Before starting your surrogacy journey, whether as a potential candidate or an intended parent, it is important to choose a surrogate agency that will be the best match for your goals and expectations, as well as one that will keep the process comfortable and streamlined from beginning to end. California is a fantastic destination for surrogacy, as it’s one of the most surrogate-friendly states, where under the state’s family law, compensated surrogacy is legal and upheld by the state. Prior to choosing your surrogacy agency in California, it’s important to become familiar with the purpose and mission of the agency, the specifics of surrogacy in California, and the relationship surrogacy clinics have with their partnering agencies.
Why Choose Surrogacy in California?
Many patients regard California as an elite location when considering surrogacy, because of access to incredibly successful agencies and clinics, but also due to the laws governing surrogacy – which are advanced, and protect all parties involved with iron-clad efficiency and transparency. Surrogate agencies in California specifically offer elevated safety and peace of mind, as California wholeheartedly supports surrogates and intended families, and is one of the most surrogate-friendly states. In addition, surrogate agencies in California are some of the most well-connected, as the Golden State also boasts some of the top fertility clinics in the country
What surrogacy services are offered in California?
Surrogacy in California for Surrogates
For candidates, they must undergo a series of screenings in order to qualify for a surrogacy role. Once all the requirements are met, they will be matched with the intended parents, via a surrogacy agency of their choosing. After a match, the surrogate will sign a contract with the intended parents (IPs) and then proceed with their medical care at a surrogacy clinic (otherwise known as a fertility clinic). Finally, the surrogate will then undergo either a combination of IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ET (embryo transfer) with traditional surrogacy, or just an embryo transfer with a gestational surrogacy.
Surrogacy in California for Intended Parents
For intended parents, surrogate services are usually spearheaded by the surrogate agency they’ve selected, as well as the surrogacy or fertility clinic they’ve chosen, who both work in tandem to bring the intended parents their goal of parenthood. The surrogate agency’s focus is on finding the right match between a surrogate and intended parents, screening and vetting the surrogate, completing all of the legal processes, and then supporting both the surrogate and IPs through the pregnancy journey.
Meanwhile a fertility clinic’s main goal is the thorough medical screening of the surrogate, as well as the completion of fertility treatments such as IVF and ET, resulting in a successful pregnancy. In some cases, the intended parents are already established patients of the fertility clinic, having tried to achieve pregnancy through more traditional means, but have chosen surrogacy as the best option for achieving their dream of a healthy baby.
In this case, the fertility clinic might be more involved in the surrogacy process from the jump, as nowadays many boast knowledgeable and supportive Third Party Departments, which exclusively handle egg/sperm/embryo donation and surrogacy services within their clinic. The best outcome for Intended Parents is a well-balanced and open-communication partnership between their chosen surrogacy agency and fertility clinic, and the aligned goal of bringing the joy of a successful pregnancy to fruition.
How to hire a surrogate in California as an Intended Parent?
The best route for securing a well-matched surrogacy candidate is through a well-connected surrogacy agency. Surrogate agencies are constantly looking, screening, and adding surrogate candidates to their database in hopes of landing a successful match for the IPs. Since the connection and reach of many agencies is vast, finding a surrogate in California through an agency is a great choice.
Another way of hiring a surrogate in California is to go the independent route, and try to look for a potential candidate without an agency. IPs would still need an excellent attorney to complete the legal steps of the surrogacy process. Some fertility clinics have started in-house egg donor and surrogacy programs, and may have their own databases; however, agencies still seem to be the best and popular choice when it comes to finding a surrogate. Therefore, choosing to forgo agency services is best suited for Intended Parents who are already familiar with the surrogacy process, and know the necessary professionals and resources they’ll need.
How to be matched with an Intended Parent in California as a surrogate?
