Surrogacy in California: Laws, Costs & Step-by-Step Guide
For 30 years, Growing Generations has helped people become parents through surrogacy. With more than 2,400 babies welcomed and over 2,000 surrogates matched, we provide experienced, personalized guidance throughout every stage. For intended parents living in California, or women in California interested in becoming surrogates, we offer dedicated support every step of the way as you embark on this path to parenthood.
Is Surrogacy Legal in California?
Yes, surrogacy is legal in the state of California. The California Supreme Court's 1993 ruling in Johnson v. Calvert established legal precedent for gestational surrogacy in the state, making California an early leader in third-party assisted reproduction. The 2012 legislation codified nearly two decades of that precedent into law, protecting every family-building journey under one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in the United States. It allows intended parents and surrogates to move forward with confidence.
In 2017, amendments to the legislature reinforced California’s commitment to protecting families formed through assisted reproduction. The legislation strengthened the state’s jurisdiction in surrogacy cases and safeguarded parentage even when medical procedures or births occur outside California.
Becoming a Parent in California
As an intended parent in California, you can expect a hands-on, personalized experience designed to support you every step of the way. Whether you are just exploring your options or ready to begin, we make sure you are prepared for your path to parenthood.
Requirements for Intended Parents
Your journey to parenthood is unique. At Growing Generations, we create a personalized approach that respects your identity, history, and vision for your family. Once you choose surrogacy as your path to parenthood, you'll start with a consultation with one of our client specialists.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in California?
For intended parents in California, we offer four programs tailored to meet you where you are, providing the right level of care to align with your vision and budget.
LEGACY+
LEGACY
LEGACY+ COST:
$253,000 to $307,000+
Our Legacy+ package not only covers all the essentials, but also includes:
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Expedited surrogate matching time.
LEGACY COST:
$213,000 to $267,000+
Our Legacy package covers all the essentials for your surrogacy journey.
Finding a Surrogate in California
Finding the right surrogate match is one of the most important parts of your path to parenthood. You want to make sure you find the right surrogate match. For intended parents pursuing surrogacy in California, we offer a highly selective and personalized matching process. Our surrogates are among the top 2% of all qualified candidates and are thoroughly screened through medical evaluations, background checks, wellness assessments, and in-depth interviews. With a 99.4% success rate and 98% of intended parents matching with their first surrogate, we help hundreds of families each year move forward with confidence — feeling informed, supported, and cared for at every step of the journey. Here's what the process is like step-by-step:
Your California surrogacy journey begins with a complimentary consultation. A Growing Generations client specialist will walk you through our surrogacy programs, surrogate and egg donor pools, and costs — and take time to understand your expectations, priorities, and timeline.
When you are ready to move forward, you will sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee. This can be completed at any point — including during your initial consultation — and formally opens your file so we can begin matching.
Growing Generations matches intended parents with surrogates from the top 2% of all applicants, each thoroughly screened before you ever review a profile. Our Surrogate Match Guarantee covers up to $5,000 in screening expenses if your surrogate does not pass medical or wellness screening, and provides a free rematch at no additional agency fee. Once a match is identified, a Growing Generations team member facilitates a match meeting by video conference.
After matching, your surrogate begins additional medical preparation ahead of the embryo transfer. You will also begin funding your Growing Generations expense account at this stage. Your dedicated case specialist remains your point of contact throughout.
As the pregnancy enters its second trimester, Growing Generations coordinates delivery preparation with you, your surrogate, and the hospital team. Depending on where you are based relative to your surrogate's location in California or elsewhere in the United States, travel planning — including overnight arrangements — begins well in advance of your due date.
