Navigating Surrogacy in California: Tips for Finding the Best Agency for Your Needs

Are you interested in becoming a surrogate in California? Or, are you looking for a gestational carrier to help you grow your family? Either way, it’s a big decision. A quick internet search will likely bring up multiple agencies, all promising exceptional surrogacy services throughout the Golden State. But how do you know which one will best meet your needs in your specific area? 

If you feel overwhelmed, try not to worry – you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Let’s discuss some helpful tips for finding the right surrogacy agency in California.

1. Determine Services Offered

If you’re looking at a few surrogacy agencies and are trying to figure out which one will best meet your needs, ask them what services they provide. Some surrogacy agencies only offer partial services; for example, they may help match surrogates to intended parents but not offer comprehensive support throughout the journey.

This is also a great time to ask yourself what you’re looking for. Make a list to determine both your non-negotiables and where you’re willing to be more flexible. The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to find an agency that meets your unique needs.

2. Ask About the Screening Process

Surrogacy can be emotionally and physically demanding, making the screening process crucial. When matching you with the ideal surrogate, an agency should take into consideration a candidate's:

• Physical and emotional wellbeing
• Overall lifestyle
• Family support system
• Financial circumstances

If you’re the intended parent, you don’t need an in-depth screening. However, the right surrogacy agency will still take the time to get to know you and what you value.

3. Prioritize Strong Matches

The surrogacy journey is an intimate partnership, and a strong match ensures a stress-free and gratifying process for everyone involved. You’ll want to work with an agency that takes personality, expectations, and level of communication desired into consideration. Matching gestational carriers with intended parents is an art, and it requires a personal touch beyond just using an algorithm. 

4. Consider Finances

Finances play a significant role in the surrogacy process for both the carrier and the intended parents. A reputable agency should be upfront and honest about compensation for the surrogate, as well as costs, fees, medical bills, and other expenditures the parents may need to take on. 

5. Inquire About Legal Representation

There are various legal components that go into surrogacy. Before you partner with an agency and sign any documents, you may want to ask about acquiring legal representation. The ideal agency should always look out for your best interests and ensure you fully understand the details before signing anything legally binding. They will also connect you with reproductive attorneys to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved are protected and honored throughout every step of the journey. 

Find Your Ideal California Surrogacy Agency

If you’re looking to become a surrogate or work with one in California, you need an agency that understands your values, prioritizes strong matches, and makes sure all parties are on the same page throughout each step of this life-changing journey. At Fertility Source Companies, we take a multi-faceted approach to service and care, ensuring that both gestational carriers and parents-to-be feel supported from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our surrogacy services in both Southern and Northern California.