Los Angeles continues to shine as one of the nation’s leading surrogacy destinations — and for good reason. With progressive surrogacy laws, world-class fertility clinics, and a compassionate network of agencies and legal professionals, the city provides a nurturing environment for intended parents and surrogates alike.
California alone accounts for over one-third of all U.S. surrogacy births annually, making it one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. Within this supportive landscape, Surrogacy By Faith, located just 30 minutes south of Los Angeles in Irvine, CA, plays a guiding role in connecting families built on hope, trust, and values.
Whether you’re an intended parent dreaming of holding your baby for the first time, or a woman considering the beautiful gift of surrogacy, this guide will walk you through every step of the process in Los Angeles.
Understanding Surrogacy in California
Surrogacy in California is well-established, legally secure, and inclusive. The state recognizes two primary forms of surrogacy:
- Gestational Surrogacy – The surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm. She has no genetic link to the baby.
- Traditional Surrogacy – The surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother. This path is far less common due to its legal and emotional complexities.
California’s 2025 Surrogacy Laws at a Glance
- Independent Legal Representation – Both the intended parents and surrogate must have separate attorneys to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Pre-Birth Parentage Orders – These ensure that the intended parents’ names appear directly on the baby’s birth certificate.
- Protection for All Families – California law supports surrogacy for single parents and married or unmarried couples.
For more details, consult California Department of Public Health’s Pregnancy and Reproductive Health for guidance, or read about California’s surrogacy laws here.
How the Surrogacy Process Works in Los Angeles
Every surrogacy journey is unique, but most follow a similar roadmap. Here’s how the process typically unfolds — from first consultation to bringing your baby home.
Step-by-Step Process
- Initial Consultation & Screening (1–3 months)
Intended parents and potential surrogates undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screenings to ensure readiness
- Matching with a Surrogate (1–2 months)
Your agency facilitates introductions, focusing on compatibility, communication style, and shared values.
- Fertility Clinic Preparation (2–4 months)
The fertility clinic retrieves eggs and sperm (or uses pre-frozen embryos) and performs the embryo transfer.
- Legal Contracts & Pre-Birth Orders (2–3 months)
Surrogacy attorneys draft detailed contracts outlining compensation, rights, and responsibilities.
- Pregnancy & Ongoing Support (9 months)
Your agency provides regular check-ins, counseling resources, and logistical support.
- Delivery & Post-Birth Steps
After delivery, the intended parents’ names are placed on the birth certificate, and the surrogate receives postpartum support.
Average timeline: 12–18 months
Most appointments: Within Los Angeles or nearby Orange County
How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency in Los Angeles
When choosing a surrogacy agency, look for transparency, compassion, and expertise. Use this quick checklist as a guide:
- Transparent compensation structure
- Emotional and logistical support for both parties
- Strong legal partnerships
- Matching process grounded in values and mutual respect
Spotlight: Surrogacy By Faith
Based in Irvine, Surrogacy By Faith serves intended parents and surrogates throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire.
Unlike agencies that focus solely on logistics, Surrogacy By Faith prioritizes emotional connection and shared purpose — ensuring every match is built on trust, respect, and care.
Why Intended Parents Choose Surrogacy By Faith
At Surrogacy by Faith, surrogate mothers receive a Total Living Expense Reimbursement of approximately $61,000, which includes a base pay plus additional allowances.
Additional Benefits Include:
- Non-Accountable Monthly Expense Allowance: $250 per month for local travel, vitamins, phone costs, and more.
- Maternity Clothing Allowance: $800 for singletons, $1,000 for twins.
- 3rd Trimester Housekeeping: $300/month starting at 28 weeks.
- Healthy Living Package: Up to $250/month for prenatal massages, chiropractic care, or wellness services.
- Embryo Transfer Fee: $1,500 per completed transfer.
- Drop Cycle Fee: $500–$1,000 if the cycle is canceled through no fault of the surrogate.
- C-section Fee: $2,000–$4,000 depending on medical circumstances.
- Multiple Births: $10,000 per additional child carried.
- Bed Rest or Restricted Activity Compensation: $250–$500/week, plus coverage for lost wages or childcare if ordered by your physician.
- Mock Transfer Fee: $500 for practice embryo transfer.
- Life Insurance: $250,000 term policy provided for the surrogate.
- Post-Delivery Recovery Allowance: $250/week for 4–6 weeks after birth (depending on delivery type).
Surrogates consistently praise Surrogacy By Faith’s personalized care and faster timelines. Large agencies often take 1–2 months to complete the legal process; at Surrogacy by Faith, it’s usually just two weeks.
Top Fertility Clinics in the Los Angeles Area
Choosing the right fertility clinic can make a world of difference. Los Angeles is home to some of the best in the country. Here are a few top options:
- Harvest Fertility (Harvest IVF) – Arcadia, CA
Known for individualized embryo transfer protocols and excellent patient outcomes. - Tree of Life Center (TLC) Fertility – Burbank & Miracle Mile
Offers advanced reproductive technology and multilingual support. - USC Fertility – Near downtown Los Angeles
A leader in academic research and surrogacy coordination. - LA IVF Clinic – West LA, Pasadena, Inland Empire, and San Diego
Specializes in complex fertility cases and frozen embryo transfers. - Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles – Westwood
Renowned for compassionate care and cutting-edge IVF techniques.
Working with Surrogacy By Faith ensures seamless communication between clinic, agency, and attorneys — streamlining your entire journey.
