Questions About Surrogacy,
Answered With Care.
Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate, hoping to grow your family through gestational surrogacy, or exploring egg donation — you deserve honest, thorough answers. We put together everything intended parents and surrogates in Los Angeles and beyond ask us most, so you can move forward with confidence.
Surrogacy Basics
What is gestational surrogacy, and how is it different from traditional surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is the only form of surrogacy practiced today. An embryo created through IVF using the intended parents’ egg and sperm (or donor genetic material) is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate, sometimes called a gestational carrier, carries the pregnancy but has no genetic connection to the baby.
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, is rarely practiced anymore because of the legal and emotional complexities of the surrogate also being the biological mother. Every match through Los Angeles Surrogacy is gestational.
Is a surrogacy baby biologically related to the surrogate mother?
No. The egg of the intended mother (or an egg donor) is combined with the sperm of the intended father (or a sperm donor) and transferred to the surrogate for growth during pregnancy. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child — the baby will only resemble the intended parents or the donors of the egg and sperm. There is no transfer of DNA during pregnancy.
How does the surrogacy process actually work, step by step?
While every journey is personal, most surrogacy arrangements follow a similar path:
- Application and screening for surrogates, intended parents, or egg donors
- Matching based on shared expectations, values, and preferences
- Independent legal representation and a signed surrogacy agreement
- Medical clearance and the embryo transfer through IVF
- Ongoing support throughout the pregnancy
- Delivery, followed by the legal process to establish parentage
Your case manager walks with you through every one of these stages, so you’re never figuring it out alone.
How long does the surrogacy journey typically take from start to finish?
Most journeys take 12 to 18 months from application to birth. Matching typically takes one to three months, though it begins at your first consultation rather than after a waitlist. Legal and medical processes add two to three months, pregnancy confirmation usually occurs within one to three IVF cycles, and then a standard nine-month pregnancy.
Is surrogacy legal in California, and why do so many families work with a Los Angeles surrogacy agency?
Yes. California has one of the most established and surrogacy-friendly legal frameworks in the country, with clear statutes governing gestational surrogacy agreements and pre-birth parentage orders that name intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is even born.
That legal clarity, combined with Los Angeles’s concentration of top fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys, is exactly why so many domestic and international intended parents choose a Los Angeles surrogacy agency to guide their journey.
Becoming a Surrogate
What are the basic qualifications to become a surrogate?
If you meet these criteria, you’re likely a strong candidate to begin the surrogate journey:
- Between the ages of 20 and 39
- At least one successful, full-term pregnancy and delivery of your own, with no major complications
- A BMI generally at or below 32–33
- No use of nicotine, marijuana, illegal drugs, or anti-depressants in the past year
- A valid legal status — U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, or otherwise legally residing in the U.S.
- A stable home environment and a strong personal support system
- If married or partnered, your partner’s full support and permission
These requirements exist to protect your health, the health of the baby, and the wellbeing of the intended parents you’ll be helping.
What disqualifies someone from being a surrogate?
MEDICAL
- Age outside the 20–39 range
- Previous pregnancy or delivery complications
- More than 5 prior pregnancies or 3 C-sections
- BMI over 32–33
- Untreated or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disease
LIFESTYLE
- Smoking, or drug or alcohol use
- A criminal record or unstable living situation
- Lack of a personal support system
LEGAL
- Living in a state where surrogacy is not permitted
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
What does the surrogate screening and application process involve?
After your initial application, you’ll go through a thorough, compassionate screening designed to protect everyone involved:
- A review of your medical and pregnancy history
- A physical exam and clearance from a reproductive fertility clinic
- A psychological evaluation for you (and your partner, if applicable)
- A background check
- A home environment and support-system review
- A consultation with your own independent attorney before signing any agreement
It can feel like a lot, but each step exists to make sure surrogacy is genuinely the right fit for you — not just for the intended parents you’ll be matched with.
How many times can I be a surrogate?
A woman can typically be a surrogate three to five times, depending on medical guidelines and personal health. Fertility specialists often recommend a maximum of five pregnancies total, including your own children, to minimize health risks. Individual surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics may set their own limits as well.
Is becoming a surrogate risky, physically and emotionally?
Yes — and we believe you deserve an honest answer, not a sales pitch. Becoming a surrogate carries real risks, both medical and emotional, and it’s not a decision to make lightly.
MEDICAL
- Pregnancy complications
- Multiple births
- C-section risks
- Hormonal side effects
- Long-term health effects
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL RISKS
- Emotional bonding with the baby
- Conflicts with intended parents
- Postpartum depression
LEGAL & FINANCIAL RISKS
- Insufficient legal protections without proper contracts
- Insurance complications
We give every prospective surrogate a detailed account of these implications before you decide to move forward, and we work to structure the strongest possible legal and financial protections so you are never left to face hardship alone.
Will I need to travel as a surrogate?
Possibly. Embryo transfers usually happen at the intended parents’ fertility clinic, which may be in a different city, and delivery sometimes takes place near the intended parents’ home if they’re traveling to meet their baby. Any travel required of you is scheduled around your life, and all related travel costs are covered as part of your compensation package.
Compensation & Support
How much money does a surrogate make?