Unless a surrogate candidate knows any potential Intended Parents personally, a surrogate agency is the best route when looking to be matched with IPs in California. Whether you’re looking to find Intended Parents whose surrogacy services will be based in California, or whether you’re living in California and want to be matched with IPs who work with a California-based fertility clinic, pairing with a surrogate agency that will check all of a candidate’s wishes and conditions is paramount. A surrogate agency will ensure that all parties involved are aligned across the board. After the potential surrogate has successfully completed their screening, a representative from the agency will set up an interview to gather information about their values, preferences, and location. Likewise, the intended parent will undergo a screening process themselves, and will complete a comparable questionnaire. Then, the surrogacy agency will match the potential surrogate with IPs based on the answers from both parties.
What makes surrogate agencies in California the best choice?
Surrogate agencies based in California are strongly favored in pursuing a surrogacy journey, simply due to the legality landscape that guarantees some of the best protections in the country. Simply put, California is a surrogacy-friendly state, and the laws in place protect all parties involved. For surrogates (when pairing with a California-based agency), it means having a clearly outlined role as a gestational carrier, as well as access to benefits such as social work and mental health support, legal counsel, life insurance, and more.
For Intended Parents, California surrogacy laws support the intentions of all parties instead of their genetic relationships, meaning that intended parents do not need to have any genetic ties, and still have the legal right to claim the child as their own. With the ever-changing political landscape that often affects fertility options such as IVF and surrogacy, California is a legal safe space for both surrogates and IPs.
Aside from the steadfast legal protections, choosing a surrogate agency based in California means having access to world-class clinics and hospitals. California boasts some of the top fertility clinics in the world, with phenomenal success rates, as well as highly-rated doctors and supporting staff. Being in the hands of a skilled fertility clinic equipped with an advanced surgery center and ART Lab will increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Deciding to pair with a California-based surrogacy agency opens many more doors for a safe and successful surrogacy experience for everyone involved.
What to know when traveling to California for surrogacy?
Traveling to California is favorable for both surrogate mothers and the Intended Parents as far as legal protections and access to some of the best services worldwide, but it’s also what makes surrogacy in the Golden State a more costly endeavor than elsewhere. Because surrogacy is in such high demand here, surrogates receive a significantly higher pay than in other states.
Many fertility clinics are also on the higher end as far as treatment costs, which usually correlate with their higher-than-average success rates. Despite the higher cost, California offers a safeguard that many other states don’t: pre-birth parentage orders (also known as pre-birth orders). A pre-birth order is a legal agreement before the child is born that establishes the intended parents as the legal parents of the child.
This means that unlike some other states – where Intended Parents have to wait after the birth of their child to be granted custody, or be put through an adoption process – California recognizes legal parentage before the baby is even born. However, it’s imperative that the surrogate gives birth in a state where birth-orders are allowed, otherwise the intended parents would have to complete an adoption in California after the child is born to establish legal guardianship. This is another reason why choosing to work with a surrogate agency that is well-versed in all legal matters is the best course of action for all surrogacy participants.
What’s The Highest Paying Surrogacy Agency In California?
In California, surrogacy agencies offer varying compensation rates for first-time surrogates. Among the highest paying agencies are Surrogate Parenting Services, offering $58,000, ISC Surrogacy Center with $55,000, and The Egg Donor & Surrogacy Program at $52,000. Origo Surrogacy, International Donor & Surrogate, and NewCare Fertility Consulting also provide competitive compensation at $50,000 each. Surrogacy by Faith proudly offers a generous surrogate package with benefits. Beyond just financial compensation, Surrogacy by Faith provides emotional and faith-based support during and after the surrogacy process.These agencies stand out for their generous compensation packages, reflecting the state’s prominence in the surrogacy industry.
The average base pay for first-time surrogates in California stands at $41,000, although the highest paying agencies exceed this figure significantly. This base fee typically encompasses minimum compensation for carrying a baby and is disbursed in monthly installments throughout the surrogacy journey, beginning upon confirmation of pregnancy. California’s reputation as a well-paid destination for surrogacy is reinforced by the substantial compensation offered by these top agencies, attracting both prospective surrogates and intended parents seeking reliable and well-compensated surrogacy arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions about surrogacy in California
Before embarking on your California surrogacy journey, many Intended Parents and potential surrogates want to know the basics of getting started. Read on to find out the most frequently asked questions about surrogacy in California.