Finding Surrogacy Lawyers in Los Angeles
Every surrogacy in California requires separate legal counsel for both surrogate and intended parents. This ensures all parties’ rights are protected under California’s family law system.
Trusted Los Angeles Surrogacy Law Firms
- International Fertility Law Group – Miracle Mile; focused exclusively on surrogacy contracts and pre-birth orders.
- Tsong Law Group, A.P.C. – Cerritos; experienced in domestic and international surrogacy law.
- Vorzimer & Masserman, LLP – Beverly Hills; leaders in reproductive law and family formation.
- Law Offices of Susan Katzman – Calabasas; personalized representation for surrogates and parents.
Cost of Surrogacy in Los Angeles
Surrogacy is an extraordinary investment — both emotionally and financially. The total cost can vary depending on your agency, medical circumstances, and the surrogate’s experience level. On average, most journeys in the Los Angeles area range between $110,000 and $150,000.
Here’s how those expenses typically break down:
- Surrogate Compensation ($60,000–$75,000):
This includes the surrogate’s base pay, plus additional allowances for maternity clothing, travel, and time off work. Experienced surrogates or those carrying multiples may receive higher compensation. - Agency Fees ($25,000–$40,000):
These fees cover the agency’s services — screening, matching, coordination, and ongoing support throughout the pregnancy and delivery process. - Fertility Clinic and Medical Costs ($25,000–$40,000):
Medical expenses include IVF procedures, embryo transfer, prenatal care, and delivery costs. Prices vary depending on your clinic’s protocols and whether donor eggs or sperm are needed. - Legal Fees ($8,000–$15,000):
Both the intended parents and surrogate must have separate attorneys to ensure everyone’s rights are protected. These fees cover the surrogacy agreement and pre-birth parentage orders. - Insurance and Miscellaneous Costs ($10,000–$20,000):
This may include health insurance coverage for the surrogate, life insurance policies, travel expenses, and other incidental costs.
Can Surrogacy Be More Affordable?
Yes — partnering with a transparent and experienced agency like Surrogacy By Faith can help prevent hidden costs, delays, and complications. Their close relationships with fertility clinics, insurance specialists, and legal professionals ensure financial clarity and a smoother overall journey.
By working with a trusted agency that values honesty and organization, intended parents often save both time and money — while enjoying greater peace of mind throughout their surrogacy experience.
How to Become a Surrogate in Los Angeles
Becoming a surrogate is one of the most generous and transformative acts a woman can offer.
Eligibility Checklist
- Ages 21–40
- At least one successful pregnancy and delivery
- Physically and emotionally healthy
- Non-smoker, no substance use
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Emotional Rewards
SBF nurtures surrogates with compassion and faith, providing continuous emotional, spiritual, and logistical support. Many surrogates describe the experience as life-changing and deeply fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surrogacy in Los Angeles
- Is surrogacy legal in Los Angeles?
Yes. California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. - Can I be a surrogate if I have my own kids?
Yes — in fact, it’s a requirement. - Do I need to live in Los Angeles proper?
No. Surrogacy By Faith works with surrogates throughout California - Do surrogates choose the families they work with?
Yes. Both parties must mutually agree to the match. - Can international intended parents work with LA agencies?
Absolutely. Many families from around the world choose Los Angeles for its legal protections and medical excellence. - How long does the process take?
Most journeys take 12–18 months from consultation to birth.
Los Angeles Surrogacy Agency Reviews
Surrogacy By Faith helps to bring families’ surrogacy dreams to life. Here are just a few of the excellent surrogacy reviews we’ve received:
“Integrity, professionalism, and knowledge. Always helpful and timely. I have no regrets about working with Surrogacy by Faith. I’ve had two journeys and can’t wait to do another!”
-Crystalina K.
“Surrogacy by Faith was super supportive without being bothersome or overwhelming. Most surrogates hope their journey goes smoothly, and dread a problem arising. When it happened to me, my coordinator handled it before I even really knew it began. It was reassuring knowing I chose the right surrogate agency!”
-Stormy C.
“Amy and Wendy are true angels. They have made this experience smooth and easy. They are so supportive and attentive to the needs of everyone involved. I’m so thankful I found them! This journey turned out to be so much more than I even imagined and I believe they played a huge role in making it all happen the way that it did.”
-Jessica L.
“Being a Surrogate with Surrogacy by Faith made the process so clear and simplistic! I was matched with a great couple and had such an enjoyable experience. My coordinator was so accommodating to my needs, I felt very taken care of the entire season of this special time in my life.”
-Sarah M.
“Surrogacy by faith helped us complete our family! We are truly grateful for the genuine and outstanding service they provided. It was a smooth and positive journey. Thank you very much!”
Why Choose Surrogacy By Faith
Surrogacy By Faith is more than a surrogacy agency — it’s a community built on compassion, integrity, and shared purpose.
- Located in Irvine, CA — easily accessible from Los Angeles.
- Values that emphasize kindness, honesty, and connection.
- Comprehensive support before, during, and after pregnancy.
At Surrogacy By Faith, we believe every baby is a gift — and every surrogacy journey deserves to be treated with care and love. Surrogacy in Los Angeles is more than a medical process — it’s a human story of love, generosity, and new beginnings. If you’re ready to learn more about surrogacy—or explore becoming a surrogate— fill out a surrogate form or an intended parent form today!