In Northern California, we work with surrogates in many local communities, including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, and more.
At Fertility Source Companies, our goal as a surrogacy agency is to facilitate a straightforward and positive experience so that you can focus on the most important part – the birth of your child. From the very beginning, we get to know both our intended parents and surrogates closely so that we can find a great match. Surrogates are thoroughly screened before being accepted into our program, assuring that whoever you match with will be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the journey.
“Thanks so much for your help on things. You rock. I appreciate all you have been doing for this process”
— G. C.
Finding a Surrogate in Northern California
Helping you find a surrogate is just one of the many ways in which we help guide the process. Our case managers play an instrumental role in all aspects of the surrogacy journey, including coordinating medical appointments, acting as an advocate for both you and your surrogate, referring to reproductive attorneys, and providing emotional support.
Surrogacy Laws in Northern California
The state of California is known for some of the most progressive surrogacy laws in the nation, making it one of the most popular destinations for intended parents across the US and abroad. The surrogacy laws in Northern California protect the rights of intended parents and surrogates alike and make it simple for parentage to be established for children born through surrogacy.
Surrogate Costs & Fees in Northern California
The cost of using a surrogate can vary depending on a wide range of factors. Generally speaking, surrogacy costs include surrogacy agency fees, base pay for the surrogate, monthly miscellaneous expenses, medical expenses, insurance, attorney fees, and other sundries. In Northern California, the base pay for surrogates is $65,000.
How Surrogates Are Screened in Northern California
At Fertility Source Companies, we screen our surrogates in Northern California and beyond following the strict standards set forth by the assisted reproductive community. For surrogates, the screening process includes a comprehensive psychological assessment, complete medical examination, extensive laboratory testing, background check, and personal history assessment.
Surrogacy FAQs for Intended Parents
The surrogacy process typically begins with finding a suitable surrogate through an agency, such as Fertility Source Companies. Once a surrogate is found, both parties undergo medical and psychological evaluations, and legal agreements are put in place to clarify expectations and responsibilities. The embryo transfer is then performed, and the surrogate carries the pregnancy to term. After birth, the intended parents assume legal custody of the child.
Surrogacy can involve medical, legal, and emotional complexities. Medical risks include the potential for complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Legal risks include issues related to parental rights and responsibilities. Emotional challenges can arise for all parties involved, including the surrogate, intended parents, and the child. It's important for intended parents to be aware of these risks and challenges and to seek support and guidance throughout the surrogacy process.
Many intended parents and surrogates develop close relationships during the surrogacy process, but the level of involvement is a personal choice. Some intended parents prefer to maintain a more formal relationship with their surrogate, focusing on the pregnancy and the health of the baby. Others may develop a more personal relationship, involving the surrogate in the child's life after birth. It's important for intended parents and surrogates to discuss their expectations and boundaries before the surrogacy arrangement begins.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate in Northern California, welcome! Becoming a surrogate is one of the most unique and powerful experiences a person can have and we at Fertility Source Companies are committed to ensuring you have a smooth journey every step of the way. Whether you’re from San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, or elsewhere in Northern California, know that you’re in great hands.
Why Become a Surrogate in Northern California
The main motivation that drives women to become surrogates is the desire to help someone else achieve one of the greatest joys in life – becoming a parent. Surrogates are people who have already had children of their own and know firsthand how beautiful being a parent is. They are driven to share that joy with those who are unable to accomplish it without help. On top of that, surrogates are also compensated generously for the time and effort they devote to the process, especially in areas where surrogates are in high demand, such as Northern California.
Surrogate Requirements in Northern California
At Fertility Source Companies, our requirements for surrogates in Northern California (and all of the US) are in accordance with the recommended standards set forth by the assisted reproduction community. The most important of these requirements include:
Being between the ages of 21 to 43 years old
Having delivered at least one child that is currently being raised by the surrogate candidate
Having a history of past pregnancies without complications
Being in good overall health (e.g., being a non-smoker, having a healthy BMI, etc.)
For surrogates, the process begins with filling out an application, which is sent to one of our surrogacy coordinators upon completion. The application is then carefully reviewed to assess whether the surrogacy candidate is eligible for our program. Once approved, we then will request your pregnancy records and connect with you directly on the phone to go into your application in greater detail. After passing the entire application process, the next part is the screening and testing processes, in which we conduct a thorough accounting of your mental health, your household, and your social history.
Once you have cleared the screening process, we will add you to our database and the process of finding intended parents for you to match with. When an intended parent shows interest in your profile, we will arrange a meeting between you and them. During this meeting, you will both discuss some of the key aspects of the surrogacy arrangement to see if you’re all on the same page. Once you make a successful match, we will schedule you for a complete physical evaluation at the intended parent’s fertility clinic of choice. We will also begin guiding you through the legal process.
After all of these details have been established, it’s time for the surrogate pregnancy cycle. Surrogates are impregnated via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an embryo created from the intended parents' eggs and sperm or those of a donor. The surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. From there, you will carry the baby for nine beautiful months before delivering the baby and giving it to the intended parents.
Surrogacy Pay & Compensation in Northern California
The cost of using a surrogate can vary depending on a wide range of factors. Generally speaking, surrogacy costs include surrogacy agency fees, base pay for the surrogate, monthly miscellaneous expenses, medical expenses, insurance, attorney fees, and other sundries. In Northern California, the base pay for surrogates is $65,000, with compensation for repeat surrogates or those with prior surrogacy experience at $75,000.
Apply to Become a Surrogate in Northern California
Whether you’re from San Francisco, Sacramento, Palo Alto, or anywhere else in Northern California, Fertility Source Companies can help you navigate the process of becoming a surrogate. Become a Surrogate in Northern California
Surrogate FAQs
Surrogacy is generally safe for surrogates who meet the criteria and receive proper medical care throughout the process. However, as with any pregnancy, there are risks involved, including potential complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
To become a surrogate, you must first fill out an application. The application process involves completing a detailed questionnaire about your medical history, lifestyle, and reasons for wanting to be a surrogate. You will also undergo medical and psychological evaluations to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
Surrogacy can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to consider how it may impact your life and family. Surrogacy involves a significant time commitment, medical procedures, and emotional investment. It's important to discuss your decision to become a surrogate with your loved ones and ensure you have their support throughout the process.
Our Partner Clinics in Northern California
Below is a list of the partner clinics we work with in Northern California. To learn more about their specific egg donor and surrogacy processes, visit their websites or contact them directly.
If you don’t see your clinic listed here, please contact us and we can make appropriate arrangements with you.