STEP 1
CONSULTATION
STEP 2
Onboarding
STEP 3
MATCHING YOU WITH AN IDEAL SURROGATE
STEP 4
PREPARING YOU AND YOUR SURROGATE FOR PREGNANCY
STEP 5
FINAL STRETCH: PREPARING FOR THE DELIVERY and YOUR NEW BABY
Becoming a Surrogate in California
As a Growing Generations surrogate, you have the opportunity to earn up to $125,000+ by helping someone realize their dream of starting a family. Our surrogates are mothers themselves who are raising their own children. Pregnancy is an experience they enjoy, and family is incredibly important to them. For women in California who want to become surrogates, we offer expert guidance and personalized support from your first application through delivery.
Benefits of Being a Surrogate in California
As a surrogate in California, you can expect the highest base compensation in the industry, personalized support, and a supportive community. Here are some benefits to becoming a surrogate in California.
Highest Compensation in the Industry
As a Growing Generations surrogate, you have the potential of earning up to $125,000+, which reflects our belief that every surrogate deserves to be generously compensated for her time, effort, and incredible contribution to another family.
Guidance from a Dedicated Team Who's Been There Too
26% of our staff members have been surrogates themselves, bringing firsthand experience and understanding.
Partnering With a Pioneer in the Industry
With 30 years of experience advocating for our surrogates, we have worked with over 2,000 surrogates who represent the top 2% of all candidates that apply.
Access to a Private Surrogate Community
15% of all our surrogates live in California, providing you with a strong community. You will also have access to an invite-only private Facebook group for past and present Growing Generations' surrogates.
Requirements for Gestational Carriers
If you are a California resident interested in becoming a surrogate with Growing Generations, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. We have specific criteria related to health, lifestyle, and financial stability to protect both you and the baby during your surrogacy journey. Our requirements and qualifications include:
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Between the ages of 21-38 years old.
Have had at least one pregnancy and delivery.
Have not had a past occurrence of serious pregnancy complications. Examples include toxemia, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, incompetent cervix, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. We do not accept surrogates with a history of these complications.
Do not have any health conditions that can be exacerbated by pregnancy.
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of no more than 32.
LIFESTYLE REQUIREMENTS
Do not use tobacco and have no exposure to second-hand tobacco use. Surrogate applicants must be tobacco-free for 12 months minimum before applying.
If you are not a United States citizen, you and your partner must have a Green Card.
No criminal history. Growing Generations does not accept surrogates who have been convicted of a felony or whose partner has been convicted of a felony.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
As part of our commitment to the well-being of both the surrogate and baby, we ensure that all potential surrogates have financial stability. This helps guarantee that the surrogate's personal circumstances won’t add stress to the process, allowing her to focus on her health and the successful completion of the process.
Surrogacy should not be a sole source of income for anyone interested in becoming a surrogate.
$80,000 for First-Time Surrogates in California
First-Time Surrogate Minimum Base Compensation (additional compensation and benefits available)
How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in California?
As a surrogate based in California, you have the opportunity to earn up to $125,000+.
First-time surrogates in California can earn $80,000, with the potential to receive up to $35,000 in benefits. Experienced surrogates are invited to discuss setting their own compensation as we understand that each surrogate's journey is unique. Additionally, all surrogates are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in bonuses before embryo transfer.
We believe in providing the highest level of support and financial protection for our surrogates. Surrogates receive top-tier insurance, reimbursement for actual lost wages, and full travel coordination through our enterprise-level travel agency partner. Every surrogate also has access to ongoing emotional support, education, and guidance, along with generous additional payments for cesarean deliveries and twin pregnancies.
Experienced surrogates in California are invited to discuss setting their own compensation with us
Each path is unique. Many intended parents hope to be matched with an experienced surrogate and are happy to compensate her generously.
Through our bonus incentive structure, you can receive up to $5,000 in bonuses prior to pregnancy, including:
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$1,500 Screening Incentive (when medical clearance is achieved)
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$1,500 Contract Signing Incentive (when legal contracts are complete)
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$2,000 Medical Start Incentive (when the surrogate starts IVF meds)
These bonuses are designed to reward your commitment at key milestones, providing additional financial support before pregnancy begins.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Read full legal notice.