Surrogate compensation is not a one-size-fits-all paycheck. It varies based on your location, whether you have prior surrogacy experience (first-time surrogates can sometimes have an advantage), and personal factors like carrying multiples, needing a C-section, insurance coverage, medical fees, travel, maternity clothing, legal fees, and potential lost income once work is no longer possible later in pregnancy.
We believe in open, upfront communication about compensation from your very first conversation with us — reach out and we’ll walk you through what a realistic package looks like for your situation.
How and when do I actually get paid?
Compensation is typically paid in installments at prearranged milestones throughout your journey — not as one lump sum at the end. Most surrogates receive an initial payment upon signing the contract, followed by installments during fertility treatment and pregnancy, plus a monthly allowance. The final payment is made after the baby is born.
What expenses are covered during surrogacy, beyond base compensation?
Medical treatments, travel, and maternity clothing are just a few of the costs that come up over the course of a pregnancy. Intended parents typically cover these directly, and importantly, this is not subtracted from your base compensation — it’s in addition to it.
Do surrogates pay taxes on their compensation?
In most cases, base surrogate compensation is considered taxable income, while reimbursements for direct expenses (medical bills, travel, maternity clothing) generally are not. Every situation is different, so we strongly recommend speaking with a tax professional, and our legal team is available to help you understand exactly how your compensation package is structured.
Does a surrogate mother breastfeed the baby?
A surrogate mother usually does not breastfeed, though there are exceptions.
- Emotional & legal boundaries — breastfeeding can create an unintended emotional bond that most surrogacy contracts intend to prevent
- Intended parents’ role — many intended mothers choose to induce lactation or use donor milk instead
- Colostrum feeding — in some cases, a surrogate provides early colostrum for the baby’s immunity
- Pumping breast milk — some surrogates agree in advance to pump milk for the baby
What kind of emotional support will I receive as a surrogate?
You are never just a name on a contract to us. Surrogates have access to professional counseling, a dedicated case manager who checks in throughout your pregnancy, connections to other surrogates for peer support, and an on-call team you can reach with questions or concerns at any stage of the journey.
For Intended Parents
Who can become a parent through surrogacy with Los Angeles Surrogacy?
We welcome individuals from all walks of life. We proudly support all family structures and work with singles, couples, and LGBTQ+ intended parents, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status — domestically and internationally.
What are the requirements to become an intended parent?
Requirements are less rigid than for surrogates, but every intended parent goes through a thoughtful process that typically includes a medical consultation confirming the need for a gestational carrier, a background check, a financial readiness review to ensure program costs can be covered, a psychological readiness consultation, and independent legal counsel before matching begins.
How are intended parents matched with a surrogate?
Matching begins with the Matching Suite, where you can review profiles of surrogates currently available. Beyond the medical and logistical basics, the questions that matter most are about expectations: how much contact you each want during the pregnancy, how medical decisions get made, and what the relationship looks like after birth. Some matches become close relationships and some stay respectfully professional — both work, as long as both parties want the same thing. We arrange a meet-and-greet once there is mutual interest, and move to medical and legal steps only after a matching agreement both sides are comfortable with.
What is the total cost of surrogacy, and what does it include?
Total surrogacy costs generally include agency fees, surrogate compensation and reimbursements, legal fees for both parties, IVF and medical costs, escrow account management, and insurance. Because every journey — and every state’s legal requirements — is different, we provide a personalized, itemized cost breakdown during your consultation rather than a generic number.
Can intended parents be involved during the pregnancy and delivery?
As involved as you and your surrogate agree to be, and that varies widely. Some intended parents attend every appointment; others prefer updates after each one. Neither is unusual and neither is discouraged. What matters is that you and your surrogate want the same level of contact, which is why it is discussed explicitly during matching rather than assumed.
Egg Donation
What is egg donation, and how is it different from surrogacy?
Egg donation involves the retrieval and generous contribution of a woman’s eggs, which are the reproductive cells that become an embryo once fertilized. Unlike a surrogate, an egg donor does not carry the pregnancy and is not the gestational carrier — her role ends once the eggs are retrieved.
What are the requirements to become an egg donor?
Egg donor candidates are generally young, in good physical and mental health, non-smokers with a regular menstrual cycle, and free of significant personal or family history of genetic or reproductive health conditions. Every applicant goes through medical and psychological screening before being approved to donate.
How is egg donor compensation determined?
Egg donor compensation varies based on your donation experience, location, personal characteristics such as education, and the specific preferences of the intended parents you’re matched with. We discuss the full details of what you can expect to earn once your application has been reviewed.
Is the egg donation process safe?
Egg donation involves a monitored hormone stimulation cycle with regular fertility clinic checkups, followed by a retrieval procedure performed under sedation. Some donors experience mild, short-term side effects like bloating or cramping. Your medical team walks you through every step and every possible side effect before you begin.
Will an egg donor have any legal or parental rights to the resulting child?
No. As an egg donor, you legally relinquish all parental rights through a signed legal agreement before the donation process begins, ensuring the intended parents hold full legal parentage of any resulting child.
Legal & Inclusivity
What legal protections exist for surrogates and intended parents?
Both surrogates and intended parents are represented by their own independent attorneys — never the same lawyer — to ensure each party’s interests are protected. Your surrogacy agreement spells out compensation, medical decision-making authority, and contingency plans in detail, and in surrogacy-friendly states like California, pre-birth parentage orders establish the intended parents’ legal parentage before the baby is even born.
