Surrogacy in Orange County

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Become a Surrogate in Orange County

Surrogacy requires a serious mental and physical commitment, requiring time, energy, and dedication. By carrying a child for people who cannot conceive or give birth themselves, surrogates help intended parents grow their families and fulfill their dreams. At West Coast Surrogacy (WCS), we specialize specifically in gestational surrogacy, which means the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.

Your Path, Our Guidance: WCS Agency

Our tight-knit team has years of experience working with surrogates in Orange County and throughout California. We understand the monumental effort involved in surrogacy, and we pride ourselves on offering expert guidance throughout the entire surrogacy journey.

Why Surrogates Choose Us: The Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate with WCS

One of the most reputable surrogacy agencies in the country, WCS takes a personalized approach that includes comprehensive, one-on-one care from our case managers. A multidisciplinary team of independent childbirth educators, mental health professionals, and more will also be on hand to help with all aspects of the experience. We fully understand the commitment involved in this process and are proud to be one of the country’s highest-paying surrogacy agencies.

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

The Surrogacy Process in Orange County

At WCS, we provide expert care and support throughout every step of the surrogacy experience to facilitate a smooth, seamless process. A typical surrogacy journey includes the following steps:

• 1. Initial Application

  After carefully considering whether you’d be a good fit for surrogacy, you can submit an application on our website. If your qualifications align with our stringent requirements, we’ll contact you to set up a meeting.

• 2. Prescreening and Matching

  Next, we can start the prescreening process, during which you’ll have a virtual home visit, psychological evaluation, background check and meet with a maternal fetal medicine doctor. We’ll then match you with intended parents.

• 3. Medical Evaluation

  An in-vitro fertilization (IVF) physician will review your medical records, and you’ll undergo medical evaluations, tests, and screenings to evaluate the health and safety of both you and the future pregnancy.

• 4. Legal Process

  Several independent attorneys specializing in surrogacy and reproductive rights will be made available to you. You’ll select one of them to assist you in all legal matters, including reviewing the surrogacy contract drafted by the intended parents’ attorney.

• 5. Embryo Transfer

  Once all parties have signed the surrogacy contract, the embryo transfer cycle will begin. This requires multiple blood tests, injections, and ultrasounds continuing into the first weeks of pregnancy. All necessary medications will be prescribed as well.

• 6. Pregnancy

  After a successful embryo transfer, you’ll continue seeing your IVF doctor through approximately week 10 of pregnancy, at which point you’ll begin seeing your obstetrician.

The caring, compassionate team at WCS is committed to facilitating a healthy and happy pregnancy. Along with the assistance of your independent legal and medical experts, your case manager will guide you in all facets of the surrogacy experience.

A Surrogacy Agency Near You

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

Surrogate Requirements in Orange County

For your safety and well-being as well as that of the baby, we maintain strict requirements for anyone interested in becoming a surrogate. A few of these requirements include:

• Being 21 - 40 years old

• Having a healthy height and weight ratio

• Having given birth to at least one child that you are raising

• Having a healthy pregnancy history

Surrogate Compensation and Pay in Orange County

WCS, believes fair pay and compensation are critical elements of a positive and fulfilling journey. As one of the highest-paying surrogacy agencies in Orange County, we design our compensation packages to accurately reflect the deep commitment involved in carrying and delivering a child for the intended parents.

Surrogate Compensation

• What is the highest-paying surrogacy agency in Orange County?

  Because Orange County has both a higher cost of living and a higher demand for surrogates than other parts of the country, base pay for surrogacy is usually higher as well. WCS offers one of the most generous base rates in the country, and our compensation packages are structured to account for all aspects and intricacies of surrogacy.

• What factors determine the amount of compensation a surrogate receives?

  Total surrogate compensation depends on several factors, including previous experience as a surrogate, state of residence, employment status, whether a C-section is needed, and unique or unexpected medical circumstances.

• Are there any additional expenses or benefits that surrogates receive besides compensation?

  Aside from base compensation, WCS also provides allowances for non-accountable items such as maternity clothing as well as reimbursement for lost wages, including those related to pregnancy. You’ll receive reimbursement for insurance premiums every month. In addition to monetary compensation, many surrogates experience a sense of great fulfillment and achievement at the end of their surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy FAQ

• How do I become a surrogate?

  To become a surrogate, you typically need to meet certain requirements, such as being in good physical and mental health, having had a successful pregnancy and delivery, and not smoking or using drugs. You’ll also need to undergo medical and psychological screening. Additionally, you’ll need to work with a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic to find intended parents who are a good match for you.

• Are there weight requirements for being a surrogate?

  Fertility clinics typically have guidelines regarding BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine that the surrogate is at a desired weight. However, BMI is one of several factors considered, along with overall health and medical history, to assess suitability for surrogacy.

• How does surrogacy impact the surrogate's own family?

  Surrogacy can impact the surrogate’s family in various ways, requiring adjustments to routines and responsibilities during the pregnancy. However, it can also bring positive outcomes, fostering pride and unity within the family. The experience often sparks meaningful conversations about compassion and the gift of life, deepening bonds and creating lasting memories. The family’s support can be a tremendous source of strength for the surrogate, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

• How are conflicts between surrogates and intended parents resolved?

  Conflicts between surrogates and intended parents are typically resolved through open communication and, if necessary, the involvement of legal agreements established before the surrogacy journey begins. These agreements outline expectations, responsibilities, and potential outcomes, helping to prevent misunderstandings. In case of conflicts, mediators or counselors may facilitate discussions to find mutually acceptable solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to prioritize the well-being of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the baby, often leading to compromises and resolutions that honor everyone’s interests and the original intentions of the surrogacy arrangement.

• How much does surrogacy cost?

  The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the surrogate’s location (which affects legal and medical costs), the surrogate’s compensation, medical expenses (including fertility treatments and prenatal care), legal fees, agency fees, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. It’s essential for intended parents to thoroughly research and understand these costs to make informed decisions about pursuing surrogacy.

• Why is Orange County a popular destination for surrogacy?

  Orange County is a popular destination for surrogacy due to its excellent medical facilities and legal expertise in reproductive law. Additionally, its pleasant climate and lifestyle make it an attractive location for intended parents and surrogates. The area’s supportive surrogacy community and access to various support services further contribute to its popularity as a surrogacy destination.

Why WCS is the Best Agency for Surrogacy in Orange County

WCS is the premier choice for intended parents and surrogates in Orange County. Our agency was founded by Amy Stewart, a former surrogate who has also been an egg donor and a fertility patient, and has worked extensively in IVF centers. Amy's personal journey has deeply informed the ethos of our boutique-style agency, where the majority of our employees are former surrogates themselves. This unique perspective allows us to understand and cater to the needs of both intended parents and surrogates, providing personalized support and guidance throughout the surrogacy journey.

WCS 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

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