You possess a rare and powerful desire: the ability to change a family's life forever by helping them bring a child into the world. While this altruistic commitment is the driving force, your generosity should never come at a financial cost to your own family. Unfortunately, due to the Louisiana Gestational Carrier Act, compensated (paid) surrogacy is banned in the state.
The good news is that we can help you achieve both purpose and pay. As a Louisiana resident, you may be able to become a surrogate by matching with intended parents in a surrogacy-friendly state.
If you have had a healthy pregnancy and meet the basic surrogate requirements, we can help you understand the options. Let's walk through the steps for how to become a surrogate outside of Louisiana and connect you with a specialist today.
How to Become a Surrogate in Louisiana: 6 Steps
If you’re wondering how to become a surrogate in Louisiana, the first thing to know is that Louisiana limits residents from surrogacy arrangements. However, if you are able to become a surrogate, this is how it works:
Step 1: Determine if Surrogacy is Right for You
Research how to become a surrogate and talk to your family about the opportunity. Carefully consider the state's legal restrictions before starting, and ask yourself if you're emotionally ready for this commitment without base compensation. Need help learning about your state’s surrogacy laws? Contact our professionals.
Step 2: See If You Qualify
To proceed, you must meet the surrogate requirements set by both the state and the agency. The state's age restrictions are stricter than most agencies, requiring you to be between 25 and 35 years old.
Not sure if you meet the qualifications?
If you live outside of Louisiana, you can pursue a compensated journey. If you live in Louisiana, we can help you understand if you meet the state’s requirements for an altruistic journey.
Talk to a surrogacy specialist today for more qualifications details.
Step 3: Find Intended Parents
For a contract to be enforceable, the intended parents must be a married heterosexual couple who are both genetically related to the child and who have a proven medical need for surrogacy. This can limit your matching pool.
Step 4: Surrogacy Contracts
The contract must be prepared by a reproductive law attorney and must not include any compensation beyond reimbursement for actual expenses. All parties must have been residents of Louisiana for at least 180 days.
Step 5: Become Pregnant
After matching and finalizing the state-approved, altruistic contract, you'll complete medical screening and begin the process to become pregnant as a surrogate in Louisiana. State law mandates a pre-transfer court approval of the agreement.
Step 6: Pregnancy and Delivery
You'll continue regular prenatal care until the baby is born. The entire altruistic journey is typically 15–24 months.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate in Louisiana?
The state of Louisiana imposes strict surrogate requirements. Our agency's requirements are broader and apply if you are matched with intended parents in another state.
Louisiana State Law Requirements (for an altruistic, enforceable contract)
- Age: Must be between 25 and 35 years old.
- No Compensation: Must receive no compensation beyond reimbursement for expenses.
- Residency: Must be a resident of Louisiana for at least 6 months.
- Previous Birth: Must have completed at least one live birth.
- Evaluation: Must pass medical and psychological evaluations.
American Surrogacy Requirements (for a compensated, out-of-state journey)
- Age 21-40 years old
- BMI between 19-32
- Have given birth to at least one child (that you're currently raising)
- Had healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies
- No more than 5 vaginal births or 3 C-sections
- In good overall physical health
- Non-smoker in a smoke-free home
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Financially stable (not relying on compensation for basic bills)
- Strong support system
If you meet our requirements, but not Louisiana's strict rules, we may still be able to help you pursue a compensated journey with families from Louisiana in a surrogacy-friendly state.
Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist for more help with qualifications.
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Journey in Louisiana
Because compensated surrogacy is illegal in Louisiana, we can only help Louisiana surrogates with out of state matches in surrogacy-friendly states like California, Maine, or Illinois.
Services for Louisiana Surrogates (When Matched Out-of-State)
We carefully screen and only work with the best intended parents, ensuring we find families whose values align with yours. Our screening ensures you know what to expect with education and honest conversations. We work with the best reproductive law attorneys to protect your rights and understand your state laws. Throughout your journey, we're here for medical guidance, emotional reassurance and communication help to ensure you have the best experience possible. You’ll know exactly what you'll be paid and when. Whether we're managing payments directly or working with a trusted escrow partner, all the financial logistics are handled professionally. Our relationship doesn't end at delivery. We support you through postpartum and help facilitate whatever relationship you want with the family.Services for Surrogates
Discover How We Support Surrogates Nationwide
Is There Anything Unique About Becoming a Surrogate in Louisiana?
Louisiana is one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. for surrogacy. This is due to the Gestational Carrier Act of 2016, which attempts to regulate the practice:
- Commercial Surrogacy is Banned: Compensated surrogacy contracts (those including base pay) are void, unenforceable, and subject to civil and criminal penalties. Surrogates can only receive reimbursement for expenses.
- No LGBTQ+ or Single Parent Surrogacy: The law explicitly defines the intended parents as a "man and a woman" who are married and use their own gametes. This bans single parents, same-sex couples, and couples needing donor eggs or sperm from entering into an enforceable contract in Louisiana.
For these reasons, most Louisiana residents choose to work with intended parents in a state that legally supports and compensates surrogates.
Common Questions from Surrogates (in a compensated, out-of-state journey)
Why do surrogate requirements exist?
These rules are not arbitrary hurdles; they represent the distillation of medical best practices and long-term experience in the field. Health-related requirements like age and past pregnancies follow guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), focusing on maximizing the safety and health of the pregnancy. The non-medical qualifications—financial stability and a support system—are essential for shielding you from unnecessary stress during the profound emotional commitment of surrogacy.
How long does it take to become a surrogate?
The entire timeline, spanning from your acceptance into our program to the delivery day, typically averages 15 to 24 months. Factors such as how quickly you are matched with intended parents and the efficiency of the legal process can influence this timeframe. The most efficient path involves working with an agency like ours that can quickly match you with fully screened intended parents in a friendly state.
How much do surrogates get paid?
When matched in a surrogacy-friendly state, you can expect pay between $55,000 - $110,000+. Your final earning potential is highly individualized, depending on your prior surrogacy experience (repeat surrogates earn higher base pay) and your geographic location. The total package is comprehensive, including full medical coverage, a stipend for personal expenses, and various contractual bonuses.
How does the surrogate matching process work?
Matching is the cornerstone of a successful journey. Our program is intentionally structured to prioritize mutual compatibility and shared values. We take great care to learn about your desired level of interaction (e.g., communication frequency, clinic visits) and your hopes for a future relationship. After presenting you with compatible profiles, the first meeting is typically a relaxed video chat. If you don't feel a strong connection, you have the power to choose another family.
Ready to Get Started?
We have streamlined the launch of your surrogacy journey in Louisiana into three quick and essential steps:
Step 1: Request Your Free Surrogacy Guide
Fill out our brief application to immediately unlock your free information. This resource explains how to become a surrogate, detailing what are the requirements to be a surrogate, your potential earnings, and the security of your legal contract.
Step 2: Connect with a Surrogacy Specialist
An experienced, empathetic specialist will reach out within one business day for a comfortable chat. They will provide the personalized support and protection needed for your journey in surrogacy in Louisiana.
Step 3: Explore If Surrogacy Is Right for You
Our team will give you a transparent look at your qualifications and options. We ensure you feel informed and confident, whether you move forward now or later.