Is international surrogacy possible with a Los Angeles-based agency?
Yes. Hope shouldn’t know borders. For intended parents outside the United States, we facilitate the safe, seamless transport of genetic material and coordinate the logistics of a surrogate traveling, if needed, along with guidance on establishing legal parentage recognized in your home country. Distance is never a barrier to building your family.
Does Los Angeles Surrogacy support LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples?
Absolutely. We embrace and celebrate diversity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Every family structure is respected here, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status — because everyone deserves the chance to build the family they envision.
What happens if a surrogate or intended parent wants to back out during the process?
Every signed surrogacy agreement includes contingency clauses that address exactly this possibility, and our team and your independent attorneys step in to mediate if it happens. More importantly, our matching process is designed to align expectations upfront — through honest conversations about medical decisions, communication, and boundaries — so this is rare.
What questions should I ask before committing to surrogacy?
BEFORE COMMITING
- What are the medical requirements and risks for surrogacy?
- What compensation, benefits, and reimbursements are provided?
- What legal protections exist for surrogates in my state?
- Will I need to travel for medical procedures or delivery?
- How does health insurance coverage work for surrogacy?
WHEN MEETING WITH INTENDED PARENTS OR A SURROGATE
- What level of communication and involvement is expected during pregnancy?
- What are your views on medical decisions, such as a C-section or selective reduction?
- What are the expectations around lifestyle, diet, and medical care?
- Will you be involved in the birth and post-delivery care?
- How will we handle unexpected medical or personal issues along the way?
Your surrogacy agency should walk you through all of this in far more detail, so you make your decision with full awareness of what it involves.
How do I get started with Los Angeles Surrogacy?
Start by submitting an application as a surrogate, intended parent, or egg donor. From there, you’ll have an initial screening call and be paired with a dedicated case manager who guides you through every remaining step — medical, legal, and emotional — for as long as your journey takes.
The Matching Suite
What is the Matching Suite?
The Matching Suite is a private directory where intended parents can browse profiles of screened surrogates currently working with Los Angeles Surrogacy. Rather than waiting to be presented with one candidate at a time, you can review who is actually available, filter by what matters to you, and indicate interest directly. It’s the practical expression of having a large roster: choice you can see rather than choice you’re told about.
Can I see surrogate profiles before committing to an agency?
Yes. Access to the Matching Suite begins at your consultation, so you can see the real roster before making a decision. Most agencies ask you to sign and pay first, then show you who’s available — which makes it difficult to judge whether their pool actually fits what you’re looking for.
Is there a waitlist to be matched with a surrogate?
No. Los Angeles Surrogacy has never placed an intended parent on a waitlist. Because of the size of the surrogate roster, you can begin reviewing candidates from your first consultation. Matching itself takes as long as finding the right fit takes — typically one to three months — but there is no queue to begin.
How long does matching usually take?
Most intended parents are reviewing surrogate profiles within days of their consultation, and most matches are made within one to three months. The variables are how specific your preferences are, whether you’re open to a surrogate in another state, and how quickly both sides move through the meet-and-greet stage.
What happens if the first match doesn't work out?
You return to matching, and you don’t start over from the back of any line. Matches occasionally don’t proceed — a medical clearance doesn’t come through, or the meet-and-greet makes clear that expectations differ. Because the roster is large and continuously replenished, re-matching typically happens quickly.
Can I match with a surrogate in a different state?
Yes, and many families do. Los Angeles Surrogacy works with surrogates across multiple states, which widens your pool considerably. Your surrogate’s home state determines some of the legal process and where delivery takes place; we walk through those implications before you commit to a match.
Cost & Payment
How much does surrogacy cost in California?
Total costs for a surrogacy journey in California generally fall in a broad range depending on the specifics of your case, and include agency fees, surrogate compensation and reimbursements, IVF and medical costs, legal fees for both parties, escrow management, and insurance. We provide an itemized breakdown during consultation rather than a headline number, because the honest answer depends on factors specific to you — whether you need an egg donor, your insurance situation, and whether the journey requires more than one transfer.
What's included in the agency fee, specifically?
The agency fee covers surrogate recruitment and screening, matching, journey management from match through delivery, coordination between your clinic, attorneys, and escrow, and support for your surrogate throughout. It does not cover surrogate compensation, medical costs, legal fees, or insurance — those are separate line items paid through escrow.
When are payments due across the journey?
Costs are spread across the journey rather than paid upfront. Typically an initial agency payment at signing, escrow funding before the legal agreements are executed, medical costs as they’re incurred, and surrogate compensation paid in installments at defined milestones through the pregnancy. You’ll see a full payment schedule before committing.
What happens to money in escrow if the journey ends early?
Unused escrow funds are returned to you. Escrow is managed by an independent third party, not by the agency, and disbursements happen only at contractually defined milestones. Your surrogacy agreement specifies exactly what is owed if a journey ends at each stage.
Does insurance cover surrogacy?
Sometimes partially, and it requires review. Some surrogates carry policies that cover a surrogate pregnancy; many exclude it explicitly. We review your surrogate’s coverage before matching is finalized, and where a policy excludes surrogacy, a separate surrogacy-specific policy is obtained and budgeted as its own line item.
