For many people exploring surrogacy as a path to parenthood, one of the very first questions is, “Do I qualify to become an intended parent?”, more specifically, “Is there an age limit for intended parents?” This guide answers your questions about age limits, emotional challenges, or legal considerations. By understanding these factors upfront, you can move forward with confidence and a realistic sense of what to expect. 

Our comprehensive What Is Surrogacy? overview provides helpful groundwork as you explore your options.

Surrogacy is never a one-size-fits-all experience. Every intended parent brings unique circumstances, hopes, and challenges to the process. At Growing Generations, we honor these differences by creating an inclusive, personalized approach that respects your identity, history, and vision for your family.

Is There an Age Limit for Intended Parents?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether there is a strict age limit for intended parents pursuing surrogacy. The short answer is no, not in the way most people assume. Most surrogacy agencies, including Growing Generations, do not impose hard upper age limits. Instead, the focus is on ensuring you, as intended parents, are healthy, emotionally prepared, and capable of long-term caregiving. The goal is to help you build your family safely, no matter the stage of life you’re in.

Fertility clinics may have medical guidelines based on your health profile. If you are an intended mother and want to use your own eggs, you may want to speak with your doctor about your options, especially if you are over the age of 35. Research from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) indicates that egg quality and ovarian reserve decline naturally with age. This may influence whether donor eggs become part of the journey. However, this does not limit your ability to pursue surrogacy to become a parent.

Many intended parents begin their journey in their 40s and 50s, and some start even later. At Growing Generations, we have proudly supported intended parents across a wide age range. Age is not a barrier with us. Instead, we design a bespoke, fully personalized experience tailored to your health, readiness, and vision for your family.

Common Misconceptions About Intended Parent Requirements

Because surrogacy can seem complex from the outside, many intended parents approach the process with assumptions that simply aren’t true. Here are a few of the most common myths and the realities behind them.

Misconception #1: Only people with medical infertility qualify for surrogacy.

It is a common assumption that surrogacy is exclusively for those with a medical condition that prevents pregnancy. In reality, the reasons intended parents choose surrogacy are far more diverse. Some pursue this path because pregnancy would pose health concerns, while others turn to surrogacy for personal, emotional, or family-planning reasons.

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, surrogacy is an essential part of building their families. At Growing Generations, we recognize that every journey is unique, and we welcome intended parents regardless of their circumstances. Your reasons are your own, and they are fully valid.

Misconception #2: LGBTQIA+ individuals only need surrogacy for certain family paths.

It’s often assumed that lesbian couples don’t need a surrogate, or that gay men are the only LGBTQIA+ group that uses surrogacy as part of their journey to parenthood. In reality, LGBTQIA+ families may need surrogacy for medical or personal reasons. At Growing Generations, we have supported and continue to support LGBTQIA+ parents for more than three decades.

Misconception #3: Single parents cannot pursue surrogacy.

This is simply untrue. Surrogacy is a viable and meaningful path for individuals building their families on their own. Growing Generations has a long history of supporting single intended parents, including being one of the first agencies to guide single men through the surrogacy process, and we continue to welcome single women and men with the same level of care and respect. A partner is not a requirement for parenthood, and many single intended parents successfully welcome babies every year.

Misconception #4: You must be married.

Your marital or relationship status has no bearing on your eligibility to pursue surrogacy with Growing Generations. Parenthood is defined by intention, commitment, and the desire to create a loving home, not by legal partnership status. Whether you are married, partnered, or single, you can begin your surrogacy journey with the same level of support and respect.

Misconception #5: You must have a genetic connection to the child.

A genetic link is not a requirement for parenthood. Many intended parents grow their families through the use of donor eggs and or donor sperm. These paths are just as meaningful and legitimate as any other. What defines you as a parent is not DNA. It’s the love, intention, and commitment you bring to your child’s life from the very beginning.

Who Typically Becomes an Intended Parent?

Intended parents come from all backgrounds, all family structures, and all personal journeys. Some arrive at surrogacy after years of infertility, pregnancy loss, or medical diagnoses, and some for personal reasons. 

Others choose surrogacy because biological parenting isn’t possible through other means. And many LGBTQIA+ and single parents intentionally choose surrogacy as the most meaningful way to grow their families.

Remember: all journeys are valid, no matter your reason for choosing surrogacy as your path to parenthood. At Growing Generations, we support intended parents pursuing surrogacy for both medical and personal reasons with the same level of care and personalized attention.

How Agencies Evaluate Intended Parents (And Why This Helps You)

The screening process for intended parents is not about “passing a test”. It’s about ensuring your journey is safe, well-supported, and aligned with your long-term goals. Agencies typically review your medical history, emotional readiness, lifestyle stability, and support network to help you prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

At Growing Generations, this process is handled with the highest level of care and support. Our goal is to set you up for success by ensuring you have the resources and guidance you need. The result is a more seamless experience and a higher level of confidence as you move through your journey to parenthood.

FAQs About Intended Parent Requirements

As intended parents, you may have important questions about eligibility, age, and relationship status. Here are some answers that provide clarity on who can pursue surrogacy and how we, at Growing Generations, support a wide range of family-building paths.

Can intended parents over 50 pursue surrogacy?

Yes. Many Growing Generations intended parents begin their surrogacy journeys well into their 50s. We do not impose an upper age limit. Instead, we focus on your overall health, emotional readiness, and long-term caregiving capacity. As long as you meet these requirements, age is not a barrier to your path to parenthood.

Do intended parents need to be married?

No. Your marital or relationship status has no impact on your eligibility. Whether you are married, partnered, single, or in a nontraditional relationship structure, you are welcome to pursue surrogacy with us.

Can single intended parents qualify?

Absolutely. Growing Generations was one of the first surrogacy agencies worldwide to support single men on their journey to parenthood, and we proudly continue to work with single parents of all genders. What matters most is your readiness and ability to provide a loving, stable environment, not whether you have a partner or not.

Do intended parents need to use their own eggs or sperm?

No. You do not need a genetic connection to pursue surrogacy. Many intended parents use donor eggs and/or donor sperm, based on their medical history, family-building goals, or personal preferences. We help you determine the safest and healthiest path forward, guiding you through donor selection when needed and supporting every version of your family story.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Confidence

The surrogacy process is more inclusive and accessible than many intended parents initially imagine. No matter what path led you here, there is room for your story, your hopes, and the future you envision for your family.

We invite you to explore here to learn more. When you're ready, our team will guide you with clarity, compassion, and the exceptional expertise that has supported families around the world for more than three decades.