Is there an age limit to be a surrogate in California?
While women of all ages have expressed interest in becoming a surrogate, there are age restrictions supported by all surrogacy agencies and clinics across the United States. This is because although pregnancy is a beautiful journey, it also comes with many risks and can be strenuous on the body. By enacting age limits, the potential complications associated with pregnancy go down, and success rates for the surrogacy pregnancy increase. For most surrogate candidates the age range to be a surrogate in California is between 21-40; however, the exact age limits can vary between surrogacy agencies, with some being closer to 36 or 37.
What screenings must a surrogate undergo in California?
For surrogacy candidates, first there is an initial screening which covers basic qualifying requirements, such as having a U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residence or other legal status, being between the age of 21 and 40, having a healthy BMI, and providing medical documentation proving they have carried at least one child to term and delivered without complications. The candidate must also have a healthy reproductive system, and must be financially independent.
After filling out an application and meeting all of the requirements, the candidate then moves on to psychological and medical screening. In the psychological screening, a mental health professional assesses the potential surrogate to determine whether they are mentally fit to carry a child for an intended parent. The evaluation will also explore mental health history, as well as interview them to gauge their feelings on pregnancy, and the surrogacy process.
Finally, the medical screening will establish a potential surrogate’s eligibility as far as overall health and family medical history. Surrogate candidates will undergo a thorough physical examination which involves a general physical, drug and STI testing for both the candidate (and a partner if applicable), as well as a gynecological examination which includes a pap smear and a uterine examination. The purpose of such an in-depth medical screening is to determine that the candidate is able to have a physically healthy pregnancy, and if they’re able to deliver a child to term without any possible complications. Once the medical screening process is completed successfully and the results are favorable, the applicant is ready to be matched with the Intended Parents.
Are there health requirements to be a surrogate in California?
A surrogacy applicant must be in overall good health in order to qualify to be a surrogate in California, which includes having healthy BMI (usually 32 or below), having a healthy reproductive system, and engaging in overall healthy, low-risk habits. This means an applicant cannot use tobacco or illegal substances, and they cannot have any recent tattoos or piercings (in the last twelve months). They also cannot have been on any antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications in the preceding year, as many of those are not safe when trying to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Additionally, the candidate must have a record of healthy, full-term pregnancies and deliveries, meaning that medical documentation must be provided which shows they have carried at least one child to term and delivered without complications.
What are any other requirements to becoming a surrogate in CA?
Besides the physical and psychological requirements to be a surrogate, many Intended Parents and surrogate agencies have additional requirements for their surrogacy applicants. Some of the vital considerations before finalizing a match between two parties focus on location, views on termination, and general expectations.
Location is an imperative factor when matching not only for convenience, but also for legal reasons—surrogacy laws can vary by state, and it is essential that both the surrogate and intended parents operate within their respective state laws. For instance, Intended Parents who either reside or are using services based in California would likely be matched with a surrogate living in a state with similarly surrogacy-friendly laws. This will avoid any legal complications, such as having to deal with states that don’t recognize or allow birth-orders, resulting in additional waiting for the Intended Parents.
Next, intended parents will be matched with a surrogate that shares their views on termination. If in the unforeseen event of a surrogate or Intended Parent being faced with the difficult choice of considering ending the pregnancy, it is absolutely essential that all parties involved hold corresponding views on termination. If you prefer avoiding termination and would like to work with an agency that aligns with your views, Surrogacy By Faith is the agency for you.
Lastly, all parties will have stated their various expectations through the screening process and questionnaire that was completed, and the surrogate agency will then align the surrogate candidate and the prospective parents based on shared wishes and intentions. This allows for a transparent, comfortable, and supported experience for all parties involved.
How to find the best surrogacy clinic in California?
