Key Takeaways:
- Gestational surrogacy achieves 75% IVF success rates and 95% post-confirmation success, with U.S. surrogates delivering over 13,000 babies annually across diverse family structures.
- Modern surrogacy serves heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single parents facing infertility, with 32% of gestational carrier cycles involving international intended parents.
- Comprehensive screening includes medical, psychological, and background evaluations, with only 9.7% of surrogates citing financial motivation as their sole reason for participating.
- Total surrogacy costs approach $100,000, with surrogate compensation ranging from $60,000 to $110,000, while the global surrogacy market grows at 24.6% annually, reaching $27.9 billion in 2025.
- California leads U.S. surrogacy with progressive laws, world-class clinics, and a $5.1 billion market, making Irvine and Los Angeles international surrogacy hubs for families worldwide.
Surrogacy transforms parenthood dreams into reality for people facing medical, biological, or personal barriers. This guide explains how gestational carriers, egg donors, and fertility professionals create families through proven methods and compassionate support.
What Does Surrogacy Mean When Creating the Gift of Family?
Surrogacy provides a medically supported pathway to parenthood through careful screening, legal protections, and coordinated care. Modern surrogacy serves diverse families through proven methods.
How is modern gestational surrogacy defined?
Gestational surrogacy uses in vitro fertilization to create embryos that are implanted in a surrogate who carries the pregnancy to term. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Between 1999 and 2013, U.S. surrogates delivered 30,927 babies. Approximately 750 babies are born via traditional surrogacy annually, where the surrogate uses her own eggs. Recent data shows gestational surrogacy produces 8,581 single births (64%), 4,566 twins (34%), and 233 triplets or more (2%) each year.
How does surrogacy help people who cannot carry a pregnancy?
Medical conditions, anatomical challenges, and prior pregnancy complications prevent many people from carrying safely. Globally, 17.5% of adults—one in six individuals—experience infertility. Breanna Lockwood developed Asherman’s syndrome, scarred uterine tissue, after two miscarriages. Her condition made pregnancy impossible. Surrogacy provided her only path to biological parenthood with her husband, Aaron.
Why is surrogacy viewed as a life-changing act for intended parents?
Surrogacy represents hope after years of loss and disappointment. Julie Loving, who carried her grandchild for her daughter Breanna, said: “No doubt, no regrets, I would do that. I love her so much, I just wanted to help her.” Breanna persisted through infertility with determination: “I kept saying, ‘I am going to be a mom.'” For intended parents, surrogacy transforms impossible dreams into a tangible reality.
Who Are the People Surrogacy Helps Create a Family For?
Surrogacy serves heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents, and anyone unable to carry safely. Age, health, and reproductive circumstances all influence who needs gestational carriers.
How does surrogacy support couples dealing with fertility or medical obstacles?
Couples face infertility from numerous causes—uterine abnormalities, repeated miscarriages, failed IVF cycles, or medical treatments affecting fertility. Breanna and Aaron Lockwood tried conceiving naturally for years before two miscarriages and an Asherman’s syndrome diagnosis ended their attempts. Some couples endure 20 unsuccessful IVF procedures before turning to surrogacy. Medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders can make pregnancy life-threatening, requiring gestational carriers for safe family building.
How does surrogacy make parenthood possible for same-sex couples and single parents?
Same-sex male couples require both egg donors and surrogates to have biological children. Danny and Jason, a gay couple, completed two surrogacy journeys—first with Victoria, then with Cheyenne as their surrogates. Single parents also utilize surrogacy when they lack a partner. A single father living abroad used Heather Carlson as his surrogate for a December 2024 delivery. Between 2014 and 2020, 32% of gestational carrier cycles involved international intended parents seeking family-building options unavailable in their home countries.
How do age, health, and reproductive circumstances shape who turns to surrogacy?
Age affects fertility and pregnancy safety. Some intended mothers reach ages where pregnancy carries significant risks. Interestingly, surrogates can be older than typically assumed—Julie Loving became a surrogate at 51 years old as a two-time Boston Marathon runner. Julie passed comprehensive medical tests, including cholesterol, psychology, and bloodwork panels, despite her age. Health screenings determine eligibility for both intended parents and surrogates, ensuring safe outcomes for all parties.
How Do Surrogates and Egg Donors Contribute to the Gift of Family?
Surrogates and egg donors undergo rigorous screening. The matching process pairs surrogates with compatible intended parents. Each role requires medical, psychological, and legal preparation.
