Imagine the moment you introduce a hopeful family to their newborn baby.
You can make that miracle happen when you become a surrogate in Arkansas.
With the right support, becoming a surrogate in Arkansas is a safe, clear, and rewarding path. You just need the right information and professional guidance to ensure your journey is protected and successful.
Let’s walk through how to become a surrogate and review the requirements to be a surrogate.
How to Become a Surrogate in Arkansas: 6 Simple Steps
The journey to giving the gift of parenthood will be a little bit different for each surrogate, but here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Request Information and Review Qualifications
The first step is to check if surrogacy is right for you. You'll start by filling out a short form or calling a specialist to discuss the process and review the basic surrogacy qualifications.
Step 2: Complete the Screening Process
Next, you will undergo a thorough screening process designed to collect comprehensive information about your physical health, mental well-being, and background history. This ensures you are ready for the emotional and physical commitments ahead.
Step 3: Find a Surrogacy Match
The matching process is one of the most exciting steps! We’ll help you find intended parents (IPs) whose values align with yours. You review profiles and choose a family based on personal preferences for communication and relationship after birth.
Step 4: Finalize the Legal Contract
You and the intended parents will work with separate Arkansas surrogacy attorneys to draft and sign a legal agreement. This contract outlines roles, responsibilities, financial compensation, and protection for all parties.
Step 5: Begin the Medical Process
You will start the medical process with the intended parents' fertility clinic. This includes taking fertility medications and injections, followed by the embryo transfer. You'll rest after the transfer and soon after, your pregnancy is confirmed.
Step 6: The Pregnancy and Birth
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you begin receiving your regular base payments. You will continue regular prenatal care until the baby is born. You'll leave the hospital with a profound connection to the family you helped create.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate in Arkansas?
These surrogate requirements are based on strict medical guidelines from organizations like ASRM to protect the health of everyone involved. If you've had a healthy pregnancy and delivery, you likely meet our basic criteria.
Here are the basic surrogacy qualifications:
- Age 21-40 years old
- BMI between 19-32
- No more than 5 vaginal births or 3 C-sections.
- In good overall physical and mental health.
- Non-smoker in a smoke-free home.
- U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Financially stable (not relying on surrogate pay for basic bills).
- Strong support system.
- No history of substance abuse or criminal history.
Do surrogates have to have had a baby before?
Yes, you must have given birth to at least one child (that you are currently raising).
Are There Exceptions?
In some cases, yes, there can be exceptions to basic requirements. We are here to help you figure out if surrogacy is right for you, even if you are unsure about one or two requirements.
Unsure if you qualify? Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist Today
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Journey in Arkansas
Choosing an agency is a huge step, and you want to work with someone who provides protection and guidance. With American Surrogacy, you get the personalized, human support of a smaller team combined with the robust resources and experience of a national agency.
Our services ensure you feel supported, heard, and protected:
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 our surrogates.
Is There Anything Unique About Becoming a Surrogate in Arkansas?
Arkansas is an excellent state to become a surrogate due to its clear, protective, and highly favorable laws regarding surrogacy.
- Favorable Surrogacy Statute: Arkansas has a clear law (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-10-201) that simplifies the process for married heterosexual couples. While this statute is narrow, the courts have a long history of being highly favorable to all gestational surrogacy arrangements, including for single individuals and same-sex couples.
- Pre-Birth Orders (PBOs): Courts in Arkansas typically grant PBOs, which establish the intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is born. This is one of the biggest benefits of becoming a surrogate in Arkansas, as it provides clear legal protection and peace of mind for everyone involved.
- Competitive Compensation: Surrogate compensation in Arkansas falls within the national average, ranging from $55,000 - $110,000+ in total compensation. Women with previous surrogacy experience tend to earn more than first time surrogates.
Common Questions from Surrogates in Arkansas
How long does it take to become a surrogate in Arkansas?
The whole process of surrogacy typically takes 15–24 months, which may sound like a lot, but when you break it down, it’s all necessary. We want you to be thoughtful and measured as you begin surrogacy, and we have screening before you begin to make sure surrogacy is healthy.
Once you are medically cleared and approved, the matching process to find intended parents often takes about 1–4 months, then comes pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
How much do surrogates get paid in Arkansas?
Your total surrogate pay in Arkansas typically ranges from $55,000 - $110,000+. This includes your monthly base surrogate compensation (which starts upon confirmed pregnancy) and additional benefits like travel reimbursement and a monthly allowance.
What’s the first step in becoming a surrogate?
The very first step is to complete a free application or consultation with an agency. This helps you figure out if you meet the basic surrogacy qualifications and if the journey is right for you. This connects you to experts who can immediately begin reviewing your surrogate requirements.
How does the surrogate matching process work?
The matching process is centered on your needs and preferences. We help you find families that align with your preferences for communication frequency, appointment involvement, and the type of relationship you want after birth. We only present you with carefully screened intended parents to ensure a strong, positive partnership.
Ready to Get Started?
You can change a family's life forever. Arkansas is one of the best places to do it.
- Request Your Free Arkansas Surrogacy Guide: Fill out our quick and free form to get comprehensive information about surrogate requirements, surrogate compensation, and the full process.
- Connect with a Surrogacy Specialist: One of our experienced specialists will reach out for a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to answer all your questions and review your surrogacy qualifications.
- Explore If Surrogacy Is Right for You: You'll walk away with complete clarity and honesty about your options, whether surrogacy is a perfect fit or the timing isn't quite right.