Surrogacy in California
California is different — and that difference matters. Surrogacy in California offers intended parents and surrogates the nation’s most predictable legal system, advanced IVF options, and world-class logistics for families from across the U.S. and abroad. At Ivy Surrogacy, based in California, we coordinate the medical, legal, and emotional details so your journey runs smoothly from start to finish.
About Surrogacy in California
1. The most protective, predictable legal system — more than just PBOs
Pre-Birth Orders (PBO) are routine across California courts, allowing intended parents to be listed on the initial birth certificate.
Hospitals widely accept notarized POA (Power of Attorney) for newborn discharge when parents can’t be physically present — a policy only a few states support.
Inclusive for all families: married, unmarried, single, or LGBTQ+ parents are equally protected.
No genetic link required: even when using both donor sperm and donor eggs, California courts still recognize the intended parents’ legal rights.
Reproductive autonomy: compared with more conservative states, California offers greater flexibility when medical complications require sensitive decisions.
✅ Bottom line: California gives intended parents clear, preemptive legal protection — even if they can’t be present or share genetics with the baby.
2. The most advanced IVF ecosystem — more options, faster timelines
California is home to the highest concentration of fertility clinics in the U.S., which means more choice and better efficiency for patients.
Diverse treatment protocols: from conventional stimulation to Mini-IVF, you’ll find specialists for every medical situation.
(Related reading: Mini-IVF Explained)
Transparent package pricing: many clinics offer fixed-rate or multi-cycle packages, reducing financial uncertainty.
Faster timelines: clinic competition drives shorter wait times and faster responses — crucial for international or out-of-state families.
💡 In California, you’re not adapting to one clinic’s limits — you’re choosing from the best of an entire ecosystem.
3. Higher Agency Standards — Driven by Healthy Competition
California hosts hundreds of surrogacy and egg donation agencies, creating a highly competitive market.
This competition raises service quality and transparency, giving intended parents more protection and better experiences.
Most reputable agencies here charge only after matching, while agencies outside California almost never follow this model.
Ivy Surrogacy goes even further: we charge our agency fee only after the surrogate passes both medical and psychological screenings — removing early-stage risks for intended parents.
4. The largest surrogate pool in the U.S.
California consistently has more qualified surrogates than any other state.
That means:
Faster matching for intended parents
More flexibility in matching preferences
Stronger peer support among experienced surrogates
5. Global accessibility — direct flights and local consulates
Two major international airports (LAX & SFO) connect directly to Asia, Europe, and Latin America, simplifying travel for egg retrievals, embryo transfers, or delivery.
Multiple foreign consulates are located in California, allowing international parents to process newborn travel documents locally.
Example: China operates consulates in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
6. A lifestyle advantage few states can match
Mild weather, multicultural neighborhoods, international supermarkets, and diverse cuisines.
Excellent short-term accommodations, professional nannies, and postpartum care options.
Family-friendly attractions — beaches, Disneyland, Yosemite, Napa Valley — make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
For Intended Parents
Can out-of-state or international families pursue surrogacy in California?
Absolutely.
You don’t have to live in California to complete a surrogacy journey here. Families from all over the U.S. — and from abroad — choose California for its legal clarity and world-class fertility network.
Even if you can’t travel to the U.S. right away, you can:
Legally ship your sperm, eggs, or embryos to a California clinic for IVF and surrogacy.
Complete your agreements, escrow, and PBO remotely with digital documentation.
Related reading: International Embryo Transport and IVF Coordination
Surrogacy Cost in California
Understanding surrogacy costs means looking beyond a single number.
In California, total expenses depend on medical needs, whether embryos are already available, and if egg donation is required.
1️⃣ The Surrogacy Journey (~$150,000 on average)
If embryos are ready for transfer, the surrogacy portion—covering the agency fee, surrogate compensation, legal and escrow services, and health insurance—averages about $150,000.
This includes everything from matching and contracts to pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.
2️⃣ IVF and Embryo Creation (~$40,000 on average)
If embryos still need to be created, plan for about $40,000 in IVF expenses, including stimulation, retrieval, embryo culture, transfer, and optional genetic testing (PGT-A).
3️⃣ Egg Donation (if applicable, ~$30,000+)
If an egg donor is needed, expect to add around $30,000 or more for donor coordination, compensation, legal work, and related expenses.
4️⃣ Putting It All Together
- Surrogacy only: ~$150,000
- Surrogacy + IVF: ~$180,000–$190,000
- Surrogacy + IVF + Egg Donation: ~$220,000+
💡 For detailed breakdowns and sample payment schedules, visit:
👉 Surrogacy Cost for Intended Parents →
👉 Egg Donation Cost Overview →
Surrogacy Process in California
Embarking on a surrogacy journey in California is a life-changing experience, supported by clear laws and a trusted framework that protect and guide intended parents every step of the way.
Here’s a concise overview of how the process typically unfolds:
1️⃣ Consultation & Preparation
The journey begins with a personal consultation to understand your goals, medical history, and timeline.
If embryos still need to be created, this stage also includes IVF and, if needed, egg donation. Once embryos are ready, we move forward to the matching phase.
2️⃣ Matching & Screening
We help you connect with qualified surrogates who meet your clinic’s and personal preferences.
