Surrogacy By State

Surrogacy in California

If you’re wondering how to become a surrogate in California or how intended parents can find a surrogate, this guide can help.

In general, surrogates and intended parents will go through the following steps during their California surrogacy journey:

1. Decide that surrogacy is the right choice
2. Choose a surrogacy agency to work with
3. Qualify via surrogacy screenings
4. Sign a surrogacy contract
5. Start the medical surrogacy process
6. Confirm a pregnancy and enjoy pre-birth visits
7. Finalize parental rights after the baby is born

If you know that surrogacy in California is right for you, you can contact us today to start the process. But, If you want to find out more about how to become a surrogate in California and how surrogacy works, continue reading.

What is Surrogacy in California?

California is a surrogacy-friendly state, with laws that explicitly permit gestational surrogacy.

Although gestational surrogacy in California is by far the most common (and safest) type of surrogacy, some people wonder about traditional surrogacy.

• Gestational surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy in California is when a surrogate is not related to the baby they carry. An embryo is created with the sperm and egg from the intended parents or donors via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Traditional surrogacy: Traditional surrogacy is when a surrogate donates her egg to make an embryo for intended parents. Surrogate agencies don’t facilitate this type of surrogacy because it’s legally and emotionally risky.

What do Surrogacy Agencies in California do?

Surrogacy agencies in California ensure that your surrogacy is 100% legal and your rights are always protected.

Some surrogacy agencies in California have access to a wide network of professionals to ensure that:

• Screenings happen promptly
• You match with the right intended family/surrogate
• A surrogacy attorney creates your legal contract
• You have access to the highest level of care throughout your journey
• And more

If you’d like to speak with a surrogacy agency, here are a few you could consider:

• American Surrogacy
• Costal Surrogacy
• Building Families, Inc.
• Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute
• Same Love Surrogacy

How to Become a Surrogate in California

If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate in California, then here are seven steps you can expect to take in your journey.

Step 1: Decide That Surrogacy is the Right Choice

You’ll need to consider if you are comfortable carrying a baby that’s not yours and that you’re prepared to commit at least a year of your time to the process.                

Step 2: Choose a Surrogacy Agency to Work With

Pick a surrogacy agency that can help set up your surrogacy screenings, match you with an intended family and support you throughout the entire surrogacy process. The right agencies streamline the process to protect your time and have access to the best professionals, prioritizing your safety every step of the way.

Step 3: Qualify via Surrogacy Screenings

You’ll need to pass medical, psychological, and physical screenings to ensure you can safely fulfill a surrogacy with no complications. That may sound intimidating but don’t worry. Your surrogacy agency is dedicated to your success, and these screenings are only meant to make sure you are fully prepared for the process.

Step 4: Sign a Surrogacy Contract

A surrogacy attorney will represent your interests in the surrogacy. Your agency can connect you with a trusted attorney.

Step 5: Start the Medical Surrogacy Process

Your surrogacy specialist will help guide you through the sometimes lengthy embryo creation and transplant process.

Step 6: Confirm a Pregnancy and Enjoy Pre-Birth Visits

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, be prepared for the intended parents to be involved with some of your OBGYN visits, and more. You’ll also start receiving your base pay in monthly sums.

Step 7: Finalize Parental Rights After the Baby is Born

Once the baby is born, the surrogacy agency and attorney will ensure all paperwork is finalized, and you’ll receive your final base pay installment. 

How Much do Surrogates get Paid in California?

In general, first-time surrogates get $50,000-$110,000 while second or third-time surrogates can receive $60,000-$110,000 for their time, energy and commitment to the process. Additionally, every surrogate will be compensated for their surrogacy- and pregnancy-related expenses.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is when a surrogate waives her right to surrogate payments. Surrogates sometimes choose this type of surrogacy because they want to carry a child for their friend or family member. But, surrogate specialists typically advise surrogates to accept base compensation to avoid any feelings of being taken advantage of during the pregnancy.

Next Steps Toward Surrogacy in California

Contact us today if you’re ready to start your California surrogacy journey. And while you wait to complete your screening process, you can read about what to expect during your surrogacy journey below.