How are surrogates screened for health, psychological readiness, and background?
Comprehensive screening protects everyone involved. Dr. Brian Kaplan from Fertility Centers of Illinois explained: “This is obviously a very unique scenario and was done after very careful personalized medical, psychological, and ethical considerations. The family dynamic, unconditional support and sacrifice and the resilience of the human spirit were humbling for me as a physician.” Screening includes cholesterol tests, psychological evaluations, and complete bloodwork panels. Agencies verify previous successful pregnancies, stable home environments, and appropriate support systems.
How does the matching process connect surrogates and intended parents?
Matching considers values, communication styles, expectations, and practical factors. Victoria felt captivated by Danny and Jason’s love story and shared values. Deep connections formed immediately at their first meeting. Nicole, working with West Coast Surrogacy in California, described her experience as a “perfect match with intended parents.” Successful matches require compatibility on boundaries, involvement levels, and post-birth relationships. Agencies facilitate introductions and guide conversations to ensure alignment.
How do egg donors help families who cannot conceive without donor support?
Egg donors provide genetic material when intended mothers cannot use their own eggs due to age, genetic concerns, or medical conditions. Heather Carlson’s case involved a gestational carrier using the father’s sperm and donor eggs—she had no genetic relation to the baby. Egg donation enables single fathers and same-sex male couples to pursue biological parenthood. Donors undergo hormone stimulation, monitoring, and surgical retrieval. Their contribution makes many surrogacy journeys possible.
How Does the Surrogacy Process Guide Intended Parents Toward Their Goal?
The surrogacy process follows structured steps from education through birth. Clinical coordination manages medical protocols while ongoing guidance supports intended parents through pregnancy milestones.
How do intended parents begin with program education and the required onboarding?
Intended parents start with consultations explaining timelines, costs, and expectations. They complete medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and legal reviews. Financial planning addresses the significant investment—surrogacy costs approach nearly $100,000, as demonstrated in Julie Loving’s case. Education covers agency fees, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and insurance. Understanding the full scope helps families prepare emotionally and financially.
How does clinical coordination move the journey into medical steps like screening and embryo transfer?
Fertility clinics manage medical protocols. Qualified surrogates undergoing IVF achieve a 75% success rate. Once pregnancy is confirmed, success rates jump to 95%. Using PGT-tested embryos with experienced carriers produces 75-80% live birth rates. Clinical teams coordinate hormone preparations, embryo development, transfer procedures, and early pregnancy monitoring. Precise timing ensures optimal conditions for implantation and healthy development.
How does ongoing guidance support intended parents through pregnancy milestones?
Agencies provide continuous communication throughout pregnancy. Victoria included intended parents in every step: appointments, ultrasounds, and feeling baby movements. Danielle, who completed two journeys with West Coast Surrogacy, noted the agency was always available for questions and support. Regular updates, milestone celebrations, and problem-solving assistance keep all parties aligned. This guidance reduces anxiety and builds confidence as the due date approaches.
How Does Legal Support Create Security for Families Built Through Surrogacy?
Legal frameworks protect intended parents, surrogates, and children. Surrogacy agreements establish clear expectations, while pre-birth and post-birth orders secure parental rights.
How do surrogacy agreements clarify expectations for intended parents and surrogates?
Contracts define responsibilities, compensation, medical decisions, communication protocols, and contingency plans. Julie Loving served as a gestational surrogate, carrying Breanna and Aaron’s biological child with no genetic relation to herself. Legal agreements clarified that Breanna and Aaron were the legal parents despite Julie carrying the pregnancy. Contracts address selective reduction, termination circumstances, lifestyle restrictions, and post-birth contact. Clear documentation prevents disputes and protects everyone involved.
How do pre-birth and post-birth orders establish parental rights?
Pre-birth orders declare intended parents as legal parents before delivery, allowing their names on birth certificates. Post-birth orders finalize parental rights after delivery when pre-birth orders are unavailable. These legal mechanisms ensure intended parents have immediate custody and decision-making authority. New York enacted its Child-Parent Security Act in 2021, joining California and other states with clear surrogacy laws. Legal establishment prevents custody challenges and simplifies hospital procedures.
How do California’s surrogacy-friendly laws benefit domestic and international families?
