Surrogacy in Los Angeles

Fill out an application and meet with one of our case coordinators to discuss your interest and qualifications for becoming a surrogate.

Undergo medical, psychological, and background screenings. Once approved, you’ll be matched with intended parents.

Undergo medical evaluations and screenings to assess if you are physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy process.

Work with attorneys to draft and finalize the surrogacy agreement, outlining rights, responsibilities, and compensation. West Coast Surrogacy has relationships with many experienced attorneys who specialize in surrogacy to guide you through this process.

Begin the medical process, including fertility treatments and embryo transfer, under the guidance of a fertility specialist.

Once the embryo is successfully implanted, you’ll undergo regular prenatal care and monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Give birth to the baby and transfer custody to the intended parents.

In Los Angeles, surrogacy compensation is generally higher than in other parts of the country due to the higher cost of living and high demand for surrogates. West Coast Surrogacy is known for offering one of the highest base compensations in the country, including Los Angeles. Our competitive compensation package reflects our appreciation for the invaluable contribution of our surrogates and is designed to fairly compensate them for their time, effort, and dedication throughout the surrogacy journey.

The amount of compensation a surrogate receives is determined by several factors, including location, employment status, previous experience as a surrogate (if applicable), and any additional services or requirements, such as carrying multiples.

In addition to base pay, surrogate compensation also typically includes allowances for medical and pregnancy-related expenses, as well as compensation for lost wages or other inconveniences. Surrogates also often experience a deep sense of emotional satisfaction from helping intended parents fulfill their dreams of parenthood, representing a significant non-monetary benefit of the surrogacy journey.

To qualify as a surrogate, you must meet several medical requirements, including being between the ages of 21 and 40, having a healthy height and weight ratio, and having a healthy reproductive history (having given birth to at least one child that you are raising). You should also have had all previous births occurring at 36 weeks gestation or later (unless a multiple pregnancy) without complications.

The surrogacy process typically takes around 12 to 18 months from the time the intended parents and surrogate are matched to the birth of the child. This timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the time it takes to find a suitable match, legal proceedings, and the success of the fertility treatments.

West Coast Surrogacy offers a wide range of support services for surrogates throughout every step of the journey, including counseling support, online support groups, a dedicated case coordinator, access to independent attorneys, and an insurance specialist to verify health insurance coverage and assist in obtaining a life insurance policy paid for by the intended parents.

Additionally, surrogates have the option to request services such as birth doulas, childbirth classes and education, lactation consultant services, as well as referrals for licensed acupuncturists, dieticians, and certified pregnancy massage therapists.

Los Angeles is a popular destination for surrogacy, primarily due to California’s surrogacy-friendly laws that protect the rights of both surrogates and intended parents. The state allows for pre-birth parentage orders, which means that intended parents can be recognized as the legal parents of the child even before birth. Additionally, California has a long history of supporting diverse family structures, making it a welcoming environment for surrogacy. Los Angeles also offers world-class medical facilities, experienced fertility clinics, and a diverse population.

During the pregnancy stage of the surrogacy journey, surrogates are responsible for attending regular prenatal appointments, following the medical advice and recommendations of their healthcare provider, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in support of the pregnancy. The surrogate may also be involved in decision-making regarding prenatal testing, birth plans, and other aspects of the pregnancy, in consultation with the intended parents and healthcare providers. Several decisions about prenatal care will be outlined early on in the surrogate contract, helping to avoid potential conflicts.

Parental rights in a surrogacy arrangement in Los Angeles are typically established through a pre-birth parentage order. This legal document is issued by the court before the birth of the child and identifies the intended parents as the legal parents of the child born through surrogacy. The parentage order terminates any parental rights of the surrogate and her spouse or partner, if applicable, and establishes the intended parents as the legal parents from the moment of birth.