Explore becoming a surrogate
Requirements for becoming a surrogate in Mexico: what is usually expected
A first conversation about becoming a surrogate in Mexico usually covers three things: living in the country, having had at least one previous pregnancy without serious complications, and having time for appointments and assessments. Each program then applies its own age, health and personal circumstances criteria. Tlacati does not assess you or ask for documents; we explain what to expect.
Content last reviewed: · General information, not professional advice.
Three topics for a first conversation
Living in MexicoLive in Mexico and be able to attend appointments. Residence and nationality requirements depend on the legal route and program; asking for information does not confirm eligibility.
Having had a previous pregnancyAt least one full-term pregnancy without serious complications, and being able to talk about how it went.
Having time availableTime for interviews, tests, medical appointments and, later, pregnancy follow-up care.
This is enough to start a conversation. You do not need to meet a long list of requirements before asking questions.
Requirements worth reviewing
Requirements depend on applicable law, clinical assessment and the program. Ask for a written explanation of those that apply to your situation. These are some points worth reviewing:
- Age: there is no single age range for all of Mexico. Sinaloa (Article 283) and Tabasco (Article 380 Bis 3) provide a range of 25 to 35 for the carrier. Ask the program for its current criteria and the legal basis applicable to your case; asking does not confirm your eligibility.
- Your own children: Sinaloa law requires at least one healthy biological child. The clinic also reviews pregnancy and birth history; that history does not guarantee that another pregnancy will be safe.
- Time since the last pregnancy: Sinaloa and Tabasco require no pregnancy during the 365 days before implantation. This is not simply a matter of counting one year from the last birth.
- General health: no uncontrolled chronic conditions, no tobacco, excessive alcohol or substance use, and a body mass index within the clinic's specified range.
- Psychological assessment: an interview to confirm that the decision is free, informed and supported.
- Living environment: assessments and who conducts them depend on state law and the programme. See the differences between Tabasco and Sinaloa. Tlacati does not conduct these assessments.
- Number of previous surrogacy journeys: Sinaloa and Tabasco require evidence that the carrier has not previously participated in this procedure more than twice consecutively. This concerns prior participation; it is not a nationwide lifetime limit.
Living environment: state procedures, not Tlacati assessments
Assessment of the living environment does not depend solely on the programme. In Tabasco, Article 380 Bis 3 assigns the state Health Department an assessment of the clinical, psychological and social profile before contracting. In Sinaloa, Article 285 provides for a home visit by the treating hospital's social-work staff to assess the family environment and economic and social conditions. These are not identical procedures. Ask who conducts the assessment, on what basis and how your information is protected. Tlacati does not conduct these assessments.
Sources and provisions
- Tabasco Civil Code — Article 380 Bis 3, first paragraph: clinical, psychological and social assessment.
- Sinaloa Family Code — Article 285, first paragraph: a home visit by the treating hospital’s social-work staff.
You can ask about your situation without commitment. The answer should take applicable law and the medical team’s assessment into account; speaking with Tlacati does not guarantee acceptance.
What Tlacati does not ask for
- We do not ask for identification, test results, photographs of documents or detailed medical information.
- We do not assess or "approve" you. The program does that through its own professionals.
- We do not share your information with anyone without your express permission.
Questions to consider beforehand
- Can I make time for appointments and tests over several months?
- What support network can I rely on?
- Do I understand that more than one attempt may be needed and that no stage guarantees the next?
- Am I willing to read a full contract and seek advice before signing?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, a first conversation makes sense. If you are unsure about some, it still does: that is what asking questions is for.
Sources
- Sinaloa Family Code — Articles 282–290; state requirements and arrangements
- Tabasco Civil Code — Article 380 Bis and following; read alongside applicable judgments
- Supreme Court: nonbinding thesis 2024843 — carrier age in Tabasco; amparo en revisión 516/2018
