Having a criminal record does not mean every surrogacy program will make the same eligibility decision, but American Surrogacy does not accept applicants with felony convictions.
Background screening is a standard part of the process designed to ensure a surrogacy journey can move forward safely and appropriately for everyone involved.
If you do not have a felony conviction, the best way to understand your eligibility is to complete our application so we can review your specific circumstances.
What Types of Criminal Records Can Affect Surrogate Eligibility?
Different types of criminal history raise different questions during the screening process.
While American Surrogacy strictly does not accept applicants with felony convictions, other types of records do not automatically result in a disqualification.
Misdemeanors, past charges or dismissed cases require individual review. Honest disclosure gives our specialists the information they need to evaluate your situation accurately during pre-screening.
Can You Be a Surrogate with Felony?
American Surrogacy does not accept prospective surrogates who have a felony conviction. This policy applies regardless of how much time has passed since the conviction or the specific nature of the charge.
The requirement exists to minimize legal and practical risks for intended parents and to ensure the smoothest possible process when establishing parental rights.
A disqualification based on a felony is a strict agency guideline, not a judgment of your current character or your ability to parent.
Can You Be a Surrogate with a Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor on your record does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. Medical professionals and legal experts review misdemeanors on a case-by-case basis.
They look at the type of offense, how long ago it occurred and your overall background. You should always disclose a misdemeanor history during pre-screening so American Surrogacy can determine whether you meet our specific agency requirements.
Can You Be a Surrogate with Arrests or Charges Without a Conviction?
An arrest or a dismissed charge is legally different from a conviction. However, these events will still appear on a comprehensive background check. You should accurately disclose any past arrests or charges exactly as requested during the screening process.
Attempting to hide a dismissed charge can cause more complications than the charge itself, so open communication is the best approach.
Can You Be a Surrogate if Your Spouse or Partner Has a Felony?
Your personal criminal history is evaluated separately from your household members, but a spouse or partner's felony conviction can still affect your eligibility.
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics must consider the safety and stability of the environment where the surrogate pregnancy will take place. If your partner has a felony, American Surrogacy will review the circumstances individually.
You should not assume their record automatically produces the same answer as your own conviction, but you must disclose it early in the process.
What Does a Surrogate Background Check Look For and Why Does It Matter?
A surrogate background check reviews criminal and legal history to evaluate whether any concerns could affect your safety, eligibility or ability to complete the process.
This screening helps intended parents feel secure and ensures there are no legal hurdles that could complicate the gestational carrier agreement.
Agencies and legal professionals consider the type and seriousness of an offense, when it occurred and other relevant context.
They do not treat every criminal record as identical. This thorough review protects everyone involved from unpredictable legal challenges during a highly structured, year-long commitment.
American Surrogacy's Requirements and Pre-Screening Process
Criminal history is just one part of the initial screening phase. You must also meet specific medical, physical and lifestyle criteria to protect your health before you can carry a surrogate pregnancy.
American Surrogacy evaluates these qualifications through a relevant medical-record review, a psychological evaluation, background checks and an insurance review.
We conduct this pre-screening before you match with intended parents. Identifying potential medical or legal issues early prevents you from investing unnecessary time and energy into a process you cannot complete.
What Does Fertility Clinic Screening for a Surrogate Include?
After you pass agency pre-screening and match with intended parents, their fertility clinic conducts its own independent medical evaluation. The clinic’s reproductive endocrinologist will review your medical and pregnancy history to ensure you are physically ready for an embryo transfer.
This stage typically includes a physical evaluation, infectious-disease testing, detailed laboratory testing, preconception screening and a uterine-cavity evaluation. Fertility clinics maintain their own strict criteria, meaning agency approval does not guarantee final medical clearance.
If You Qualify, How Much Can You Earn as a Surrogate?
If you meet all legal and medical requirements, surrogacy offers a significant financial opportunity for you and your family. American Surrogacy currently offers $70,000 - $110,000+ in total compensation for qualified surrogates.
Base compensation generally ranges from $55,000 - $65,000+ for first-time surrogates and $70,000 - $90,000+ for experienced surrogates.
This compensation recognizes the immense time, physical demands and responsibilities you take on throughout the journey. Your total package also includes milestone bonuses, allowances and full coverage for all pregnancy-related expenses.
If You Don't Qualify, You Can Still Earn $5,000+ by Referring a Surrogate
If a felony conviction or another screening factor prevents you from carrying a pregnancy, you can still make a life-changing impact for a family.
American Surrogacy offers a referral program for women who want to help but cannot become surrogates themselves.
By connecting us with a friend or family member who successfully qualifies and completes the required program milestones, you directly support intended parents. In return for your help, you can earn a $5,000+ bonus for a successful referral.
Find Out Whether You Qualify to Become a Surrogate
You do not have to interpret your criminal or medical history alone. Completing American Surrogacy's application allows our specialists to review your specific circumstances and provide a clear, individualized answer.
Take the first step today to understand your qualifications, learn what your compensation could look like and discover how we support you through every stage of the process.