Surrogacy in California

California is considered one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the United States. Gestational surrogacy is widely practiced and legally protected in California. The intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from the moment of birth, and a pre-birth order can be obtained to establish their parental rights.

California also allows for compensated surrogacy, meaning that surrogates can receive payment for their services beyond just medical and other pregnancy-related expenses. This makes California an attractive option for surrogates looking to help others while also receiving financial compensation.

It’s important to note that surrogacy laws can be complex and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who specializes in reproductive law to understand the laws and requirements that apply to your situation in California.

California’s surrogacy laws are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ families, making it a popular choice for individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to start or expand their families through surrogacy. In California, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have the same rights and legal protections as heterosexual individuals and couples when it comes to surrogacy.

California also allows for both intended parents to be listed on the birth certificate, regardless of their gender or biological relationship to the child. This means that same-sex couples can both be recognized as legal parents without the need for a second-parent adoption, which is often required in other states.

Pursuing surrogacy in California offers both intended parents and surrogates a supportive legal environment, experienced professionals, and access to resources that can make the surrogacy journey smoother and more successful.

Additional benefits for intended parents include:

• Wide Selection of Available Surrogates: California is home to a diverse population, providing intended parents with a wide selection of available surrogates to choose from.

• Experienced Professionals: California is home to many experienced professionals in the field of surrogacy, including fertility clinics, attorneys, and agencies, which can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the surrogacy journey.

Additional benefits for surrogates include:

• Legal Protections: Surrogates in California are protected by clear surrogacy laws, which outline their rights and responsibilities throughout the surrogacy process.

• Compensation: Surrogates in California can receive compensation for their services.

• Access to Healthcare: Surrogates in California have access to high-quality healthcare facilities and providers, allowing them to receive the best possible care during their pregnancy and childbirth.

Intended parents and surrogates typically start by filling out an application with a surrogacy agency. This application gathers basic information about the parties involved and their surrogacy preferences.

Both intended parents and surrogates undergo thorough screening processes. Intended parents may need to provide medical history, undergo background checks, and attend a mental health session with a trained professional. Surrogates undergo medical and psychological screenings to assess if they are physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.

Once both parties are approved, they are matched based on their preferences and compatibility. The matching process involves reviewing profiles and meeting with potential matches.

After matching, surrogates undergo medical evaluations to confirm they are medically cleared for the surrogacy process. This includes testing for infectious diseases and assessing the surrogate’s reproductive health.

Once matching and medical clearance are confirmed, a surrogacy contract is drafted. This contract outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved, including financial arrangements, medical procedures, and the surrogate’s role during the pregnancy.

The surrogacy contract is reviewed and finalized with the assistance of legal counsel for both parties. Legal steps also include obtaining a pre-birth order to establish parentage for the intended parents.

With the legal and contractual aspects in place, the medical process begins. This typically involves the retrieval of eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor, fertilization in the lab using the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm, and the transfer of the embryo(s) into the surrogate’s uterus.

Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives medical care and monitoring to support the health of both her and the baby. Intended parents may be involved in appointments and updates as agreed upon in the contract.

When the baby is born, the intended parents are typically present for the birth and assume immediate custody. The pre-birth order or other legal documents are then used to establish the intended parents as the legal parents of the child.

Throughout the process, financial arrangements are managed according to the surrogacy contract. This includes compensation for the surrogate, payment for medical expenses, and any other agreed-upon costs.

The matching process begins with both surrogates and intended parents creating profiles that outline their preferences, expectations, and backgrounds. West Coast Surrogacy then uses these profiles to match surrogates with intended parents based on compatibility and mutual preferences. We take a thoughtful, personalized approach to the matching process, taking into account factors such as location, personality, values, and previous experiences. Once a match is made, we facilitate an introduction between the surrogate and intended parents, allowing them to get to know each other and confirm they are comfortable moving forward with the surrogacy arrangement.

In California, surrogates undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to assess whether they are physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy process. The medical evaluation typically includes a review of the surrogate’s medical history, physical examination, and various tests to assess her reproductive health. The psychological evaluation assesses the surrogate’s mental health and emotional readiness to participate in surrogacy. This evaluation helps confirm that the surrogate fully understands the emotional implications of surrogacy and is prepared to handle any challenges that may arise.

In California, surrogates can expect to receive compensation for their services in addition to having their medical and pregnancy-related expenses covered. The exact amount of compensation can vary depending on various factors, such as the surrogate’s experience, the location, and the specific terms of the surrogacy agreement.

At West Coast Surrogacy, we offer one of the highest surrogacy base fees in the country, ranging from $60,000 to $92,000 for a single pregnancy. Our benefit packages also include additional compensation items, such as a one-time signing bonus, monthly allowances, non-accountable allowance funds, embryo transfer fees, additional fees for multiple pregnancies (twin or triplet pregnancies), and more.

One of the key legal requirements for IPs in California is the need to enter into a legally binding surrogacy agreement with the surrogate. This agreement outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, including topics such as compensation, medical care, and parental rights. Additionally, IPs in California must also comply with state laws regarding parentage, such as obtaining a pre-birth order.

Surrogacy costs for intended parents in California vary widely but can range from $190,000 to $230,000 on average. Every surrogacy case is unique, and factors such as agency fees, legal costs, and medical expenses can impact the overall fees. In states like California, where surrogates are in high demand, costs may be slightly higher due to increased competition.

Intended parents in California typically find a surrogate through surrogacy agencies like West Coast Surrogacy. Surrogacy agencies offer services such as surrogate matching, legal guidance, and emotional support, providing IPs with a comprehensive and supportive surrogacy experience. By working with a surrogacy agency, IPs can streamline the process and are more likely to have a positive and well-supported surrogacy journey.