Are there financing options for surrogacy?
Yes. Several lenders specialize in fertility and surrogacy financing, and some families use home equity, retirement borrowing, or grant programs. We can point you toward the options families commonly use, though we don’t provide financing directly or receive compensation for referrals.
International Intended Parents
Do I have to travel to the United States to begin?
No. Consultations, Matching Suite access, matching, and most legal and medical planning happen remotely. Most international families make their first trip for the embryo transfer or later, and some not until closer to delivery.
How do my embryos get to the United States?
Through a coordinated clinic-to-clinic transfer that we manage. Your current clinic releases the material, a specialized cryoshipping courier transports it in a validated container, and your US clinic receives it after the required screening and documentation. We handle the coordination between both clinics rather than leaving you to broker it.
What if my embryos have been stored abroad for years?
That’s common and workable. Long-stored embryos generally transport fine; what usually needs attention is the paperwork — original consent forms, the storage facility’s release process, and whether the screening on file meets current US clinic requirements. If your original clinic has closed or changed ownership, we’ve worked through that too.
Will my child be a US citizen?
A child born in the United States is a US citizen by birth, regardless of the parents’ nationality. Whether your child also holds your citizenship depends on your home country’s laws, which is one reason we recommend engaging counsel in your own country early rather than after birth.
How do I bring my baby home?
After birth you’ll need a US birth certificate, a US passport for your child, and whatever documentation your home country requires for entry and recognition of parentage. Processing takes a few weeks, so plan to remain in the US for a period after delivery. We coordinate the timeline and tell you what to expect at each step.
Will my home country recognize me as the legal parent?
It depends entirely on your country, and it’s the question to resolve before you begin rather than after. Some countries recognize a US parentage order directly; others require adoption or a separate process after you return. We work alongside counsel in your home country so the US legal work is structured to support whatever your country will require.
Do you work with families who don't speak English?
Yes. We coordinate with multilingual attorneys and can arrange interpretation for consultations, medical appointments, and legal review. Working in your own language for the legal documents specifically is something we’d encourage rather than treat as an accommodation.
Private Client Services
What is Private Client Services and who is it for?
Private Client Services is an enhanced-privacy version of the standard journey, for families where disclosure carries real cost — a public profile, a business sensitivity, a security consideration, or a strong preference for keeping this part of life private. It adds contractual non-disclosure with every party, legal coordination aimed at minimizing the public record, and the option to run the journey through your own staff.
How is confidentiality actually enforced?
Through signed agreements rather than assurances. Every party who could learn identifying information — your surrogate, journey manager, clinic staff, and vendors — signs a non-disclosure agreement before receiving it. Information flows through a single named contact and a defined approval list.
Can our chief of staff or family office manage this instead of us?
Yes, and that’s a common arrangement. We can work primarily through your staff, at whatever level of direct involvement you prefer, including arrangements where day-to-day coordination never reaches you.
Does a private journey take longer?
No. The privacy protections run in parallel with the standard process rather than adding steps to it. The one place to plan ahead is the parentage filing, which is structured from the beginning rather than addressed near delivery.
Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
What should I look for in a surrogacy agency?
Four things worth more than the rest: how many screened surrogates they actually have available right now, whether you can see profiles before signing, who holds and disburses your money, and what happens if a match falls through. Ask for specifics on each. An agency that answers in adjectives rather than numbers is telling you something.
What questions should I ask before signing with an agency?
Ask these eight, and write down the answers so you can compare agencies side by side:
- How many surrogates are available for matching today, and can I see them?
- Is there a waitlist, and if so, how long is it currently?
- What is your average time from signing to match?
- Who holds funds in escrow, and is it independent of the agency?
- What is refundable, and at which stages?
- What happens if a match doesn’t proceed — do I re-enter matching immediately?
- Who is my point of contact, and how many other journeys are they managing?
- Which states do you work in, and how does that affect my journey?
Is it cheaper to do an independent surrogacy journey without an agency?
Often yes on paper, and the savings are real — agency fees are a significant line item. What you take on in exchange is finding and screening a surrogate yourself, coordinating clinics, attorneys, escrow, and insurance, and managing the relationship directly when something goes wrong. Independent journeys work best for families who already have a surrogate in mind, often a friend or relative, and who have the time and appetite to project-manage the rest.
What are the warning signs of a bad surrogacy agency?
Pressure to sign before you’ve seen any surrogate profiles. Agency-controlled escrow rather than independent. Vague answers about how many surrogates are actually available. Unwillingness to put timelines in writing. No clear policy on what happens if a match falls through. And any agency that discourages you from having your own independent attorney.
Does it matter which state my agency is in?
It matters less than which state your surrogate is in. Surrogacy law is state law, and states vary considerably — some have clear statutes and allow pre-birth parentage orders, others are restrictive or unsettled. An agency working across multiple states can match you with a surrogate in a favorable jurisdiction rather than being limited to one state’s pool and one state’s law.
How do I know if an agency's surrogates are properly screened?
Ask what screening includes and at what point it happens. A complete process covers medical records review, a fertility clinic physical, psychological evaluation, background check, and a home and support-system assessment — completed before a surrogate appears as available, not after you’ve matched. Ask what percentage of applicants are approved; a very high rate suggests thin screening.
