• Clear legal protections for both surrogate and intended parents

• Surrogacy-friendly courts with a long history of support

• High compensation and benefits

• Reputable fertility clinics and experienced support teams

💡 Note: Compensation amounts and legal details may vary based on agency, location, and individual agreements. You will review everything with an independent attorney before signing any contracts.

In our program—and throughout the state of California—only gestational surrogacy is legally allowed and practiced. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ (or donors’) egg and sperm, and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg, is no longer legally practiced in California due to significant legal and ethical concerns.
We are committed to providing a safe, ethical, and legally protected process through gestational surrogacy only.

No — as a gestational surrogate in California, you will have no legal or parental rights to the child. The law is very clear: the baby is legally the child of the intended parents from the moment of birth, as long as all legal procedures are properly followed.

This legal protection is based on the California Family Code § 7960–7962, which governs gestational surrogacy. Here’s how it works:

⚖️ California Surrogacy Law at a Glance:

• A legally binding surrogacy agreement must be signed before any medical procedures begin, and must clearly name the intended parents as the legal parents.

• Once the agreement is in place, the intended parents can obtain a pre-birth parentage order from a California court. This ensures that their names appear on the baby’s birth certificate, not the surrogate’s.

• The surrogate is not listed as the legal mother, and she has no legal obligations or rights to the child.

• California courts consistently enforce these contracts, making it one of the most secure and surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S.

💡 In short: From a legal standpoint, the baby you carry is never considered yours — your role is loving, essential, and deeply appreciated, but never parental.

Yes, for most women who meet the medical qualifications, surrogacy is generally safe. However, as with any pregnancy, there are potential risks involved. The safety of the surrogate is always the top priority, and the entire process is designed to minimize risks through careful medical screening, close monitoring, and expert support.

🩺 1. Medical Screening Minimizes Risk

Before becoming a surrogate, you will undergo extensive medical evaluations to ensure that you are physically and mentally healthy enough to carry a baby. These evaluations include:

• Hormonal blood tests

• Pelvic ultrasounds

• Uterine lining assessment

• Infectious disease screening

• OB/GYN history review (especially previous pregnancies and deliveries)

Only candidates who meet strict health criteria are approved to move forward, which dramatically lowers the risk of complications.

📊 2. Risk Levels Are Comparable to Typical Pregnancies

Clinical studies show that gestational surrogates do not experience significantly higher health risks than women carrying their own pregnancies, as long as:

• They have had prior uncomplicated deliveries

• They are not carrying multiples (twins or triplets increase risk)

• They follow medical guidance closely

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the most common risks are the same as with any pregnancy:

• Gestational diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Preterm labor (more common in multiple gestations)

• Cesarean delivery (which may be planned in some cases)

🧘 3. Emotional and Psychological Support Is Also Provided

Surrogates also receive mental health screenings and have access to counseling or support groups throughout the process to ensure overall well-being.

💡 Bottom line: Surrogacy is considered safe for medically qualified women. All risks will be clearly explained during your consultation, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.

To qualify as a surrogate, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Good Physical and Mental Health
  No smoking, drug use, or psychiatric medication in the past 6 months.
  Your BMI must be 30 or below.

• Proven Pregnancy and Parenting Experience
  You must have successfully carried at least one child to term, with no more than two C-sections.

• Stable and Supportive Living Environment
  You should have a stable home life with strong emotional and childcare support.

• Eligibility Criteria
  You must be a U.S. citizen, aged 21 to 39, and not receiving government assistance such as welfare, public housing, or cash aid.

Yes — many surrogates have previously delivered by C-section, and it does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. However, both medical and legal professionals must confirm that your previous C-section(s) will not pose added risks in a future pregnancy.

🩺 Medical Considerations:

• Most fertility clinics allow surrogates to have had up to two prior C-sections, as long as both were medically uncomplicated.

