Choosing to become a surrogate is a profound decision that changes lives, both yours and those of the intended parents. At PSED, we recognize the courage it takes to become a surrogate and are committed to providing tailored support, clear communication, and expert care to guide you through every stage of this transformative journey.
Located in Los Angeles, California, Pacific Surrogacy & Egg Donation (PSED) provides a caring and professional environment where surrogates feel valued and supported, ensuring a fulfilling and seamless experience tailored to your needs.
This guide outlines the surrogacy process, organized into three major steps: selection and matching, IVF process, and pregnancy and birth. We’ve also included a timeline to help you understand how long the surrogacy process typically takes.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman helps intended parents build their family by carrying a pregnancy on their behalf. At our agency, we work exclusively with gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. In this process, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
Gestational surrogacy provides a clear legal framework, ensuring that intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents from the start. This approach also minimizes emotional complexities, allowing surrogates to focus on their important role in helping create a family.
Our commitment to gestational surrogacy reflects our dedication to offering a safe, secure, and supportive experience for both surrogates and intended parents.
Why Choose Surrogacy?
We work closely with surrogates to support intended parents in creating families. Our approach emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and practical assistance throughout the process.
How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?
On average, the surrogacy journey takes 12 to 18 months from application to delivery. This surrogacy process timeline can vary based on factors such as:
- Matching with intended parents
- Medical screening and IVF process
- Legal agreement finalization
We carefully guide you through every step of this journey, ensuring a supportive and positive experience for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
The Three Major Steps of the Surrogacy Process
We will explain the surrogacy process step by step, ensuring clarity and support as you navigate each stage from matching to birth.
Selection and Matching Process
To begin your surrogacy journey, you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria such as being aged 21–42 years old, having prior childbirth experience with no complications, being in good health, and having a supportive family or partner. Starting the process involves completing our formal application, undergoing medical and psychological screenings, and being matched with intended parents.
California's surrogacy laws ensure thorough screening and matching processes, prioritizing the well-being of surrogates and intended parents. At PSED, a dedicated coordinator leads the matching process, carefully reviewing profiles and facilitating meetings to achieve the best possible match. This personalized approach reflects our professionalism and commitment to building trust and strong relationships throughout the surrogacy journey.
Our surrogacy process is designed to ensure both parties feel confident and well prepared at every stage of the journey. If you’re wondering how to start the surrogacy process, simply reach out to our team, and we’ll guide you through every detail with care and expertise.
During the matching process, we focus on helping intended parents to find a surrogate who shares their values and preferences. This personalized approach helps build a foundation of trust and support, ensuring a positive and collaborative experience for everyone involved.
The IVF Process
Once matched, surrogates begin medical preparations guided by fertility specialists at our partner clinic, Tree of Life Fertility Center Los Angeles. Hormonal preparation readies your uterus for the embryo transfer, which is a quick and painless procedure. After the transfer, a two-week wait follows to confirm if the embryo has implanted successfully.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an essential part of the surrogacy journey. This process includes careful preparation and monitoring to support a healthy outcome. During this time, our team is here to provide regular check-ups and answer your questions, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
The IVF process is central to the gestational surrogacy process, relying on advanced medical techniques to ensure safety and success for both surrogates and intended parents. This stage emphasizes collaboration with leading fertility clinics in Los Angeles and across California, ensuring the highest standards of care and expertise.
Pregnancy and Birth
During pregnancy, you’ll have regular medical appointments to monitor progress and milestones. PSED provides ongoing emotional and logistical support, ensuring you feel confident and well-supported. Compensation is provided at agreed-upon milestones, allowing you to focus on the journey without financial concerns.
The birth is a key moment in the surrogacy journey, when intended parents finally welcome their child and start their life as a family. Intended parents often join you at the hospital, sharing in the joy of their child’s arrival. When the baby is born, our team works closely with experienced fertility lawyers to ensure the process is seamless and supported by the necessary legal documents, including pre-birth orders. This guarantees the intended mother and father are recognized as the legal parents immediately after the delivery.
After delivery, PSED continues to support you, offering counseling and guidance for a smooth transition. The process of handing over the baby to the intended parents is a deeply rewarding experience, marking the culmination of your commitment and care.
Legal Aspects of Surrogacy
Before moving forward with IVF, a surrogacy contract is created between you and the intended parents. This legal agreement covers compensation, responsibilities, and dispute resolution. You will work with an independent surrogacy attorney, paid for by the intended parents, to ensure your rights and needs are protected throughout the legal process.
The California surrogacy process is guided by strong legal frameworks, providing a solid foundation for gestational surrogacy, including pre-birth orders that legally recognize intended parents before the baby’s birth. These legal contracts and agreements are vital for ensuring a smooth and secure journey for everyone involved. Understanding the types of surrogacy and the role of legal agreements ensures clarity and confidence throughout your journey.
Ready to Make a Difference?
At PSED, we prioritize creating a seamless and supportive experience for surrogates. Whether you’re based in California, exploring Los Angeles surrogacy process options, or considering surrogacy elsewhere in the United States, our dedicated team is here to help. Learn more about the requirements for becoming a surrogate or take the first step by completing our application form. Begin your journey with us today and discover the joy of transforming lives through surrogacy.