Surrogacy Basics
What is gestational surrogacy, and how is it different from traditional surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is the only form of surrogacy practiced today. An embryo created through IVF using the intended parents’ egg and sperm (or donor genetic material) is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate, sometimes called a gestational carrier, carries the pregnancy but has no genetic connection to the baby.
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, is rarely practiced anymore because of the legal and emotional complexities of the surrogate also being the biological mother. Every match through Los Angeles Surrogacy is gestational.
Is a surrogacy baby biologically related to the surrogate mother?
No. The egg of the intended mother (or an egg donor) is combined with the sperm of the intended father (or a sperm donor) and transferred to the surrogate for growth during pregnancy. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child — the baby will only resemble the intended parents or the donors of the egg and sperm. There is no transfer of DNA during pregnancy.
How does the surrogacy process actually work, step by step?
While every journey is personal, most surrogacy arrangements follow a similar path:
- Application and screening for surrogates, intended parents, or egg donors
- Matching based on shared expectations, values, and preferences
- Independent legal representation and a signed surrogacy agreement
- Medical clearance and the embryo transfer through IVF
- Ongoing support throughout the pregnancy
- Delivery, followed by the legal process to establish parentage
Your case manager walks with you through every one of these stages, so you’re never figuring it out alone.
How long does the surrogacy journey typically take from start to finish?
Most journeys take 12 to 18 months from application to birth. Matching with the right surrogate or intended parent usually takes one to three months, medical clearance and legal contracts add another two to three months, and a confirmed pregnancy typically follows within one to three IVF cycles. From there, it’s a standard nine-month pregnancy. Timelines vary based on medical factors, matching preferences, and legal requirements in your state.
Is surrogacy legal in California, and why do so many families work with a Los Angeles surrogacy agency?
Yes. California has one of the most established and surrogacy-friendly legal frameworks in the country, with clear statutes governing gestational surrogacy agreements and pre-birth parentage orders that name intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is even born.
That legal clarity, combined with Los Angeles’s concentration of top fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys, is exactly why so many domestic and international intended parents choose a Los Angeles surrogacy agency to guide their journey.
Becoming a Surrogate
What are the basic qualifications to become a surrogate?
If you meet these criteria, you’re likely a strong candidate to begin the surrogate journey:
- Between the ages of 20 and 39
- At least one successful, full-term pregnancy and delivery of your own, with no major complications
- A BMI generally at or below 32–33
- No use of nicotine, marijuana, illegal drugs, or anti-depressants in the past year
- A valid legal status — U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, or otherwise legally residing in the U.S.
- A stable home environment and a strong personal support system
- If married or partnered, your partner’s full support and permission
These requirements exist to protect your health, the health of the baby, and the wellbeing of the intended parents you’ll be helping.
What disqualifies someone from being a surrogate?
MEDICAL
- Age outside the 20–39 range
- Previous pregnancy or delivery complications
- More than 5 prior pregnancies or 3 C-sections
- BMI over 32–33
- Untreated or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disease
LIFESTYLE
- Smoking, or drug or alcohol use
- A criminal record or unstable living situation
- Lack of a personal support system
LEGAL
- Living in a state where surrogacy is not permitted
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
What does the surrogate screening and application process involve?
After your initial application, you’ll go through a thorough, compassionate screening designed to protect everyone involved:
- A review of your medical and pregnancy history
- A physical exam and clearance from a reproductive fertility clinic
- A psychological evaluation for you (and your partner, if applicable)
- A background check
- A home environment and support-system review
- A consultation with your own independent attorney before signing any agreement
It can feel like a lot, but each step exists to make sure surrogacy is genuinely the right fit for you — not just for the intended parents you’ll be matched with.
How many times can I be a surrogate?
A woman can typically be a surrogate three to five times, depending on medical guidelines and personal health. Fertility specialists often recommend a maximum of five pregnancies total, including your own children, to minimize health risks. Individual surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics may set their own limits as well.
Is becoming a surrogate risky, physically and emotionally?
Yes — and we believe you deserve an honest answer, not a sales pitch. Becoming a surrogate carries real risks, both medical and emotional, and it’s not a decision to make lightly.
MEDICAL
- Pregnancy complications
- Multiple births
- C-section risks
- Hormonal side effects
- Long-term health effects
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL RISKS
- Emotional bonding with the baby
- Conflicts with intended parents
- Postpartum depression
LEGAL & FINANCIAL RISKS
- Insufficient legal protections without proper contracts
- Insurance complications
We give every prospective surrogate a detailed account of these implications before you decide to move forward, and we work to structure the strongest possible legal and financial protections so you are never left to face hardship alone.
Will I need to travel as a surrogate?
Possibly. Embryo transfers usually happen at the intended parents’ fertility clinic, which may be in a different city, and delivery sometimes takes place near the intended parents’ home if they’re traveling to meet their baby. Any travel required of you is scheduled around your life, and all related travel costs are covered as part of your compensation package.
Compensation & Support
How much money does a surrogate make?
