Surrogate Frequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in becoming a surrogate mother in Southern California? California Surrogacy Center can help! It is natural to have a few questions before proceeding, so we provide the answers to some frequently asked questions.
How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Get Paid?
At California Surrogacy Center, the average surrogate mother compensation is somewhere between $50,000 and $65,000. This is for first-time surrogate mothers, as repeat surrogate mothers typically get paid between $65,000 and $89,000 (including benefits). Surrogate mothers also receive a $1,000 signing bonus, life insurance, health insurance, as well as a $6,000-$8,000 benefits package, and are eligible to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket costs like medical co-pays, maternity clothing, travel expenses, and legal fees.
What are the Surrogate Mother Requirements?
In order to be approved as a surrogate at California Surrogacy Center, you must meet a few important surrogate mother requirements. You must be between 21 and 36 years old, in good health and not overweight (BMI under 32), have no criminal history, be a nonsmoker, and be currently raising biological children. You will also be asked to pass medical and psychological screenings. It is also required that all surrogates are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Do I Get to Choose the Parents I Will Become a Surrogate For?
The process of matching a surrogate with intended parents is a complicated, important, and well-researched decision, and the surrogate mother will definitely be involved. First, the intended parents select the surrogate mother. Then, the surrogate is notified and is given the opportunity to request different intended parents. At California Surrogacy Center, we have found it is rare that the surrogate requests different intended parents, though.
How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?
From sign-up to completion, the entire surrogacy process should take from 12 to 13 months. Paperwork, legal work and medical exams typically take around 3 months. Then, the pregnancy itself lasts around 9 months. Since every case is different, it is difficult to make an exact estimate, but this is a reasonable range.
How has COVID-19 changed this process?
While our offices are not open to the public during this time, we are still welcoming virtual consultations and limiting any in-person appointments to only those that are necessary, such as your visit to the fertility center. And of course, any in-person appointments require that all parties follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. Learn more here.
Will the Baby Be Biologically Related to Me?
At California Surrogacy Center, we only offer gestational surrogacy. This means that, while a surrogate will have a special and long-lasting bond with the baby, it will not be biologically related to them. The egg comes from either the intended mother or an egg donor, not the surrogate mother, meaning the baby does not share any DNA with the surrogate mother.
After the Baby is Born, What is the Surrogate Mother Responsible For?
After the baby is born, the intended parent(s) become legal parents of the child, and the surrogate mother gets to go home and continue to live her life. In some cases, the parents may purchase breast milk from the surrogate mother. Otherwise, the only thing the surrogate is responsible for is her own health!
Become a Surrogate Mom at California Surrogacy Center
Make a decision that will change lives by becoming a surrogate mother today. California Surrogacy Center can walk you through the process and make everything simple and easy. If you have any further questions about becoming a surrogate mother, contact California Surrogacy Center today by completing the the form below. If you are ready to take the next step, start by completing the surrogate application today.
