

There are also some additional requirements for surrogates in Illinois that you may need to consider. Perhaps you’ve wondered: “Who can be a surrogate? Will I need a car?” “Am I eligible to be a surrogate mother in Illinois if I’m on welfare?”

Again, while the individual requirements to become a surrogate mother in Illinois can vary between professionals, most will require that you:

  • Submit to background checks
  • Have your spouse (when applicable) express their own commitment to the surrogacy process
  • Not be receiving any state financial assistance
  • Be able to commit to and travel to all surrogacy-related and prenatal health appointments
  • Be a permanent resident of the United States
  • Speak fluent English

You’ll need to verify that you’re able to support yourself without surrogacy compensation, that your whole family is as committed to the surrogacy process as you are, that you don’t have a serious criminal record and that you’re going to be able to get to all necessary appointments throughout the almost year-long surrogacy process.

Illinois surrogates are brave and selfless women who dedicate their time, bodies and love so that others can become parents! Do you meet the qualifications for being a surrogate in IL? If you think you have what it takes to become a surrogate mother in Illinois, contact a surrogacy professional now to learn how to begin your surrogacy journey.

Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
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