Surrogate compensation is not a one-size-fits-all paycheck. It varies based on your location, whether you have prior surrogacy experience (first-time surrogates can sometimes have an advantage), and personal factors like carrying multiples, needing a C-section, insurance coverage, medical fees, travel, maternity clothing, legal fees, and potential lost income once work is no longer possible later in pregnancy.
We believe in open, upfront communication about compensation from your very first conversation with us — reach out and we’ll walk you through what a realistic package looks like for your situation.
How and when do I actually get paid?
Compensation is typically paid in installments at prearranged milestones throughout your journey — not as one lump sum at the end. Most surrogates receive an initial payment upon signing the contract, followed by installments during fertility treatment and pregnancy, plus a monthly allowance. The final payment is made after the baby is born.
What expenses are covered during surrogacy, beyond base compensation?
Medical treatments, travel, and maternity clothing are just a few of the costs that come up over the course of a pregnancy. Intended parents typically cover these directly, and importantly, this is not subtracted from your base compensation — it’s in addition to it.
Do surrogates pay taxes on their compensation?
In most cases, base surrogate compensation is considered taxable income, while reimbursements for direct expenses (medical bills, travel, maternity clothing) generally are not. Every situation is different, so we strongly recommend speaking with a tax professional, and our legal team is available to help you understand exactly how your compensation package is structured.
Does a surrogate mother breastfeed the baby?
A surrogate mother usually does not breastfeed, though there are exceptions.
- Emotional & legal boundaries — breastfeeding can create an unintended emotional bond that most surrogacy contracts intend to prevent
- Intended parents’ role — many intended mothers choose to induce lactation or use donor milk instead
- Colostrum feeding — in some cases, a surrogate provides early colostrum for the baby’s immunity
- Pumping breast milk — some surrogates agree in advance to pump milk for the baby
What kind of emotional support will I receive as a surrogate?
You are never just a name on a contract to us. Surrogates have access to professional counseling, a dedicated case manager who checks in throughout your pregnancy, connections to other surrogates for peer support, and an on-call team you can reach with questions or concerns at any stage of the journey.
For Intended Parents
Who can become a parent through surrogacy with Los Angeles Surrogacy?
We welcome individuals from all walks of life. We proudly support all family structures and work with singles, couples, and LGBTQ+ intended parents, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status — domestically and internationally.
What are the requirements to become an intended parent?
Requirements are less rigid than for surrogates, but every intended parent goes through a thoughtful process that typically includes a medical consultation confirming the need for a gestational carrier, a background check, a financial readiness review to ensure program costs can be covered, a psychological readiness consultation, and independent legal counsel before matching begins.
How are intended parents matched with a surrogate?
Matching starts with understanding what matters most to you — communication style during pregnancy, views on medical decision-making, and expectations around the birth itself. We review profiles on both sides, arrange a meet-and-greet once there’s mutual interest, and only move forward with medical and legal steps once both parties sign a matching agreement they’re genuinely comfortable with.
What is the total cost of surrogacy, and what does it include?
Total surrogacy costs generally include agency fees, surrogate compensation and reimbursements, legal fees for both parties, IVF and medical costs, escrow account management, and insurance. Because every journey — and every state’s legal requirements — is different, we provide a personalized, itemized cost breakdown during your consultation rather than a generic number.
Can intended parents be involved during the pregnancy and delivery?
Yes, and we encourage it. The right level of involvement — how often you’ll be updated, whether you’ll attend appointments, your role in the delivery room — is something you and your surrogate discuss and agree on together during matching, so expectations are clear from day one.
Egg Donation
What is egg donation, and how is it different from surrogacy?
Egg donation involves the retrieval and generous contribution of a woman’s eggs, which are the reproductive cells that become an embryo once fertilized. Unlike a surrogate, an egg donor does not carry the pregnancy and is not the gestational carrier — her role ends once the eggs are retrieved.
What are the requirements to become an egg donor?
Egg donor candidates are generally young, in good physical and mental health, non-smokers with a regular menstrual cycle, and free of significant personal or family history of genetic or reproductive health conditions. Every applicant goes through medical and psychological screening before being approved to donate.
How is egg donor compensation determined?
Egg donor compensation varies based on your donation experience, location, personal characteristics such as education, and the specific preferences of the intended parents you’re matched with. We discuss the full details of what you can expect to earn once your application has been reviewed.
Is the egg donation process safe?
Egg donation involves a monitored hormone stimulation cycle with regular fertility clinic checkups, followed by a retrieval procedure performed under sedation. Some donors experience mild, short-term side effects like bloating or cramping. Your medical team walks you through every step and every possible side effect before you begin.
Will an egg donor have any legal or parental rights to the resulting child?
No. As an egg donor, you legally relinquish all parental rights through a signed legal agreement before the donation process begins, ensuring the intended parents hold full legal parentage of any resulting child.
Legal & Inclusivity
What legal protections exist for surrogates and intended parents?
Both surrogates and intended parents are represented by their own independent attorneys — never the same lawyer — to ensure each party’s interests are protected. Your surrogacy agreement spells out compensation, medical decision-making authority, and contingency plans in detail, and in surrogacy-friendly states like California, pre-birth parentage orders establish the intended parents’ legal parentage before the baby is even born.
Is international surrogacy possible with a Los Angeles-based agency?