Some Intended Parents who have been on an extended fertility journey might already have ties with an existing surrogacy/fertility clinic. However, for a large portion of prospective parents – especially those who want to establish care specifically at a California-based clinic and are looking to either transfer or begin anew – finding the best surrogacy clinic once their surrogacy agency has been chosen, is imperative. When choosing a surrogacy clinic, there are some key considerations to take into account. A convenient location for both the IPs and surrogate mother is always a plus, as that will make the process easier for everyone. Of course, if an ideal surrogate candidate resides out of state but is the perfect match, traveling accommodations can always be arranged – as long as the state in which the surrogate will deliver mirrors the same protection laws as those in California.
The next facet to consider are the prospective clinic’s success rates, both with IVF and Embryo Transfer. Many of these statistics can be found on the impartial SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) website. Keep in mind, however, that every clinic operates differently as far as what cases they choose to take on. Some clinics, for fear of their success rates being impacted, refuse to take on more high risk cases, whereas clinics which pride themselves on rising to the challenge and offering services to the most difficult cases, take on the risk of their success rates possibly falling below expected numbers. SART data does take the age of those carrying the pregnancy into account, so at least in that aspect, the numbers are more accurate. So while success rates are a great resource when comparing fertility clinics, they shouldn’t be the sole factor in determining compatibility and final outcome.
Surrogacy clinics also greatly vary in cost, so doing thorough research on pricing across the clinic, surgery center, and ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Lab – which often require separate payments – is imperative. Since ART Labs are the facilities where the actual fertilization and development of embryos takes place prior to implantation, they are sometimes separate entities from the clinic itself, and may be managed by a different billing office and require a payment to them directly. Every clinic is structured differently, so doing the research is imperative. Usually if the clinic has an above average success rate and uses more advanced technologies in the lab (such as Embryo Genetic Testing or an Embryoscope), the increase in cost will be reflected in the final price. Intended parents should talk to a clinic’s Financial Counselor whenever possible, and consider their budget, as well as any available financing options, if eligible.
What are some successful surrogacy clinics in CA?
When searching for the best surrogacy clinic in California, location is key. For your convenience, please see the compilation below of the top fertility clinics in CA’s major cities.
- San Diego Fertility Center – San Diego
- Pacific Fertility Center – Los Angeles + Glendale
- Southern California Reproductive Center – Los Angeles + Pasadena + Santa Barbara
- UCLA Fertility and Reproductive Health Center – Los Angeles
- Reproductive Partners Medical Group – Redondo Beach
- UCSF Center for Reproductive Health – San Francisco
- Spring Fertility – San Francisco
- California IVF Fertility Center – Sacramento
What to look for in a surrogate agency in CA?
Prior to starting the surrogacy process in California, it’s important to select an agency that respects and follows through on your expectations. Committing to the right choice can feel overwhelming, but as long as you consider the preferences, budget, location, values, and expectations for your surrogacy journey, it’s just a matter of identifying the agency that meets those perimeters. Asking questions about an agency’s specific services (whether partial or all-inclusive), its culture and communication practices, as well as operation style (whether intimate and personalized, or larger and well-connected), are imperative when exploring various agency options. It’s important to thoroughly research all potential candidates and practice due diligence in vetting the size, reputation, culture, and logistics of your local California agencies, prior to making your final selection.
Why choose Surrogacy by Faith as your surrogate agency in California ?
Because of its surrogate-friendly laws, world renowned surrogacy clinics and fertility centers, and high success rates, many intended parents choose surrogate agencies based in California to fulfill their surrogacy dreams. Surrogacy by Faith is a surrogacy agency based in Irvine, California, built on a foundation of Christian values and the belief that the surrogacy process should be communicative and supportive.
We begin each journey by building a strong and aligned relationship between our intended parents and surrogates, and guided by our faith in God, we work with our clients to craft unique, personalized routes through the surrogacy process. Whether you’re considering giving the gift of life and becoming a surrogate, or if you’re an intended parent ready to start the process, fill out either a surrogate initial inquiry or an intended parent or parents initial inquiry to establish contact. If you have questions about surrogacy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to hear from you, and begin the incredible journey of surrogacy together.