What Is Medical Clearance in Surrogacy?

Last updated: · · Based on data from 196+ surrogacy agency compensation packages

Medical clearance is the formal approval from a fertility clinic that a surrogate is physically ready to proceed with an embryo transfer. It's issued after a thorough evaluation of the surrogate's reproductive health, overall health, and uterine condition.

Why Medical Clearance Matters for Surrogates

Medical clearance is a required step before any agency can match you and before any contract is signed. Think of it as the fertility clinic's stamp of approval on your candidacy. Most clearances take 1–3 months from initial appointment to final approval.

How Medical Clearance Works in Surrogacy

The medical clearance process typically includes:

The intended parents' fertility clinic performs the clearance, not your personal OB.

Real-World Example

A surrogate who has had three uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and no uterine surgeries will typically clear quickly. A surrogate with a prior c-section might need additional evaluation of the uterine scar before clearance is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical clearance for surrogacy?
Medical clearance is the comprehensive health screening a potential surrogate must pass before being approved to carry a pregnancy. It includes physical exams, blood work, uterine evaluation, infectious disease testing, and review of pregnancy history — conducted by the intended parents' fertility clinic.
What does surrogacy medical clearance involve?
Medical clearance typically includes: comprehensive physical exam, blood panel (hormone levels, infectious diseases), uterine evaluation (saline sonogram or hysteroscopy), review of prior pregnancy records, drug screening, and sometimes a mock embryo transfer cycle.
How long does surrogacy medical clearance take?
Medical clearance usually takes 2–4 weeks from first appointment to final approval. Travel may be required if the fertility clinic is in a different city. Intended parents cover all travel and medical costs for clearance.
Can you fail surrogacy medical clearance?
Yes. Common reasons for not passing include uterine abnormalities, certain health conditions, BMI outside acceptable range, or complications revealed in blood work. This doesn't mean you can never be a surrogate — sometimes issues are treatable and you can reapply.

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Source: SurroScore's proprietary database of surrogate-reported compensation data and agency compensation packages, collected from direct agency outreach, public filings, and verified surrogate reviews. Data current as of March 2026.