After both parties agree, the surrogate completes comprehensive medical and psychological screenings to ensure readiness and safety for everyone involved.
3️⃣ Legal Agreements & Embryo Transfer
Following all screenings, both sides finalize the gestational carrier agreement with independent attorneys, as required under California law.
After legal clearance, the fertility clinic schedules the embryo transfer—marking the start of the pregnancy journey.
4️⃣ Pregnancy, Parentage Order & Delivery
Throughout pregnancy, Ivy coordinates communication, updates, and emotional support.
Your attorney files a Pre-Birth Order (PBO) so your legal parentage is confirmed before delivery.
At birth, Ivy assists with hospital coordination, ensuring a smooth, joyful, and well-prepared arrival of your baby.
💡 For a complete, step-by-step explanation of each stage, visit:
👉 Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents →
For Surrogates
California surrogates enjoy unique advantages that few other states can offer:
- Higher compensation: California surrogates typically receive the highest pay in the nation due to strong demand.
- Faster matching: Because most intended parents prefer California surrogates, matches happen faster.
- Convenient monitoring: The dense clinic network allows surrogates to complete outside monitoring appointments close to home.
(Related reading: Outside Monitoring Explained) - More agency options: a competitive market means surrogates can choose agencies that align with their values and lifestyle.
- Ivy’s unmatched support:
- 24/7 Round-the-Clock Support — real people available anytime to answer questions, coordinate appointments, and provide reassurance whenever you need it.
- Care Beyond Calls — we’re right there with you for medical screenings, embryo transfer, and delivery, offering in-person support, comfort, and appreciation every step of the way.
💖 At Ivy, we care for our surrogates as much as we care for our intended parents.
Surrogate Requirements in California
💪Surrogate Requirements in California
To become a surrogate in California, you must meet certain health, lifestyle, and family criteria designed to ensure safety and success for everyone involved.
✅ Be 21–38 years old
✅ Have delivered at least one healthy child
✅ No more than 2 C-sections or 5 total births
✅ BMI of 32 or below (Use our BMI Calculator)
✅ U.S. citizen or permanent resident
✅ No tobacco or substance use
👉 View full surrogate requirements and eligibility details
Surrogate Pay in California
California offers some of the highest surrogate compensation packages in the United States, reflecting both the state’s strong surrogacy experience and its higher cost of living.
💰 Base compensation: $55,000–$85,000+
💵 Experienced surrogates may earn $100,000+
💼 Plus monthly allowances, maternity clothing, and milestone bonuses.
👉 View full details about surrogate pay, allowances, and frequently asked questions.
Local Resources
California’s surrogacy landscape varies slightly by region — and Ivy Surrogacy works statewide.
- Greater Los Angeles: most active surrogacy hub with experienced courts and hospitals.
- San Francisco Bay Area: home to leading IVF clinics with more stringent medical indications for surrogacy.
- San Diego: strong international support network and bilingual specialists.
🌎 Explore our upcoming city guides:
Surrogacy in Los Angeles • Surrogacy in San Diego • Surrogacy in the Bay Area
Surrogacy Across California
California Surrogacy FAQ
1. Is a medical necessity required to do surrogacy in California?
Not always. In Southern California, most IVF clinics do not require a medical necessity to proceed with surrogacy.
However, in Northern California, many IVF physicians do require a medical or clinical reason before approving a surrogacy cycle.
Your doctor will guide you based on their clinic’s policy and your individual health situation.
2. Do intended parents need a genetic link to obtain a PBO?
Not necessarily. California courts may issue a pre-birth order (PBO) even if the intended parents have no genetic connection, depending on the county and case specifics. Your ART attorney will advise on the best legal approach.
3. Do we need to live in California to do surrogacy here?
No. California law can apply as long as one part of the process—such as the contract signing, embryo transfer, or delivery—occurs within the state.
4. How long does a PBO take? Is a hearing required?
Most counties in California process pre-birth orders without a court hearing. Timing depends on the specific county and how complete the paperwork is.
5. Can a surrogate choose which intended parents to match with?
Yes. Matching at Ivy is mutual—both the surrogate and intended parents must agree before moving forward.
6. What happens if complications occur (bedrest, C-section, NICU)?
All related costs and support—such as lost wages, childcare, or medical coverage—are clearly outlined in the legal agreement and handled through the escrow or insurance policies. Ivy helps coordinate all communication and documentation.
7. How are surrogate payments structured?
Compensation typically includes a base payment, a monthly allowance, and additional milestone payments (e.g., medication start, heartbeat confirmation, delivery). All payments are managed through a licensed escrow or trust account.
8. When is the escrow or trust account closed?
After delivery and final reconciliations per the contract and escrow policies. This usually occurs within 6 to 12 months after birth, depending on outstanding medical or insurance claims.
9. Can international parents take the baby home soon after birth?
Yes. Once the birth certificate and U.S. passport are issued for the baby, international parents can typically return home. Processing times vary by local office and passport appointment availability.
10. Are LGBTQ+ and single intended parents fully protected in California?
Yes. California law is inclusive and protective of all family types. Single parents and LGBTQ+ individuals can pursue surrogacy with full legal recognition and access to pre-birth parentage orders.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Whether you're looking to become a surrogate or start your family through surrogacy, we're here to guide you every step of the way.