Yes. Hope shouldn’t know borders. For intended parents outside the United States, we facilitate the safe, seamless transport of genetic material and coordinate the logistics of a surrogate traveling, if needed, along with guidance on establishing legal parentage recognized in your home country. Distance is never a barrier to building your family.
Does Los Angeles Surrogacy support LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples?
Absolutely. We embrace and celebrate diversity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Every family structure is respected here, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status — because everyone deserves the chance to build the family they envision.
What happens if a surrogate or intended parent wants to back out during the process?
Every signed surrogacy agreement includes contingency clauses that address exactly this possibility, and our team and your independent attorneys step in to mediate if it happens. More importantly, our matching process is designed to align expectations upfront — through honest conversations about medical decisions, communication, and boundaries — so this is rare.
What questions should I ask before committing to surrogacy?
BEFORE COMMITING
- What are the medical requirements and risks for surrogacy?
- What compensation, benefits, and reimbursements are provided?
- What legal protections exist for surrogates in my state?
- Will I need to travel for medical procedures or delivery?
- How does health insurance coverage work for surrogacy?
WHEN MEETING WITH INTENDED PARENTS OR A SURROGATE
- What level of communication and involvement is expected during pregnancy?
- What are your views on medical decisions, such as a C-section or selective reduction?
- What are the expectations around lifestyle, diet, and medical care?
- Will you be involved in the birth and post-delivery care?
- How will we handle unexpected medical or personal issues along the way?
Your surrogacy agency should walk you through all of this in far more detail, so you make your decision with full awareness of what it involves.
How do I get started with Los Angeles Surrogacy?
Start by submitting an application as a surrogate, intended parent, or egg donor. From there, you’ll have an initial screening call and be paired with a dedicated case manager who guides you through every remaining step — medical, legal, and emotional — for as long as your journey takes.
The Matching Suite
What is the Matching Suite?
The Matching Suite is a private directory where intended parents can browse profiles of screened surrogates currently working with Los Angeles Surrogacy. Rather than waiting to be presented with one candidate at a time, you can review who is actually available, filter by what matters to you, and indicate interest directly. It’s the practical expression of having a large roster: choice you can see rather than choice you’re told about.
Can I see surrogate profiles before committing to an agency?
Yes. Access to the Matching Suite begins at your consultation, so you can see the real roster before making a decision. Most agencies ask you to sign and pay first, then show you who’s available — which makes it difficult to judge whether their pool actually fits what you’re looking for.
Is there a waitlist to be matched with a surrogate?
No. Los Angeles Surrogacy has never placed an intended parent on a waitlist. Because of the size of the surrogate roster, you can begin reviewing candidates from your first consultation. Matching itself takes as long as finding the right fit takes — typically one to three months — but there is no queue to begin.
How long does matching usually take?
Most intended parents are reviewing surrogate profiles within days of their consultation, and most matches are made within one to three months. The variables are how specific your preferences are, whether you’re open to a surrogate in another state, and how quickly both sides move through the meet-and-greet stage.
What happens if the first match doesn't work out?
You return to matching, and you don’t start over from the back of any line. Matches occasionally don’t proceed — a medical clearance doesn’t come through, or the meet-and-greet makes clear that expectations differ. Because the roster is large and continuously replenished, re-matching typically happens quickly.
Can I match with a surrogate in a different state?
Yes, and many families do. Los Angeles Surrogacy works with surrogates across multiple states, which widens your pool considerably. Your surrogate’s home state determines some of the legal process and where delivery takes place; we walk through those implications before you commit to a match.
Cost & Payment
How much does surrogacy cost in California?
Total costs for a surrogacy journey in California generally fall in a broad range depending on the specifics of your case, and include agency fees, surrogate compensation and reimbursements, IVF and medical costs, legal fees for both parties, escrow management, and insurance. We provide an itemized breakdown during consultation rather than a headline number, because the honest answer depends on factors specific to you — whether you need an egg donor, your insurance situation, and whether the journey requires more than one transfer.
What's included in the agency fee, specifically?
The agency fee covers surrogate recruitment and screening, matching, journey management from match through delivery, coordination between your clinic, attorneys, and escrow, and support for your surrogate throughout. It does not cover surrogate compensation, medical costs, legal fees, or insurance — those are separate line items paid through escrow.
When are payments due across the journey?
Costs are spread across the journey rather than paid upfront. Typically an initial agency payment at signing, escrow funding before the legal agreements are executed, medical costs as they’re incurred, and surrogate compensation paid in installments at defined milestones through the pregnancy. You’ll see a full payment schedule before committing.
What happens to money in escrow if the journey ends early?
Unused escrow funds are returned to you. Escrow is managed by an independent third party, not by the agency, and disbursements happen only at contractually defined milestones. Your surrogacy agreement specifies exactly what is owed if a journey ends at each stage.
Does insurance cover surrogacy?
Sometimes partially, and it requires review. Some surrogates carry policies that cover a surrogate pregnancy; many exclude it explicitly. We review your surrogate’s coverage before matching is finalized, and where a policy excludes surrogacy, a separate surrogacy-specific policy is obtained and budgeted as its own line item.
Are there financing options for surrogacy?
Yes. Several lenders specialize in fertility and surrogacy financing, and some families use home equity, retirement borrowing, or grant programs. We can point you toward the options families commonly use, though we don’t provide financing directly or receive compensation for referrals.
