Becoming a surrogate mother is one of the best decisions you could ever make. Not only can you help create a beautiful new life and give a precious gift to hopeful parents, but you can also teach your children valuable lessons about generosity—and work toward an important financial goal. 

In California, gestational surrogacy is well-regulated, and the statute governing gestational surrogacy protects the rights of the surrogate, intended parents, baby, and (if necessary) the egg donor.

So, how do you become a surrogate in California? The specific requirements and steps vary from agency to agency, but here is the general process:  

1. Decide if surrogacy is right for you

The first step, of course, is to decide if surrogacy is the best choice for you and your family. Surrogacy is a beautiful experience, but it requires at least a year-long commitment and will have an impact on your body, emotions, time, family, and career. 

Make sure you understand the physical, emotional, and legal processes of surrogacy before you become a surrogate. 

2. Understand the requirements 

Surrogacy requirements vary between agencies. At Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), surrogates must:

  • Have had one or more easy pregnancies and deliveries.
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 40.
  • Be at a healthy weight.
  • Have at least one child of your own living with you.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • Have reliable transportation.
  • Be financially stable.
  • Have a desire to help another in a special way.
  • … And love being pregnant! 

3. Find partners you can trust 

Once you’ve decided to move forward, it’s time to choose a reputable surrogacy agency to guide you through your journey. It’s important to take into account the agency’s history and level of experience, the type of support they offer surrogates, whether they require (or provide) legal representation for surrogates, and how upfront they are about compensation. 

Relating reading: 5 Questions Surrogates Should Ask Before Choosing Their Surrogacy Agency

4. Go through the application and interview process 

After contacting a surrogacy agency, you’ll apply and have several different types of screenings.  

At SPS, we send surrogates forms to fill out which include contact information, a personality profile, and health history. After having a phone or video interview with our Surrogate Intake Manager, we request the surrogate’s medical records, and a background check will be completed for the surrogate (and her partner, if applicable). 

Then, under normal circumstances, we would come visit you and your family at your home for a more in depth interview. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, we conduct this interview via a video call with you and your partner (if applicable). This interview is used to learn more about you and your home life and make sure surrogacy is a good fit for your family. 

Finally, our surrogates receive a psychological screening by a licensed psychologist to ensure that she’s prepared for the surrogacy journey ahead of her. (This also is currently being conducted via video conference.)

5. Get matched with intended parents

Next, it’s time to get matched with the intended parent(s)! At SPS, we have over 30 years of experience building our trusted reputation, and our success is directly tied to our commitment to high-quality matches. 

6. Finalize the surrogacy agreement

At SPS, we believe it’s essential that surrogates and intended parents have expert legal guidance before moving forward. We will arrange for you to meet with an attorney, at no cost to you, who will explain to you what the surrogacy contract means and how the contract affects and protects you.  

7. Get pregnant and navigate your pregnancy journey 

Each surrogacy journey is unique, but typically surrogates and intended parents undergo a series of fertility treatments leading up to an embryo transfer. At SPS, your case manager will be at all milestone appointments leading up to and during your pregnancy.

… And finally, the happiest stage of all: you get to welcome a tiny new life into the world! 

Learn More About How to Become a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate 30 Years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.