California is the beating heart of U.S. surrogacy. Irvine and Los Angeles serve as international surrogacy hubs. California offers progressive regulations, world-class IVF clinics, and global accessibility. The U.S. surrogacy market reached $5.1 billion in 2024, with California commanding the largest share. Established legal precedents, diverse family recognition, and streamlined processes make California the premier destination for intended parents worldwide.
What Are the Main Steps to Creating a Family Through Surrogacy?
The surrogacy journey follows predictable phases typically spanning 12-18 months. Understanding each step helps intended parents prepare appropriately.
How do intended parents start the process through early consultation and eligibility checks?
Intended parents contact agencies to discuss goals, circumstances, and eligibility. Initial consultations cover timelines, costs, and requirements. Medical evaluations assess reproductive health and egg/sperm viability. Breanna and Aaron Lockwood married in June 2016 and tried conceiving naturally before turning to surrogacy after medical complications. Early consultations help families understand if surrogacy is appropriate and what preparations are needed.
How does the agency complete screening and approval for surrogates and donors?
Agencies screen surrogate applicants for medical history, psychological stability, and lifestyle factors. Heather Carlson explained: “I really had a good experience being pregnant, and I didn’t know you could help out other families that deal with infertility or just needed help having a baby.” Only 9.7% of surrogates report financial reasons as their sole motivation. Most surrogates are driven by compassion and the desire to help others. Approval requires passing medical exams, psychological evaluations, and background checks.
How does matching lead to medical preparation and embryo transfer?
After matching, medical teams synchronize the surrogate’s cycle with embryo availability. Rachel completed three surrogacy journeys over five years: her first baby arrived in November 2016, the second in July 2018, and the third in March 2021. Each transfer requires precise hormone preparation and timing. Fertility clinics monitor follicle development, endometrial thickness, and hormone levels. Transfer day involves placing one or more embryos into the surrogate’s uterus through a simple procedure.
How does pregnancy monitoring keep communication and expectations aligned?
Regular monitoring confirms pregnancy, tracks development, and identifies potential complications. Heather Carlson chronicled her journey on TikTok (@SurroMommaMae), keeping intended parents and followers updated. Victoria included intended parents in every appointment and milestone, maintaining constant connection. Weekly or biweekly updates keep everyone informed. Ultrasounds, blood tests, and prenatal appointments provide reassurance and build excitement as the pregnancy progresses.
How does birth planning finalize the transition to legal parenthood?
Birth plans specify hospital preferences, delivery room attendance, and immediate post-birth procedures. The father in Heather’s case arrived in the U.S. just in time for his baby to hear his voice before delivery. His birthday coincided with delivery time, creating a double celebration alongside Christmas. Legal documents ensure intended parents are recognized immediately. Hospitals issue birth certificates naming intended parents, completing the legal transition to parenthood.
How Does Surrogacy Emotionally Shape the Families It Helps Create?
Surrogacy creates profound emotional experiences for everyone involved. Intended parents navigate hope, anxiety, and overwhelming joy while surrogates describe deep fulfillment.
How do intended parents describe their emotional experience through each milestone?
Intended parents experience intense emotions throughout the journey. Breanna Lockwood reflected: “My mom was an absolute rockstar through a difficult delivery. The sacrifices she took to bring this little slice of heaven into our world take my breath away.” When holding her daughter, Breanna felt her “heart bursting” with the realization that she would “do absolutely anything needed for this child,” recognizing that feeling reflected “back on what my mom did for me.” Breanna’s grandfather battled cancer, and the family wanted the baby before his passing, adding urgency and poignancy to the journey.
How do surrogates reflect on the meaning of helping another family grow?
Surrogates consistently describe surrogacy as life-changing and deeply meaningful. Rachel explained: “I had the ability, the support, and the love to help them.” She added: “Becoming a mother changed me in every way possible,” and “Surrogacy changed my life. It taught me about sacrifice, about selflessness, about what it means to share the most personal part of yourself in service of someone else’s dream.” Victoria saw surrogacy as “magical” and “a way of giving back, a means of sharing her love with the world.” Jessika reflected on Mother’s Day, calling making someone a mother “a dream come true” when that mother could never have babies on her own. Nicole described her experience as “life-changing” and said she was “changed forever in a beautiful way.” Research confirms these testimonials—86.6% of surrogates report very good personal and family well-being after becoming surrogates.
How do families describe the moment their child is finally placed in their arms?