• You’ll undergo a full OB/GYN evaluation, including:

  • Review of prior delivery and surgical reports

  • Uterine scar thickness measurement (via ultrasound)

  • Assessment for conditions like uterine rupture risk or placenta accreta

• If your uterus has healed well and you’ve had no lingering complications, you’re often fully eligible.

Note: Some clinics may allow a third C-section only under exceptional conditions and with maternal-fetal medicine clearance.

⚖️ Legal and Contractual Safeguards:

• The number and type of previous deliveries will be documented in your medical records and disclosed in your surrogacy application.

• If your prior C-section is cleared by the fertility clinic and OB team, the agency will proceed with matching and contract drafting.

• All parties (you, the intended parents, and your attorneys) must acknowledge the C-section history and agree on any additional risks or considerations.

• The contract may include specific clauses about delivery plans (e.g., requiring a planned C-section for medical safety).

💡 In short: A previous C-section does not disqualify you. With proper screening and a safe uterine environment, you can still be a healthy, successful surrogate — legally and medically protected every step of the way.

If you live in the United States but outside of California, you will typically need to travel to Los Angeles at least twice:
– once for your medical screening, and
– once for the embryo transfer.

The delivery will usually take place at a hospital near your home, as long as it is approved by the medical team. Additional visits to LA are rarely needed unless medically necessary.

If you’re located within California or near LA, the schedule may be more flexible and convenient.

From application to delivery, the process usually takes 12–18 months. The matching and medical preparation phase may take 3–6 months.

No — as a surrogate, you will never be expected to pay for anything related to the surrogacy journey. All expenses are 100% covered by the intended parents through the agency and legal agreements.

Here’s what is typically paid for on your behalf:

✅ Medical Expenses

• Fertility screenings

• Embryo transfer procedures

• Prenatal care and checkups

• Delivery and hospital fees

• Medications, injections, supplements

✅ Legal and Administrative Fees

• Your own independent attorney to review and negotiate your contract

• Any legal filings related to parentage and birth certificate

✅ Travel and Lodging

• Transportation to and from the fertility clinic (airfare, gas, rideshare)

• Hotel stays if needed for screening or transfer

• Meals and per diem during trips

✅ Living and Pregnancy-Related Allowances

• Monthly allowance to cover pregnancy-related costs

• Maternity clothing allowance

• Childcare costs for your own children (when you attend appointments)

• Lost wages (if applicable during bed rest or time off work)

• Housekeeping or helper support if medically required

✅ Other Support Services

• Counseling or mental health support (if offered by the agency)

• Doula or birth support (in some cases)

• Insurance premiums and co-pays (if a special policy is required)

💡 Everything will be clearly stated in your legal contract, and you’ll review it with a lawyer at no cost to you before signing. Your comfort, safety, and financial peace of mind are top priorities throughout the process.

🟠 1. Base Compensation

Estimated: $45,000 – $80,000

• $50,000 for a standard journey (first-time or experienced surrogate)

• Higher amounts for special cases (e.g., twins, multiples)

• Amount varies based on experience

🟡 2. Additional Benefits

Estimated: $5,000 – $10,000
Includes:

• Embryo transfer fee

• Maternity clothing allowance

• Monthly allowance

🟢 3. Contingency Fees

Estimated: $5,000 – $10,000
Covers:

• Bed rest compensation

• Unexpected medical leave

• Travel reimbursements

💡 Final compensation may vary depending on personal medical history, location, and legal conditions. An accurate estimate is provided after screening and matching.

An escrow account is a secure, third-party financial service used to hold and distribute funds related to your surrogacy journey. It acts as a neutral, legal safeguard to ensure that you are paid on time and according to the agreed contract.

Here’s how it works:

• Once your surrogacy contract is signed, the intended parents deposit your full compensation (or a major portion of it) into a licensed escrow account.

• The escrow agency then distributes payments to you based on the schedule in your contract (e.g., monthly base pay, reimbursement, delivery bonus).

• The agency also handles receipts, documentation, and payment verification, so everything is transparent and traceable.

