Surrogacy in California

California is widely regarded as one of the most surrogacy-friendly states, offering clear legal protections and a supportive framework for both intended parents and surrogates alike. By partnering with a trusted agency like Hatch, you can feel confident knowing your surrogacy journey is secure, expertly managed, and fully supported. Whether you’re located in California or hoping to match with a surrogate here, Hatch’s experienced team guides you through every step — from thorough screening and personalized matching to legal guidance and seamless clinic coordination.

Become a Surrogate in California ➜

Find a Surrogate in California ➜

Surrogacy Laws in California

Gestational surrogacy is legal in the state of California.

California has recognized and supported gestational surrogacy for many years, making it possible for women living in the state to become surrogates and for intended parents to use surrogacy to grow their families. California law recognizes gestational surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation, making it one of the most supportive states for those seeking to build a family through assisted reproduction. This progressive approach makes California a trusted and welcoming destination for surrogacy.

Inclusivity

The state’s inclusive laws ensure that single parents by choice and LGBTQ+ families have equal access to surrogacy, with strong protections against discrimination.

Requirements

California requires that both intended parents and surrogates have independent legal representation and a written surrogacy agreement in place before beginning the process. At Hatch, we connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in reproductive and family law, so you can feel confident and protected every step of the way.

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California Surrogacy Requirements

At Hatch, we follow California’s surrogacy guidelines to ensure the journey is safe, legal, and rewarding for everyone involved. Our surrogates are carefully screened and supported every step of the way, so you can feel confident you’re in caring and experienced hands.

Intended Parent Requirements ➜

Surrogate Requirements ➜

How Hatch Works

At Hatch, we bring intended parents and compassionate surrogates together, guiding every step of the surrogacy journey with care and expertise. As a leading third-party surrogacy agency, we handle every detail—from matching and legal support to medical coordination—so you can focus on what matters most: building your family.

Benefits of Working with Hatch

Experience You Can Trust

Hatch was the first egg donation and one of the first surrogacy agencies in the United States. Since 1991, we’ve been a part of thousands of happy healthy births and serve parents in over 50 countries.

Agency + Clinic

Hatch is partnered with Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles to provide physician oversight and meet the medical needs of our Intended Parents and Surrogates.

Personal Connection to Surrogacy

Our team is comprised of many parents who have had their children through surrogacy as well as current and former surrogates.

Guided Journey

Whether you’re an Intended Parent, Surrogate, or Egg Donor, we guide you through every step of the way, coordinating screening, matching, and everything medical, financial, and legal.

Careful Screening

All Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors go through medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening to ensure the health and safety of all parties.

Thoughtful Matching

We match Intended Parents with donors and surrogates based on preference, communication style, location, personality, and more, and we don’t move forward with matches unless all parties agree.

Cities We Serve in California

Hatch proudly supports intended parents and surrogates across the entire state of California.

With our partner clinic, Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA), which has two convenient locations, coordinating the early stages of surrogacy, including IVF, is simple and seamless.

Intended parents are welcome to work with any fertility clinic they choose, and surrogates typically receive OB care close to home, with all travel expenses covered.

To provide added peace of mind, Hatch offers the Peace of Mind Program, one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive surrogacy package in the U.S. This exclusive program covers unlimited egg retrievals when using donor eggs, embryo transfers, and surrogate matches until a live birth, helping families plan their journey with total confidence.

We proudly support families and surrogates in cities including:

Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
Sacramento
San Jose
Fresno
Long Beach
Bakersfield

If you reside in California and don’t see your city listed above, don’t worry — Hatch proudly supports families and surrogates across the entire state.

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FAQs about California Surrogacy

Is surrogacy legal in California?

Yes, surrogacy is fully legal and well-supported in California. The state has clear laws that protect both intended parents and surrogates, making it one of the most surrogacy-friendly places in the country.

Who can become a surrogate in California?

Women who are healthy, have had at least one uncomplicated pregnancy, and meet specific medical and psychological criteria can apply to become surrogates in California. At Hatch, we guide you through the screening process to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

Can intended parents from another state or country use a California surrogate?

Absolutely. California welcomes intended parents from across the U.S. and around the world. Our team at Hatch is experienced in managing journeys for families no matter where they live.

How do legal agreements work in California surrogacy?

California law requires a legal contract between the surrogate and intended parents before any medical procedures begin. Hatch connects you with experienced attorneys to make sure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clearly outlined and protected.

Does Hatch have surrogates in California?

Yes, Hatch has a wide network of experienced and caring surrogates throughout California. We carefully match intended parents with surrogates based on shared values and preferences to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Which fertility clinics do you work with in California?

Hatch partners with some of California’s leading fertility clinics. We’re here to help you choose the clinic that best fits your needs and coordinate every step of your journey.

How does Hatch support California surrogates and parents during the process?

From your first inquiry through delivery and beyond, Hatch provides personalized guidance, emotional support, and expert resources. You’ll never walk this journey alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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