--- title: What Is Surrogacy? | Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists description: Learn more about the different types of surrogacy, where surrogacy is legal, and who qualifies as a surrogate. --- [![Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists LLC ](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/gray_icon_logo_rainbowburst.png?width=5753&height=3016&name=gray_icon_logo_rainbowburst.png "Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists LLC ")](http://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org) [![Get in Touch](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/246663/0bff5577-1266-4323-bff8-3b920ef8d94b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/246663/0bff5577-1266-4323-bff8-3b920ef8d94b) - - - - ![13.jpg](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DynamicDreamz/13.jpg?width=1904&name=13.jpg "13.jpg") # Resources ## What Is Surrogacy? There are two types of surrogacy: “gestational” and “traditional.”** Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists works exclusively with gestational surrogates.** In gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization is used to transfer another woman’s fertilized egg, or embryo, into the surrogate’s uterus. In gestational surrogacy, unlike in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is not the genetic mother. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized by artificial insemination. ### Is Surrogacy Legal? Surrogacy is legal in many states in the United States and in many countries. There are, however, some states and some countries where surrogacy is illegal. There are also places where surrogacy isn’t necessarily illegal, but the contracts are not recognized in court, which can lead to serious problems should something go wrong. Due to the complex nature of surrogacy, it’s important you speak to a lawyer before agreeing to any surrogacy arrangement. ### **Who Can Become a Surrogate?** ### Our initial requirements to become a gestational surrogate are the following: - Must between 21-40 years of age - Must be a United States citizen or hold a permanent Green Card - Must live in a surrogate-friendly state - Must not reside in any one of the following states: LA, MI, NE - Has delivered at least one child - Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 33 or less - Has had no more than three (3) Cesarean Sections - Is a non-smoker - Is a non-drug user - Is not currently on any anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication To find out if you qualify, [click here](https://app.worldwidesurrogacy.org) or call: (203) 255-9877 - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-is-surrogacy&text=What%20Is%20Surrogacy) - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-is-surrogacy) - [Google+](http://plus.google.com/share?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-is-surrogacy&title=What%20Is%20Surrogacy) - [Tumblr](http://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-is-surrogacy&name=What%20Is%20Surrogacy) - [Email](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20Surrogacy&body=https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-is-surrogacy) ## Related Topics [![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/s1.png) ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/how-are-surrogates-compensated) #### [ How Are Surrogates Compensated ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/how-are-surrogates-compensated) [ Learn More](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/how-are-surrogates-compensated) [![What to Expect During the Contract Phase](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/images/website/resources/contract-phase-thumb.png) ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-to-expect-during-the-contract-phase) #### [ What to Expect During the Contract Phase ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-to-expect-during-the-contract-phase) [ Learn More](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/what-to-expect-during-the-contract-phase) [![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/s3.png) ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/is-surrogacy-right-for-me) #### [ Is Surrogacy Right for Me? ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/is-surrogacy-right-for-me) [ Learn More](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/is-surrogacy-right-for-me) [![The Surrogacy Dictionary](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/s2.png) ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/surrogacy-dictionary) #### [ The Surrogacy Dictionary ](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/surrogacy-dictionary) [ Learn More](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/surrogacy-dictionary) ![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/DynamicDreamz/footer-logo.png "footer-logo.png") At Worldwide, we operate under the firm belief that every successful surrogacy starts with the right match. Under the leadership of Victoria Ferrara, the founder and managing partner of [Ferrara Law Group, PC](https://www.victoriaferrara.com/), Worldwide is dedicated to helping intended parents of every race, gender, and sexual orientation build their families through surrogacy. #### Our Offices Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists 2150 Post Road 4th Floor Fairfield, CT 06824 100 Park Avenue 16th Floor New York, NY 10017 #### Call Us [203-255-9877 ](tel:203-255-9877) #### Email us [info@worldwidesurrogacy.org](mailto:info@worldwidesurrogacy.org) #### Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM - [![](https://learn.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/open-door.png)](https://www.familyequality.org/family-building/providers/?utm_source=opendoorprovider&utm_medium=badge) - ![2020-topblogs](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/2020-topblogs.png) - [![200907-GWK-D Proud Partner Badge_round_NV_Gradient](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/200907-GWK-D%20Proud%20Partner%20Badge_round_NV_Gradient.png)](https://www.gayswithkids.com/en/becoming/worldwide-surrogacy-specialists?utm_source=fm&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=proud-partner) - [![](https://www.worldwidesurrogacy.org/hubfs/AAAA_logofinal2018.png)](https://adoptionart.org/)   © Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, LLC. 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