Can You Be a Surrogate Mother If You Have Herpes?

If you’re asking yourself, “Can you be a surrogate mother with herpes?” you are not alone. Herpes is one of the most common medical conditions in the world, and many women who live with it are otherwise healthy, capable, and deeply motivated to help intended parents build their families. At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we never judge a woman based on her medical circumstances. Instead, we focus on what matters most: safety, transparency, and compassionate support.

Being open and honest about health history is an important part of surrogacy. A diagnosis of herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. With careful screening and medical guidance, many women with herpes can still qualify to take part in this extraordinary journey.

Why STDs Are a Common Concern in Surrogacy

In surrogacy, the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby must come first. That’s why agencies and fertility clinics carefully review any medical condition that could affect pregnancy — including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes.

When considering whether you can be a surrogate with herpes, the concern isn’t about judgment or stigma. It’s all about ensuring that the surrogate’s body can safely support a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Most STDs are evaluated for how they could impact fertility treatment, embryo transfer, or the delivery itself. In many cases, a condition like herpes can be managed effectively with medication and medical guidance. When it is well managed, a woman can become a surrogate with herpes and deliver a healthy child.

At Northwest Surrogacy Center, compassion, transparency, and science-based decisions are the foundation of the trust our surrogates and intended parents share. By fully understanding potential risks upfront, everyone involved — surrogates, intended parents, and medical teams — can move forward with confidence and care.

Herpes and Surrogacy: What Matters to Agencies

When agencies like NWSC review a surrogate application, the goal is always the same: to make sure a woman can safely carry a healthy pregnancy. So, can you be a surrogate with herpes? In many cases, the answer is yes. Having herpes (whether HSV-1 or HSV-2) does not mean a woman cannot support a trouble-free pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby, as long as the condition is well managed and monitored by a doctor. 

Agencies and fertility clinics typically focus on:

• Overall health stability — whether the surrogate is physically healthy and able to sustain pregnancy.
• Medical management of herpes — including antiviral medications and regular monitoring during pregnancy.
• Delivery planning — since a C-section may be required if there’s an active outbreak near delivery to protect the baby from exposure.

In other words, becoming a surrogate with herpes is less about the diagnosis itself and more about how well the condition is controlled. With proper medical care and planning, many women with herpes are able to serve as surrogates and help families grow.

Does Herpes Automatically Disqualify You?

No, herpes does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. What matters most is whether the condition is well managed and poses no added risk to the baby.

There is tremendous stigma attached to herpes in our society, based more on fear and misinformation than science. The truth is that both HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) can be safely managed during pregnancy with proper medical care. Studies have also shown these viruses are unlikely to be transferred to a baby in utero (5%). Many women with herpes carry healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies — sometimes with extra precautions such as antiviral medication or a planned C-section at delivery if there are active lesions.

At NWSC, we want women asking, “Can you be a surrogate with HSV?” to know that the answer is often yes. You can still qualify, provided your condition is carefully monitored and managed by qualified medical professionals. We consider each case individually.

What Agencies Look for During Screening

Every surrogate candidate goes through a thorough medical and lifestyle screening before being approved. For women with herpes, this screening includes a focus on:

• Health history — reviewing past pregnancies, outbreak frequency, and overall health.
• Medical management — confirming that the condition is under control with medication if needed.
• OB/GYN input — ensuring that the surrogate’s provider agrees she can safely carry a pregnancy.
• Delivery planning — considering precautions like antiviral treatment or a C-section at delivery if active lesions are present.

These safeguards are not about judgment — they are about ensuring the safest possible journey for the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents. At NWSC, we support our surrogates through every step with transparency, compassion, and utmost respect for the amazing individuals they are.

What to Take Away If You’re Considering Surrogacy With Herpes

Having herpes does not disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. What matters most is whether the condition is managed safely under medical guidance so you can support a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies look at the whole picture of your health, pregnancy history, and support system to ensure the best outcome for you, the baby, and the intended parents.

At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we know that every woman’s story is unique. We never reduce you to a diagnosis or a checklist — instead, we listen with compassion and walk beside you through every step of the process. If you’ve wondered if you can be a surrogate with herpes, the answer is that it’s absolutely possible when managed carefully, and we are here to help you explore your options.

If you have had a great experience being pregnant and feel called to help another family grow, we would love to talk with you. Our team will make sure you’re fully supported, respected, and protected every step of the way.