Become a Surrogate in California

Surrogacy is a legal arrangement between a woman and the intended parents for the purpose of giving birth to a baby for the intended parents to raise. Gestational surrogate mothers are implanted with the embryos produced by the intended parents or egg donors by a process called In Vitro fertilization. This ensures that there is no genetic link between the surrogate and the child.

At Elevate, we exceptionally match surrogates with intended parents after all parties fill out a questionnaire that consists of over 40 data points that help us understand needs and expectations. Our sophisticated software reporting system cross references your preferences with our client base to offer you the best-fit options.

What are the Surrogate Requirements in California

At Elevate, we strictly follow the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines to ensure the safety of the fetus and the surrogate.

In order to qualify for Elevate surrogacy, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be over the age of 21 and under 40
• Must have a BMI lower than 32
• Abstain from smoking/drug use
• Have given birth at least once, but fewer than five times
• Had healthy pregnancies and delivery histories
• A maximum of 3 births via cesarean section
• Be a permanent resident of the United States in a surrogacy-friendly state
• Have a stable lifestyle and support system

At Elevate, we focus on top-notch screening to ensure our clients will not be disappointed. Our goal is to ensure all of our clients are satisfied. Although the process of becoming a surrogate mother in California may be extensive, the gift that you are providing the intended parents is selfless, generous, and remarkable. To find out more about the surrogacy requirements, contact Elevate for more information.

7 Steps to Becoming a Surrogate Mother in California

While the process may look varied for everyone depending on the unique circumstances, becoming a surrogate in California may require the following seven steps:

1.    Committing to Surrogacy

There is a lot of information to consider when deciding whether to commit to becoming a surrogate in California. The process is a commitment involving your body, heart, emotions, time, and energy. If you finalize your decision to become a surrogate, you may begin the application process.

2.    Choose the Type of Surrogacy

There are a few types of surrogacy options you may choose in California. Traditional surrogacy is less regulated and more uncommon, as you would be the biological mother of the child. There are legal and emotional risks with this method of surrogacy. Most surrogacy programs may not complete traditional surrogacies due to the increased risks and complications.

Gestational surrogacy is well-regulated and is the preferred method of surrogacy, as you would not be genetically linked to the baby you are carrying. An embryo would be created by the intended parents through In Vitro fertilization using their genetic material, a donor’s, or a combination of both,  and then transferred to your uterus.

3.    Complete the Elevate Screening Requirements

There are a few screening requirements you may need to consider, such as medical screening, psychological screening, and background checks. These are used to ensure the physical, mental, and legal well-being of becoming a surrogate in California.

4.    Match With the Perfect Intended Parents

At Elevate, we help match you with the right intended parents with our questionnaire and software reporting system. Great care is taken in the process. You choose your intended parents just as much as they choose you.

5.    Finalize the Surrogacy Contract

After you have decided on the perfect match, Both parties need a surrogacy attorney to ensure that everyone’s rights are equally protected. Elevate supplies, reproductive attorneys, to all its surrogates. A contract may describe information such as compensation, legal parental rights, decisions regarding pregnancy complications or other unforeseen circumstances, and more.

6.    Complete the Embryo Transfer Process

After you have been deemed healthy enough to take the required medications, hormones, and fertility treatments, you may start the embryo transfer process. Some surrogates may require more than one embryo transfer before a pregnancy is achieved.

7.    Help a Couple Become a Family

The final step is most rewarding, giving the gift of a baby to the intended parents. In your third trimester,  you may discuss your birth plan with the intended parents, so you are aware of how to handle the important event and how the final surrogacy moment will go.

Contact Elevate for More Information on How to Become a Surrogate in California

At Elevate, we understand that becoming a surrogate is one of the most fulfilling acts of selflessness you can do for intended parents. Elevate founders Kyle Dean Massey and Taylor Frey have gone through the process themselves and know firsthand how life-changing surrogacy can be. They understand how personal each surrogacy journey is and have built a surrogate agency that provides the personal care and attention that each one deserves. 

Contact us today for more information regarding becoming a surrogate mother in California at Elevate by calling (323) 933-8918 or filling out our contact form.