International Intended Parents
Do I have to travel to the United States to begin?
No. Consultations, Matching Suite access, matching, and most legal and medical planning happen remotely. Most international families make their first trip for the embryo transfer or later, and some not until closer to delivery.
How do my embryos get to the United States?
Through a coordinated clinic-to-clinic transfer that we manage. Your current clinic releases the material, a specialized cryoshipping courier transports it in a validated container, and your US clinic receives it after the required screening and documentation. We handle the coordination between both clinics rather than leaving you to broker it.
What if my embryos have been stored abroad for years?
That’s common and workable. Long-stored embryos generally transport fine; what usually needs attention is the paperwork — original consent forms, the storage facility’s release process, and whether the screening on file meets current US clinic requirements. If your original clinic has closed or changed ownership, we’ve worked through that too.
Will my child be a US citizen?
A child born in the United States is a US citizen by birth, regardless of the parents’ nationality. Whether your child also holds your citizenship depends on your home country’s laws, which is one reason we recommend engaging counsel in your own country early rather than after birth.
How do I bring my baby home?
After birth you’ll need a US birth certificate, a US passport for your child, and whatever documentation your home country requires for entry and recognition of parentage. Processing takes a few weeks, so plan to remain in the US for a period after delivery. We coordinate the timeline and tell you what to expect at each step.
Will my home country recognize me as the legal parent?
It depends entirely on your country, and it’s the question to resolve before you begin rather than after. Some countries recognize a US parentage order directly; others require adoption or a separate process after you return. We work alongside counsel in your home country so the US legal work is structured to support whatever your country will require.
Do you work with families who don't speak English?
Yes. We coordinate with multilingual attorneys and can arrange interpretation for consultations, medical appointments, and legal review. Working in your own language for the legal documents specifically is something we’d encourage rather than treat as an accommodation.
Private Client Services
What is Private Client Services and who is it for?
Private Client Services is an enhanced-privacy version of the standard journey, for families where disclosure carries real cost — a public profile, a business sensitivity, a security consideration, or a strong preference for keeping this part of life private. It adds contractual non-disclosure with every party, legal coordination aimed at minimizing the public record, and the option to run the journey through your own staff.
How is confidentiality actually enforced?
Through signed agreements rather than assurances. Every party who could learn identifying information — your surrogate, journey manager, clinic staff, and vendors — signs a non-disclosure agreement before receiving it. Information flows through a single named contact and a defined approval list.
Can our chief of staff or family office manage this instead of us?
Yes, and that’s a common arrangement. We can work primarily through your staff, at whatever level of direct involvement you prefer, including arrangements where day-to-day coordination never reaches you.
Does a private journey take longer?
No. The privacy protections run in parallel with the standard process rather than adding steps to it. The one place to plan ahead is the parentage filing, which is structured from the beginning rather than addressed near delivery.
Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
What should I look for in a surrogacy agency?
Four things worth more than the rest: how many screened surrogates they actually have available right now, whether you can see profiles before signing, who holds and disburses your money, and what happens if a match falls through. Ask for specifics on each. An agency that answers in adjectives rather than numbers is telling you something.
What questions should I ask before signing with an agency?
Ask these eight, and write down the answers so you can compare agencies side by side:
- How many surrogates are available for matching today, and can I see them?
- Is there a waitlist, and if so, how long is it currently?
- What is your average time from signing to match?
- Who holds funds in escrow, and is it independent of the agency?
- What is refundable, and at which stages?
- What happens if a match doesn’t proceed — do I re-enter matching immediately?
- Who is my point of contact, and how many other journeys are they managing?
- Which states do you work in, and how does that affect my journey?
Is it cheaper to do an independent surrogacy journey without an agency?
Often yes on paper, and the savings are real — agency fees are a significant line item. What you take on in exchange is finding and screening a surrogate yourself, coordinating clinics, attorneys, escrow, and insurance, and managing the relationship directly when something goes wrong. Independent journeys work best for families who already have a surrogate in mind, often a friend or relative, and who have the time and appetite to project-manage the rest.
What are the warning signs of a bad surrogacy agency?
Pressure to sign before you’ve seen any surrogate profiles. Agency-controlled escrow rather than independent. Vague answers about how many surrogates are actually available. Unwillingness to put timelines in writing. No clear policy on what happens if a match falls through. And any agency that discourages you from having your own independent attorney.
Does it matter which state my agency is in?
It matters less than which state your surrogate is in. Surrogacy law is state law, and states vary considerably — some have clear statutes and allow pre-birth parentage orders, others are restrictive or unsettled. An agency working across multiple states can match you with a surrogate in a favorable jurisdiction rather than being limited to one state’s pool and one state’s law.
How do I know if an agency's surrogates are properly screened?
Ask what screening includes and at what point it happens. A complete process covers medical records review, a fertility clinic physical, psychological evaluation, background check, and a home and support-system assessment — completed before a surrogate appears as available, not after you’ve matched. Ask what percentage of applicants are approved; a very high rate suggests thin screening.
Still Have Questions?
No two journeys are the same, and no question is too small. Our team is here to talk through your specific situation — whether you’re exploring surrogacy for the first time or you’re ready to apply.
