Surrogacy in Bakersfield

Carefully consider the surrogacy process and whether you’d be a good candidate. If you think you would, you can submit an application on our website. If your qualifications align with our requirements, we’ll get in touch to set up a meeting.

If you move forward in the process, we can begin prescreening. You’ll have a home visit from one of our team members and meet with a maternal fetal medicine doctor. We’ll then match you with intended parents.

Comprehensive physical and mental medical evaluations are necessary to safeguard your health, as well as that of the baby. Someone from West Coast Surrogacy will accompany you to all appointments.

All surrogates will have access to independent attorneys with specialization in surrogacy and reproductive law. You’ll select one of these attorneys to work with. They’ll review the surrogacy agreement drafted by the intended parents’ attorney and assist you in all legal matters.

Once the surrogacy contract has been agreed upon and signed by both the surrogate and the intended parents, you can begin fertility treatment and the embryo transfer cycle with your in-vitro fertilization (IVF) physician.

During pregnancy, you’ll continue seeing your IVF doctor for approximately 10 weeks, at which point you can begin seeing your obstetrician for comprehensive prenatal monitoring. Your case coordinator will support you all the way through delivery.

Because the cost of living and demand for surrogates are generally higher in this area than in other parts of the country, surrogacy pay is also higher. West Coast Surrogacy is proud to offer one of the highest base pays in Bakersfield, along with itemized expenses and allowances for individual circumstances. We carefully design our compensation packages to take into account all aspects of the experience.

Every surrogacy case is unique, meaning compensation packages will vary depending on individual circumstances and needs. We consider various factors when deciding on surrogates’ compensation, including state of residence, prior experience as a surrogate, unique or unexpected medical circumstances, lost wages, employment status, and more.

West Coast Surrogacy provides allowances for individual circumstances, medical procedures, and non-accountable items such as maternity wear in addition to base pay. Aside from the monetary benefits, surrogates typically come away from their journey with a sense of deep fulfillment; it takes a special person to be a surrogate for intended parents hoping to grow their families, and providing this gift to others can be a truly gratifying, life-changing experience.

Surrogates receive various forms of support throughout the surrogacy process. This includes emotional support from their agency, intended parents, and sometimes a therapist or counselor. Surrogates also receive medical support from fertility specialists and prenatal care providers. Additionally, surrogacy agencies often provide logistical support, such as coordinating appointments and travel, as well as access to wellness support services and professionals, such as birth doulas, childbirth educators, or dieticians. The level of support can vary, but the goal is for the surrogate to feel valued, informed, and cared for throughout the journey.

Surrogates undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations before being approved for surrogacy. Medical evaluations typically include tests to assess overall health and the ability to carry a pregnancy. Psychological evaluations focus on assessing mental health, emotional stability, and understanding of the surrogacy process. These evaluations help determine the surrogate is physically and mentally prepared for the demands of surrogacy and help match her with compatible intended parents.

In California, surrogates have the right to enter into a legally binding surrogacy agreement with intended parents, outlining their roles, responsibilities, and compensation. They also have the right to receive medical care during the pregnancy, with all associated costs typically covered by the intended parents. Surrogates have the right to make decisions about their health and the pregnancy, as long as they align with the terms of the surrogacy agreement. Additionally, surrogates have the right to legal representation throughout the process to protect their interests.

There are two different types of surrogacy. The most common type is gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries a child conceived using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material, making her genetically unrelated to the child. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, is less common and not practiced by the vast majority of fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies, including West Coast Surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy is the primary focus of modern surrogacy practices due to its clear legal and genetic distinctions.

Intended parents should consider working with a surrogacy agency for several reasons. Agencies provide expertise and guidance throughout the process, including matching intended parents with a suitable surrogate, managing legal and financial aspects, and offering emotional support. Agencies also make sure that all parties adhere to legal and ethical standards, reducing the risk of disputes. Additionally, agencies often have established relationships with fertility clinics and other professionals, streamlining the surrogacy journey.

When choosing a surrogate, consider factors such as her medical history, previous pregnancy experiences, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, alcohol use), emotional stability, and overall health. It’s also important to consider her views on important issues like termination and communication during the pregnancy. Compatibility in terms of personalities and values can also play a role in the decision-making process. Working with a reputable agency can help match you with a surrogate who meets your criteria.