Surrogacy Agencies in California
How to Become a Surrogate in California
Learning how to become a surrogate in California can be complicated, and it’s normal to have questions. We’re here to help you find answers.
Being a surrogate in California lets you give another couple or individual the wonderful gift of parenthood when it’s not possible via other means. The process requires strength and commitment. However, its benefits make surrogacy worth the effort for those involved.
If you’re considering surrogacy, you’re likely seeking information about how to become a surrogate mom in California. To get the support and guidance you need from a surrogacy professional, simply complete our free online form to connect with one today.
Meanwhile, we discuss several reasons women choose to become a surrogate in California below. We also cover the process of becoming a surrogate in California, including screening, medical requirements, and legal requirements. Read on to learn more.
3 Reasons to Become a Gestational Surrogate in California
You may have your own personal reasons for becoming a surrogate mother in California. Below, we cover three common reasons women choose to be surrogates.
You Can Give a Tremendous Gift
Family is everything. Through surrogacy, you help a deserving couple build a family if they’ve been unable to previously. You’re fulfilling dreams for intended parents who may have been through a painful journey to parenthood, which is one of the best reasons to be a surrogate mother in CA.
You’re Boosting Your Family’s Financial Status
Being a surrogate mom in California also lets you improve your family’s financial situation because you’re compensated for your surrogacy efforts. You can use your compensation for things like:
- Paying for college for yourself or your kids
- Taking a memorable vacation with your family
- Eliminating family debt
Compensation for being a surrogate in CA is among the highest in the nation and ranges between $55,000 – $95,000 for first-time surrogates. Second-time surrogates can get $65,000 – $110,00 or more. That money can positively impact your family’s life.
You’re Providing a Wonderful Service
Being a surrogate in California lets you bring positive change for both your family and the intended parents, which can give you a great sense of accomplishment. It also sets a great example for your kids, as they’ll see you embrace the challenge of being a surrogate mom in CA because you know it’s selfless and important.
How to Become a Gestational Surrogate in California In 6 Steps
Becoming a surrogate includes six primary steps:
Step 1: Determine Whether Surrogacy is Right for You
Your surrogacy will touch everyone around you. If you’re still wondering if being a surrogate in CA is right for you, asking these questions can help you decide:
- Are you interested in another pregnancy?
- Do you have a reliable support system?
- Is your spouse supportive of you being a surrogate in CA?
- Do you meet the surrogacy health requirements?
- Why are you interested in surrogacy?
It can be helpful at this point to consult with a surrogacy professional about being a surrogate in California. Choosing the right agency is a critical part of your surrogacy journey. Your agency will provide services like:
- Matching services to find intended parents
- Pre-screening to pair you with a family that matches your preferences
- Coordination between clinics and surrogacy attorneys to complete each step
- Counseling to provide support throughout surrogacy
- And more
Below, you’ll find a few surrogacy agencies in California that can help you on your way:
- American Surrogacy
- Coastal Surrogacy
- Building Families, Inc.
- Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute
- Same Love Surrogacy
Being a surrogate in California isn’t ideal for everyone, and that’s okay. Please consult with a specialist for help with your decision before taking the next steps.
Step 2: Complete the Screening Process
Your next step in becoming a surrogate mother in California is completing the screening process that ensures you’re physically and emotionally ready for your journey.
The requirements included in the screening process are:
- A healthy BMI
- At least one successful previous pregnancy
- At least one child being raised at home
- No use of alcohol or drugs
- Psychological screening
Because of your key role in the process, the requirements help ensure that you’re prepared for what’s ahead. You’ll have help along the way, though, as your surrogacy specialist is there to support and guide you.
Step 3: Identify Potential Intended Parents
If you’re committed to being a surrogate in California, you’ll want to find intended parents that match your preferences. Your surrogacy specialist will help you decide what you want while assisting you in learning how to become a surrogate in CA.
Being a surrogate in CA lets you remain in control of your experience in many ways, and choosing the intended parents is one of them. Finding a good match is important, and you get to take your time when choosing.
Step 4: Create a Legal Contract
Another key step in how to become a surrogate mother in California is creating a surrogacy contract. Your surrogacy attorney and the intended parent’s attorney will work together to create a contract that meets everyone’s needs. The contract is meant to protect your rights during the process and includes details on compensation and expectations.
California surrogacy laws require both parties to be represented by legal counsel when drafting a surrogacy agreement or contract. The contracts must be notarized or otherwise witnessed before the surrogate starts taking medication to prepare for the embryo transfer procedure. Surrogacy contracts in California are legally enforceable.
By law, the surrogacy contract in California must contain:
- The date it was executed
- The people from which the gametes originated
- The identity of the intended parent(s)
- The process for any necessary pre-birth or parentage orders
The surrogacy contract must also address:
- Risks and responsibilities of each party
- Surrogate compensation
- Agreement on issues like selective reduction and termination
- Expectations for contact and who will be present at important appointments and during birth
Once the contract is drafted, the attorneys will review the terms and make amendments if needed. You get to sign off on any changes. Once the contract is finalized, the medical process can begin.
Step 5: Prepare for the Embryo Transfer
Many women ask, “How does being a surrogate work in California from a medical perspective?” Again, it’s natural to have questions about any medical procedure in your future.
The medical process for surrogacy is straightforward, and you’ll be under the care of a fertility clinic that will monitor your fertility cycle closely. You’ll begin by taking medications to get your body ready for the coming embryo transfer.
The eggs are collected and fertilized in a laboratory to create the embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate mother. A few days later, an examination confirms whether the pregnancy is viable and healthy, and if it is, you’ll begin receiving base compensation and your monthly allowance.
Step 6: Get Ready for Labor and Birth
Being a surrogate mom in California reaches its pinnacle with the birth of the child. Your surrogacy specialist will guide you through making a plan to communicate your expectations about the hospital experience. They’ll answer your questions throughout your journey.
When labor is initiated, the intended parents will join you at the hospital. Once the child is born, you’ll be discharged, and the baby will leave with its parents. You get to continue your relationship with the intended parents if you want, and to witness the impact of your selfless, loving choice.
How Does Being a Surrogate Mother Work in California: Final Words
Are you still considering being a surrogate in California? If so, please know your choice is a precious gift for the intended parents that can also benefit your family. You get to fulfill dreams for hopeful parents while providing your family with a better life. If you have additional questions about how to become a surrogate in CA, you should speak with a surrogacy professional. To connect with one today, simply complete our free online form.
Ready to get started? Contact a surrogacy agency now to get free information.