• Neither you nor the intended parents have to directly handle the money during the journey, which helps prevent conflict or delay.

💡 Why it matters:

• You never have to worry about whether or not you’ll be paid

• Your payments are protected, even if circumstances change

• It builds trust and professionalism into the process

• You focus on your health and the baby — the financial part is handled safely and fairly

As a surrogate, you will receive your compensation in scheduled installments, not as a lump sum. These payments are made gradually throughout the journey and are clearly outlined and agreed upon in your legal contract before the process begins.

Nothing is paid or processed until you and the intended parents have both signed a legal agreement that defines the payment amounts, schedule, and conditions.

🗓️ Typical Compensation Timeline:

• First payment begins after pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound (usually around week 6–8).

• Monthly base compensation starts in the second month and continues until delivery.

• Final payments, such as a delivery bonus or compensation for pumping breast milk (if agreed upon), are issued after the baby is born.

• Reimbursable expenses (like travel, lost wages, maternity clothing) are paid as needed throughout the process.

💡 All payments are typically handled through a secure escrow account managed by a licensed third-party provider or the agency itself. This ensures payments are timely, transparent, and reliable — you never have to worry about tracking them down.

Most importantly, nothing moves forward without mutual agreement and full legal protection for you.

Yes — as a surrogate, you will have a say in who you are matched with, and your comfort and preferences are a top priority throughout the process.

Before any legal contracts are signed, you will:

• ✅ Receive detailed information about the intended parents, including their background, values, lifestyle, and motivations for pursuing surrogacy.

• ✅ Have a video meeting (virtual interview) with the intended parents to see if you connect on a personal level and feel comfortable moving forward.

• ✅ Be encouraged to ask any questions you may have, and to express any preferences — such as religion, communication style, marital status, or geographic location.

Only when both you and the intended parents mutually agree to move forward will the match be finalized. You’ll then proceed with legal contracts, medical screening, and the rest of the surrogacy journey.

💬 Your voice matters. The process is built to ensure you feel respected, informed, and in control from the beginning.

Yes, taking hormone medications is a key part of the surrogacy process. These medications help prepare your uterus to receive and support the embryo. The protocol is carefully managed by your fertility doctor and tailored to your body’s needs.

💉 Why are hormone injections needed?

In gestational surrogacy, you’re not using your own egg. Your body needs to be “tricked” into thinking it’s preparing for a natural pregnancy, so your uterine lining becomes thick and ready to accept an embryo.
This is done through a carefully timed combination of estrogen and progesterone.

📅 Typical Medication Timeline:

1. Suppression Phase (optional):

   • Some protocols begin with birth control pills or Lupron to suppress your natural cycle.

   • Duration: ~1–2 weeks

2. Estrogen Phase:

   • You’ll begin estrogen pills or patches to grow your uterine lining.

   • You may also receive blood tests and ultrasounds to check lining thickness.

   • Duration: ~10–14 days

3. Progesterone Phase:

   • You’ll start progesterone injections (intramuscular) — typically in the upper outer buttock area.

   • These injections help stabilize the lining and mimic a natural post-ovulation cycle.

   • Duration: From embryo transfer until 10–12 weeks of pregnancy

💊 How are the medications administered?

• Estrogen: Pills, patches, or sometimes injections

• Progesterone: Usually oil-based intramuscular injections, once daily

• You may receive training or support from a nurse on how to do the injections safely

⚠️ Are there any side effects?

Some surrogates may experience:

• Bloating

• Mood swings

• Breast tenderness

• Injection site soreness

• Fatigue

These are usually mild and temporary. You’ll be monitored regularly, and any concerning symptoms should be reported immediately.

🤝 What support will I get?

• Your coordinator or nurse will walk you through the entire medication protocol

• You’ll have access to 24/7 medical support from the clinic

• If needed, emotional support is available to help with the mental stress of hormone therapy

💡 Important: The medication phase may seem overwhelming at first, but most surrogates find it manageable — especially with the right education, preparation, and support. You are never alone in this journey.

