Can I Be a Surrogate If I’m on a GLP-1?

Yes, you may still be able to become a surrogate if you’re currently taking or have previously taken a GLP-1 medication, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound. Although these medications are generally not recommended during pregnancy, taking one doesn’t automatically disqualify you from surrogacy.

Your eligibility will depend on why you’re taking the medication, your overall health and whether you meet the fertility clinic’s medical requirements. You may need to discontinue your medication under your prescribing clinician’s guidance before beginning the embryo transfer process.

Connect with a surrogacy professional to discuss your medical history, explore your eligibility and learn what steps may be needed before moving forward.

Do You Have to Stop GLP-1s Before Becoming a Surrogate?

Yes, you’ll generally need to stop taking GLP-1 medications before beginning an embryo transfer cycle. Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are not recommended during pregnancy, so fertility clinics typically require a waiting period after discontinuation.

However, stopping a GLP-1 doesn’t automatically mean you’re ineligible for surrogacy. You may still qualify once you’ve completed the appropriate waiting period and received medical clearance from the fertility clinic.

Never stop or change a prescribed medication on your own to qualify for surrogacy. Your prescribing clinician can help you determine whether discontinuing your GLP-1 is appropriate and how to do so safely.

How Long Do You Need to Be Off a GLP-1 Before Embryo Transfer?

The amount of time you’ll need to stop taking a GLP-1 before embryo transfer depends on the specific medication and your fertility clinic’s requirements. Some medications remain in your system longer than others, so recommended waiting periods can vary. According to FDA prescribing information:

• Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide): Should be discontinued at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
• Mounjaro and Zepbound (Tirzepatide): Do not have a specific pre-pregnancy waiting period listed in their FDA prescribing information. Your doctor will need to determine an appropriate timeline.
• Saxenda (Liraglutide): Should not be used during pregnancy, but its FDA prescribing information does not specify a waiting period before conception.

Your fertility clinic may require additional time after discontinuation to evaluate your health before embryo transfer. Work with your prescribing clinician to determine when it’s safe to stop your medication and discuss the clinic’s requirements before planning your surrogacy timeline.

Why Does the Reason You Take a GLP-1 Matter?

The reason you’re prescribed a GLP-1 can affect your surrogate eligibility. While stopping the medication may allow you to move forward with screening, any underlying health conditions will still need to be evaluated by the fertility clinic. Your eligibility may depend on whether you’re taking a GLP-1 for:

• Weight Management: If you’re taking a GLP-1 for weight loss without an underlying medical condition, you may still qualify once you’ve safely discontinued the medication and meet the agency’s health and BMI requirements.
• Type 2 Diabetes: If you’re taking a GLP-1 to manage type 2 diabetes, the condition itself may disqualify you from surrogacy due to increased pregnancy risks, including preeclampsia, preterm birth and other complications.

Fertility clinics evaluate your overall health to determine whether you can safely carry a pregnancy. Even after discontinuing a GLP-1, conditions such as type 2 diabetes may affect your eligibility independently of the medication.

Can Taking a GLP-1 for Weight Loss Affect Surrogate Eligibility?

Taking a GLP-1 for weight loss may affect your surrogate eligibility if it helps you fall within an agency’s required Body Mass Index (BMI) range. Most agencies require a BMI between 19 and 35, although specific requirements can vary.

However, meeting the BMI requirement doesn’t automatically mean you’ll qualify. Your overall health, pregnancy history and ability to safely carry another pregnancy are also important factors in determining your eligibility.

If you’ve used a GLP-1 for weight management, the fertility clinic will evaluate your current health and determine whether you meet its medical requirements. Weight loss alone doesn’t guarantee approval for surrogacy.

What Other Requirements Are There to Become a Surrogate?

Beyond meeting BMI requirements, you’ll need to meet other health, pregnancy and lifestyle standards to become a surrogate. Most agencies and fertility clinics look for the following qualifications:

• Age: Typically between 21 and 40 years old.
• Pregnancy History: At least one healthy, full-term pregnancy without significant complications.
• Parenting Status: Currently raising at least one child.
• Physical and Mental Health: Healthy enough to carry another pregnancy, with some programs restricting the use of prescription medications for depression or anxiety.
• Lifestyle and Background: No felony convictions, smoking or illicit drug use.

Exact requirements can vary by agency and fertility clinic.

How Does Surrogate Medical Screening Work if You Take or Recently Stopped a GLP-1?

Your surrogacy agency will first review your medical and pregnancy history, including which GLP-1 medication you take or previously used, why it was prescribed and your current health. This helps determine whether you meet the initial eligibility requirements.

If you move forward, the intended parents’ fertility clinic will conduct its own medical evaluation. This may include bloodwork, a physical exam and other tests to assess your overall health and readiness for pregnancy.

The fertility clinic will also consider your GLP-1 history and any underlying health conditions before determining whether you’re medically cleared for fertility treatment and embryo transfer.

Talk With a Professional About Surrogacy and GLP-1 Use

If you’re currently taking or have recently stopped a GLP-1, a surrogacy professional can review your medication history, overall health and potential eligibility. They can also explain what steps may be needed before moving forward, while your prescribing clinician helps you determine when it’s safe to discontinue your medication.

Connect with a surrogacy professional to find out how your GLP-1 use may affect your eligibility, what waiting periods may apply and when you could begin the surrogacy process.