Intended parents
The individual or couple who will be the legal parents of the child from birth. May be heterosexual, same-sex, single, married, or unmarried.
Resources · Surrogacy Guide
Surrogacy 101: what it is, how it works, what to expect
If you are exploring gestational surrogacy for the first time, this guide covers the essentials in plain language — the process, the people involved, the timeline, and the costs.
What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the gestational carrier, or surrogate) carries and delivers a baby for another individual or couple (the intended parents). The embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents' own eggs and sperm, donor eggs, donor sperm, or any combination — the gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the baby.
This is different from traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate uses her own eggs. Traditional surrogacy is rare today and is not the model California Baby Surrogacy works with. All cases are gestational — using IVF and embryos created from the intended parents' or donors' gametes.
Who is involved
A surrogacy journey is a coordinated effort across six categories of professionals and the families themselves.
Gestational carrier
The woman who carries and delivers the baby. Pre-screened on medical, psychological, and lifestyle criteria. Has no genetic link to the baby.
Surrogacy agency
Coordinates the journey end-to-end — matching, screening, communication, escrow, insurance, and birth logistics.
IVF clinic
Board-certified reproductive endocrinologists perform IVF, embryo creation, embryo transfer, and early pregnancy monitoring.
Reproductive attorneys
Independent attorneys for each side draft the gestational carrier agreement and file pre-birth parentage orders.
Escrow company
Holds and disburses surrogate compensation and case expenses on a documented milestone schedule.
Typical timeline
From your first consultation to bringing your baby home is typically 18 to 24 months. Each stage has its own pace; the agency coordinates them so they flow without gaps.
Initial consultation & sign-up
Free consultation, case profile review, contract with the agency. Weeks 1–2.
Matching with a gestational carrier
Profile review, match meeting, both sides confirm. Typically 1–3 months.
Medical & psychological screening
Surrogate screening at the IVF clinic and with a licensed mental health professional. About 4–6 weeks.
Independent legal & gestational carrier agreement
Each side retains independent counsel. Contract negotiation and signing. About 4–8 weeks.
Embryo transfer
Surrogate's medication cycle, monitoring, embryo transfer at the partner clinic. About 6–10 weeks.
Pregnancy
Routine OB care, regular updates to intended parents, pre-birth order filed during second trimester. Standard 40 weeks.
Birth & going home
Hospital pre-registration is in place. Intended parents are present (or fly in). Pre-birth order is honored on the birth certificate. Baby goes home with the intended parents.
What does it cost?
All-in costs for a gestational surrogacy journey in California typically range from the low to upper six figures in U.S. dollars, depending on case complexity, IVF costs, surrogate compensation, insurance, legal fees, and contingencies. We publish a transparent total range with no hidden fees on our pricing page.
Every component is itemized — there is no single bundled fee. Surrogate compensation goes to the surrogate through escrow. Clinic medical fees are paid directly to the clinic. Legal fees are paid to each attorney. The agency fee covers coordination only.
See the full pricing breakdownCommon questions
How long does the full journey take?
From your first consultation to going home with your baby is typically 18 to 24 months. Matching can take 1–3 months, screening 4–6 weeks, legal 4–8 weeks, the medical cycle 6–10 weeks, and the pregnancy is a standard 40 weeks.
Can same-sex couples and single individuals work with you?
Yes. California law recognizes intended parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, gender, or biological connection to the embryo. We have a long history of successful journeys for same-sex couples and single intended parents.
Do international intended parents need to be in California for the whole journey?
No. Most international intended parents visit California for the embryo transfer, key OB appointments if desired, and the birth. Our coordinators handle day-to-day communication across time zones and language preferences.
What happens if something goes wrong medically?
Every gestational carrier agreement includes detailed contingency provisions: insurance for the surrogate, supplemental policies for the baby, defined responsibility for unexpected medical events, and clear processes for sensitive decisions. We hope none of these are needed, but they are documented in advance precisely so no one is scrambling in a difficult moment.
Will I be the legal parent of my child from birth?
Yes, under California Family Code §7960-7962. Your independent attorney files a pre-birth parentage order during the second trimester. The court order names you as the legal parent from the moment of birth, and the hospital issues the birth certificate accordingly.
Have more questions?
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