Surrogacy in California

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The Surrogacy Journey in California

California offers an ideal destination for surrogacy, whether you’re seeking to build your family or help another family achieve their dreams. Throughout the journey, intended parents and surrogates navigate a carefully orchestrated process, from the initial application and screening to matching, medical procedures, and legal steps. At the end of a successful surrogacy journey lies the ultimate goal – the birth of a healthy child and a new chapter in a family’s story.

By understanding the surrogacy process in California and working with West Coast Surrogacy (WCS), intended parents and surrogates alike can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing they have the support and guidance needed for a successful outcome.

• Surrogacy Laws in California

• The Surrogacy Process in California

• Surrogate Compensation in California

• California Surrogacy FAQ

Our Surrogacy Agency

WCS is a leading boutique-style agency in California, founded by Amy Stewart, a former surrogate, egg donor, infertility patient, and IVF center practice manager. Our surrogacy agency understands the intricacies of the surrogacy journey and is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way. We take pride in our personalized matching process, which carefully considers the preferences and values of both surrogates and intended parents so that each match is well-suited and has the best chance of success. We also prioritize the health and comfort of our surrogates. We offer one of the highest base surrogate compensation fees in the United States, recognizing the invaluable gift surrogates provide. Throughout the entire journey, our team remains actively involved, providing ongoing support and advocacy for all parties involved.

“Emotional support is very important as a surrogate, and I feel like West Coast really provided that for me.”

WCS is the premier choice for intended parents and surrogates in California, known for our excellence in the surrogacy community. Each member of our team is deeply passionate about assisting others in building their families through surrogacy, many of them drawing from their own experiences with surrogacy. Choose WCS for a rewarding and fulfilling surrogacy journey.

Why IPs and Surrogates in California Choose WCS

Ws the premier choice for intended parents and surrogates in California. Founded by a former surrogate, our boutique-style agency understands the intricacies of the surrogacy journey and is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Each member of our team is deeply passionate about assisting others in building their families through surrogacy, many of them drawing from their own experiences with surrogacy.

We take pride in our personalized matching process, which carefully considers the preferences and values of both surrogates and intended parents so that each match is well-suited and has the best chance of success. Throughout the entire journey, our team remains actively involved, providing ongoing support and advocacy for all parties involved.

Our agency has garnered many happy testimonials and reviews from intended parents and surrogates alike, reflecting our reputation for excellence in the surrogacy community. Additionally, we offer high compensation for surrogates, recognizing the invaluable gift they provide to others. Choose WCS for a surrogacy journey that is both rewarding and fulfilling.

A Surrogacy Agency Near You

• Los Angeles
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• Riverside
• Modesto
• Orange County
• Bakersfield
• Temecula Valley

Why California is the Best State for Surrogacy

• Surrogacy Laws 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.

• LGBTQ+ Surrogacy 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.

• Other Benefits of Surrogacy in California

  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.

The Surrogacy Process in California

The surrogacy process in California involves several steps to ensure a successful and legally protected arrangement for both intended parents and surrogates.

• Step 1: Application

  The surrogacy process in California involves several steps to ensure a successful and legally protected arrangement for both intended parents and surrogates.

• Step 2. Screening

  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.

• Step 3. Matching

  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.

• Step 4. Medical Clearance

  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.

• Step 5. Contract Drafting

  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.

• Step 6. Legal Steps

  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.

• Step 7. Medical Steps

  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.

• Step 8. Pregnancy and Monitoring

  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.

• Step 9. Birth and Parentage Establishment

  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.

• Step 10. Payment Steps

  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.

It's important to note that the surrogacy process can vary depending on individual circumstances and the agreements made between the parties involved. Working with experienced professionals, including surrogacy agencies, fertility clinics, attorneys, and mental health professionals, can help facilitate a smooth and successful surrogacy journey.

Criteria for Finding the Best Surrogacy Agency in California

To cultivate the best surrogacy experience possible, it’s crucial to work with a superior surrogacy agency known for its dedication to both intended parents and surrogates. One of the most important criteria to consider is the agency's length of experience and reputation. Look for agencies with a proven track record of successful matches and positive experiences from both IPs and surrogates. Additionally, consider the agency's communication and support services. A good agency should provide clear and open communication, as well as comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

Becoming a Surrogate in California: Requirements, Application, and Screening

Becoming a surrogate in California involves meeting specific requirements, completing an application, and undergoing thorough screening to facilitate a successful surrogacy journey for both the surrogate and the intended parents:

The requirements to become a surrogate in California typically include being between the ages of 21 and 40, having had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery, and being a non-smoker and non-drug user. Surrogates must also undergo medical and psychological evaluations to assess whether they are physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy process. Learn more about surrogate requirements.

The application process usually involves filling out a detailed application form, providing medical records, and undergoing a background check. Once the application is submitted, surrogates are matched with intended parents based on compatibility and preferences.

After being matched, surrogates undergo a series of medical screenings to ensure they are healthy and able to carry a pregnancy to term. These screenings include tests for infectious diseases, uterine health assessments, and hormone evaluations.

How Much Do Surrogates Make in California?

Surrogate compensation and pay in California can vary depending on several factors. WCS is proud to be recognized as one of the highest-paying surrogacy agencies in the country. We offer a competitive surrogacy base fee, along with itemized expenses and allowances for individual circumstances. Our surrogate compensation and pay packages are as follows:

Surrogate Compensation

Learn more about Surrogate Compensation.

California Surrogacy FAQ

• How are surrogates matched with intended parents in California?

  The matching process begins with both surrogates and intended parents creating profiles that outline their preferences, expectations, and backgrounds. WCS 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.

• What kind of medical and psychological evaluations do surrogates undergo in California?

  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.

• What kind of compensation can surrogates expect in California?

  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 WCS, 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.

• What are the legal requirements for IPs in California regarding surrogacy?

  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.

• What are the typical costs associated with surrogacy for IPs in California?

  Surrogacy costs for intended parents in California vary widely but can range from $190,000 to $240,000 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.

• How do IPs find a surrogate in California?

  Intended parents in California typically find a surrogate through surrogacy agencies like WCS. 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.

Why IPs and Surrogates in California Choose WCS

WCS is the premier choice for intended parents and surrogates in California. Founded by a former surrogate, our boutique-style agency understands the intricacies of the surrogacy journey and is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Each member of our team is deeply passionate about assisting others in building their families through surrogacy, many of them drawing from their own experiences with surrogacy.

We take pride in our personalized matching process, which carefully considers the preferences and values of both surrogates and intended parents so that each match is well-suited and has the best chance of success. Throughout the entire journey, our team remains actively involved, providing ongoing support and advocacy for all parties involved.

Our agency has garnered many happy testimonials and reviews from intended parents and surrogates alike, reflecting our reputation for excellence in the surrogacy community. Additionally, we offer high compensation for surrogates, recognizing the invaluable gift they provide to others. Choose WCS for a surrogacy journey that is both rewarding and fulfilling.

A Surrogacy Agency Near You

• Los Angeles
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• Riverside
• Modesto
• Orange County
• Bakersfield
• Temecula Valley