Surrogacy in California: A Comprehensive Guide

Gestational carriers undergo IVF treatment to achieve pregnancy and is not genetically related to the child they carry. An embryo created by the intended parents is transferred into the surrogate's uterus by a reproductive endocrinologist. This is a low-impact procedure that doesn't require pain relief or anesthesia. Pregnancy is confirmed by blood test around 10 days after transfer.

Surrogacy law is complex and can differ from state to state in the US. For example, California is a highly surrogacy-friendly state, but others, such as Nebraska and Louisiana, are not. At Hatch, we only accept candidates from surrogacy friendly states and work with third party attorneys to ensure a smooth journey.

The matching process varies but it typically takes an average of three months. Our matching coordinators at Hatch work closely with you to understand your wants and needs so we can recommend the most compatible matches.

With any pregnancy, there is a certain amount of physical, emotional, or mental risks. Fortunately, additional risks for negative effects are very rare for surrogates. Most women talk about how much they enjoyed the experience and want to do it again after completing a surrogacy journey.

Our screening process is designed to best prepare you for the journey ahead. After getting to know you through an initial screening call, your surrogate coordinator will take an in-depth review of your health history, personal background, and answer any questions you may have around this exciting time, and educate you on what to expect throughout this journey.

Gestational surrogacy is the process of implanting a fertilized embryo in a gestational carrier, who shares no genetic relationship to the child but carries the baby to term. This is the type of surrogacy we facilitate at our agency. During traditional surrogacy, the gestational carrier undergoes artificial insemination and is genetically related to the child.

If you’re looking to be part of the premiere egg donor and surrogate agency in the country, look no further than Hatch. In our 30 years of operation, we’ve established a reputation for creating best practices in the field and a network of the top fertility centers and medical clinics in the nation. As a surrogate at Hatch, you’ll receive full support from everyone, from knowledgeable, empathetic referred doctors to staff members—including those who have been surrogates themselves— available to answer any question. You’ll receive education, reminders, and support throughout your journey, and your coordinator is only one text away. The Hatch team is like a friend that listens, and a professional you trust. We genuinely care for your well-being, and you’ll receive the support you need when you need it. We have been known to go the extra mile for our surrogate family, from delivering needed medications in a true emergency to providing assurances at three in the morning when urgent concerns arise.

Surrogate pay is calculated from a variety of factors, including the surrogate’s state of residency, past surrogacy experience, lost wages, child care needs, and more. For first-time surrogates living in California, your base pay will be no less than $66,100 with additional support gifts from your agency. However, for first-time surrogates outside of California, your base pay starts at $61,100, no matter what state you reside in to offset added travel costs for the intended parents. You will be provided with comprehensive compensation and benefits throughout your surrogacy journey at Hatch.

Learn about surrogate pay at hatch ➜

If surrogacy with Hatch interests you, please fill out our online application. After your application has been received and reviewed, our surrogacy specialists will reach out with your next steps through the contact information provided.

Your health is the most important part of the surrogacy journey. Because of this, you must comply with certain IVF doctor requirements including age, BMI, previous uncomplicated pregnancies, and good physical and mental health history. Laws for surrogacy vary from state to state, so your place of residency may also impact your eligibility. To learn specifics about the surrogacy requirements, visit our Surrogate Requirements & Qualifications.

No. If you’re not sure if you have medical insurance coverage, Hatch refers to insurance experts who will investigate if your plan covers surrogacy. If your insurance plan does cover surrogacy, your intended parents will pay for your portion of the premium costs while using your policy for the surrogacy, as well as any copays, deductibles, and uncovered surrogacy medical expenses. If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry--your team at Hatch will work with an insurance expert to find a plan that covers you and your intended parents will cover any necessary costs.

Some STIs/STDs may disqualify you from the surrogacy process, including HIV and Hepatitis. Other diseases such as genital warts, or past treated and cured STIs, such as chlamydia, may not disqualify you. To learn more about your candidacy for surrogacy, please reach out to the Hatch team with specifics surrounding your concerns. Please bear in mind that single surrogates will be restricted from engaging in physical intimacy with unscreened partners. If your relationship status changes, please notify your coordinator in advance of intimacy so they can work with you to ensure your health and safety for the surrogate pregnancy.

Yes, absolutely! You and the intended parents will both have the opportunity to opt-in or opt-out of the surrogacy-intended parent match, and you will always have the opportunity to meet your intended parents via video conference before solidifying the match, and can continue to meet in-person or virtually throughout the journey together. If you both feel good about the match and decide to proceed together, we encourage you to stay in open communication throughout the surrogacy process. The best part of being a surrogate is interacting with the parents and seeing their joy and excitement.

Note: We do not facilitate anonymous surrogacies.

Nope! Your journey will be fully covered by your intended parents. You will receive allowances to cover everyday expenses during the cycle and pregnancy. We do recommend keeping your receipts if you do have to pay any small out of pocket costs such as parking, to submit for reimbursement. This is not meant to be an out-of-pocket expense for you.

The surrogacy process can be emotional and exhausting for the intended parents and surrogate, and there may be many difficult conversations. Understanding the challenges of coordinating independent surrogacy for everyone involved is essential, including the location and coordination of medical services, higher attorney fees, and lack of emotional support throughout the surrogacy process. Because of this, pursuing surrogacy without an agency is generally more challenging. Intended parents must consider their comfort level with the surrogacy journey. Please look over your relationships and support systems for the intended parents and surrogates before deciding whom to choose for support.