It’s common that the first embryo transfer may not result in a pregnancy. If that happens, don’t worry — you will not be blamed, and the journey continues with support from the medical team and agency.

Here’s what you can expect:

🟢 1. Multiple Transfer Attempts Are Included

• Most contracts allow for 2 to 3 embryo transfer attempts, sometimes more depending on the agreement.

• You will not have to go through the entire process from scratch; only the necessary medical steps will be repeated.

🟢 2. Your Body Will Be Given Time to Recover

• After a failed transfer, you’ll typically wait one or two menstrual cycles before trying again.

• This gives your body time to return to balance and increases the chances of a successful next attempt.

🟢 3. Additional Compensation May Apply

• You will still be compensated for the embryo transfer procedure, even if pregnancy isn’t achieved.

• Some agencies may offer a small bonus for completing a second or third transfer attempt, depending on your contract.

🟢 4. Emotional Support Is Available

• A failed transfer can be emotionally difficult. Counseling or support groups are often available through your agency if needed.

💡 All of this — including number of attempts, rest periods, and additional compensation — will be clearly outlined in your legal contract before you begin. You’ll never be left alone in the process.

In some cases, carrying twins may be possible, but it depends on medical evaluation and the fertility doctor’s recommendation. Your health and safety — as well as the babies’ — will always be the top priority.

✅ Twins (Double Embryo Transfer):

• If medically appropriate, and both you and the intended parents agree, the clinic may transfer two embryos in hopes of a twin pregnancy.

• However, many clinics today prefer single embryo transfers (SET) to reduce health risks.

• If you do carry twins, you may receive an additional compensation ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the agency and your contract.

❌ Triplets and Higher-Order Multiples:

• Triplet pregnancies are strongly discouraged or avoided due to serious medical risks for both the surrogate and the babies.

• In rare cases, a medical reduction procedure may be recommended to ensure safety.

💡 All decisions regarding embryo number, transfer protocol, and safety are made by the fertility doctor. You will always be fully informed and must give written consent before proceeding with any multiple embryo transfer.

Yes — many surrogates continue working during the pregnancy, especially in the early and mid stages. However, whether you can or should continue working depends on several factors, including your health, your job type, and what’s agreed upon in your legal contract.

⚖️ 1. Legal / Contractual Considerations

• Your surrogacy contract will address employment — including whether you can continue working, under what conditions, and what happens if you need to take medical leave.

• If your job involves heavy lifting, long hours, or exposure to stress or chemicals, the contract may limit or restrict your work activities.

• In the event that your doctor recommends bed rest or reduced activity, your contract may entitle you to lost wage compensation.

• Some agencies require that surrogates do not take on new full-time work during key parts of the pregnancy.

🩺 2. Medical Guidance

• If your pregnancy is healthy and low-risk, your fertility doctor or OB will usually allow you to continue working with minor restrictions.

• You may be asked to avoid physically demanding tasks, extended standing, or travel late in pregnancy.

• If you are carrying twins, or have a history of pregnancy complications, your doctor may recommend reducing your work hours or stopping altogether.

🧠 3. Psychological and Emotional Considerations

• Continuing to work can provide a sense of routine, independence, and emotional balance during pregnancy.

• However, if your job is high-stress, you may feel added emotional or physical fatigue during surrogacy.

• Agencies often recommend checking in regularly with a counselor or coordinator to help manage the mental and emotional load of balancing work and a surrogate pregnancy.

💡 Summary:
You may continue working as long as it’s safe for you and the baby, and as long as it’s permitted in your contract. Your health, job nature, and medical team’s input will guide the final decision. And remember — your well-being always comes first.

Once you become pregnant as a surrogate, you are legally and ethically obligated to carry the pregnancy to term, unless your health or life is at serious risk. This is not only a moral commitment, but a formal legal responsibility under California law and your signed surrogacy contract.

⚖️ 1. Legal and Contractual Obligations

• Before embryo transfer, you and the intended parents sign a legally binding surrogacy agreement prepared by licensed attorneys.

• This contract defines your role, rights, responsibilities, medical plans, and compensation structure.

• Once pregnancy is confirmed, you are contractually obligated to continue the pregnancy, except in specific medically-approved circumstances.

• Breaking the contract without cause may expose you to legal liability, including repayment of expenses already incurred (e.g., medication, medical procedures, legal fees, etc.).

🧭 2. Ethical Responsibility

• Surrogacy is built on trust — the intended parents often have no other way to start a family.

• Changing your mind after pregnancy can result in deep emotional harm to the intended parents, especially if they’ve used donor gametes or have no remaining embryos.

• Agencies and professionals help ensure you understand the ethical weight of this role before proceeding.

🩺 3. Medical Risks of Early Termination

• Electing to terminate a healthy pregnancy without medical cause is considered unethical and medically inappropriate under most programs.

• If your health or life is genuinely at risk, your doctor may recommend termination as a medical necessity, in which case you would not be held legally or financially responsible.

💰 4. Financial Consequences (If Any)

• If you intentionally breach the contract (e.g., stop cooperation, refuse prenatal care, or choose to terminate the pregnancy without medical indication), you may be required to:

  • Return compensation already received

  • Reimburse costs paid by the intended parents

  • Face potential legal action depending on state law and court decision

✅ 5. Exceptions Where No Liability Applies

There are rare and valid reasons a surrogate might not complete the journey without legal or financial penalties, including:

• A medically advised termination of pregnancy

• Miscarriage or failed pregnancy (not your fault)

• Life-threatening complications diagnosed by the OB/MFM specialist

• Other events beyond your control (e.g., uterine rupture, emergency C-section requiring early delivery)

💡 In summary:
Surrogacy is a deeply serious commitment. While you have bodily autonomy, once pregnant, you are under legal and ethical obligation to protect the health and success of the pregnancy for the intended parents — unless your own safety is at stake. That’s why thorough legal and psychological screening is required before anything begins.

It depends — the level of contact after delivery is entirely based on mutual agreement between you and the intended parents. Some surrogates develop strong, lifelong bonds with the families they help; others prefer privacy after birth. Both are perfectly valid and respected.

🤝 Common Types of Post-Birth Relationships:

1. Ongoing Communication (Friendship-style)

• You and the intended parents may choose to stay in touch regularly via text, email, or social media.

• Some even visit each other yearly, or involve the surrogate in future milestones (e.g., birthdays).

• Example: “Sarah receives Christmas cards and baby photos from the parents every year and occasionally video chats with them.”

2. Periodic Updates Only

• Some families and surrogates agree to limited contact, such as:

  • A few photos or messages each year

  • A short update after the baby reaches certain milestones (e.g., 1 year old, first steps)

• Example: “Lisa gets an email with baby photos once a year, which makes her feel proud but not too emotionally attached.”

3. No Ongoing Contact

• In some cases, both parties agree to no contact after birth, except for legal formalities.

• This is more common when the surrogate prefers to move on emotionally, or when cultural/language differences create distance.

• Example: “Emily chose to part ways after delivery, feeling content knowing she helped a family without needing a long-term relationship.”

📝 How Is This Decided?

• Your preferred level of contact is discussed during the matching process and formally included in the surrogacy contract.

• If either party requests to change the arrangement after birth, this can be discussed respectfully — but no one is obligated beyond what is agreed.

• Some agencies also offer post-birth counseling or mediation if there are emotional needs to address after delivery.

💡 Every journey is unique. Whether you form a lifelong bond or simply part ways peacefully, your contribution is meaningful and deeply appreciated.

You can start by reaching out to us via email to ask questions or schedule an online consultation. If you’re ready, you may also fill out our online application form.

After we receive your application, you’ll go through a pre-screening process, followed by interviews, a medical evaluation, and legal consultation. Once approved, we’ll begin the process of matching you with intended parents.