Birth represents the culmination of years of hope, planning, and patience. Rachel witnessed intended parents holding their babies for the first time, calling it “a moment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” She described herself as “simply the vessel, but I was also a witness to the birth of dreams fulfilled.” Breanna reflected: “Every move and decision I make for my daughter, I’m finding the answers through how my mom raised me.” The moment of first contact transforms abstract concepts into concrete family bonds.
How Does Surrogacy Influence Long-Term Family Identity and Connection?
Surrogacy shapes how families view themselves and tell their stories. Many maintain relationships with surrogates while intended parents develop new identities as parents.
How do families continue to honor the surrogate’s role in their story?
Families often maintain contact and publicly acknowledge their surrogate’s contribution. Breanna Lockwood shares her journey on Instagram with over 31,000 followers to celebrate her mom and raise awareness about infertility. Breanna joked, “The baby book looks wild right now,” acknowledging the unique circumstances of her daughter’s birth. Some families send annual updates, birthday cards, or photos. Others establish ongoing friendships. Recognition methods vary, but most families ensure their children understand the surrogate’s gift.
How do intended parents describe their new identity after achieving parenthood?
Parenthood fundamentally changes intended parents’ self-perception. The single father’s international journey culminated in his dream of parenthood coming true, transforming his identity from hopeful would-be father to actual parent. Rachel summarized her three surrogacy journeys with: “Three miracles. One grateful heart.” Intended parents often feel profound gratitude alongside typical parenting emotions. Their awareness of the journey’s complexity deepens their appreciation for their children and the people who helped create their families.
How do some surrogates and intended parents maintain lasting relationships?
Many surrogates and intended parents form genuine friendships. Victoria became an integral part of Danny and Jason’s family, forming a lifelong bond that extended beyond the pregnancy. Nicole gave the couple “a beautiful family” and gained “a good friend” in the intended mother. Cheyenne formed a lifelong bond with her intended parents, showcasing “the power of love, compassion, and extraordinary connections.” These relationships reflect shared values, mutual respect, and the profound experience of creating life together.
How Can Intended Parents Decide If Surrogacy Is the Right Path to Family?
Surrogacy requires emotional, financial, and logistical readiness. Professional guidance helps clarify whether surrogacy is the best option for specific circumstances.
How can intended parents evaluate emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey?
Emotional readiness requires accepting that another person will carry your child. Julie Loving explained her decision: “I felt all of her grief and her struggle. I knew that I was healthy as a 51-year-old, and I knew I could do this for her.” Rachel’s family stood beside her without hesitation throughout all three journeys, demonstrating the support networks that help sustain emotional well-being. Intended parents need patience for the lengthy process, resilience through setbacks, and the ability to build trusting relationships with surrogates. Counseling helps assess readiness and prepare for emotional challenges.
How should intended parents evaluate financial and logistical factors?
Surrogacy requires significant financial resources. Average surrogate compensation in 2025 ranges from $60,000 to $110,000, plus agency fees, medical costs, legal expenses, and insurance. The global surrogacy market reached $22.4 billion in 2024, with projections of $27.9 billion in 2025 and $201.8 billion by 2034, reflecting a 24.6% compound annual growth rate and growing demand. Financial planning must cover potential complications, multiple transfer attempts, and contingency expenses. International intended parents face additional costs for travel and extended stays. Understanding the full financial scope prevents mid-journey difficulties.
How can professional guidance help families clarify their next step?
Agencies provide consultations that clarify whether surrogacy is appropriate. Professional guidance addresses medical viability, legal considerations, timeline expectations, and emotional preparation. UK surrogacy cycles rose from 130 in 2012 to 230 in 2022, showing global growth trends and increased acceptance. Established agencies include West Coast Surrogacy in California and the Surrogate First agency, which facilitated Heather’s international journey. Professional support helps families weigh surrogacy against alternatives like adoption, egg donation without surrogacy, or remaining child-free.
How Can Southern California Surrogacy Help Families Begin Their Own Gift-of-Family Journey?
Southern California Surrogacy provides comprehensive services for intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors. The agency emphasizes compassion, inclusivity, and ethical guidance throughout the journey.
How does the agency’s mission reflect compassion, inclusivity, and ethical guidance?
The agency serves diverse family structures with equal dedication. Cheyenne’s deep belief in honoring diverse ways families are formed reflects the agency’s inclusive values. Commitment to working with LGBTQ+ couples stems from support as allies. Victoria, an LGBTQ+ wife and parent herself, served as a surrogate for Danny and Jason, a gay male couple, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to serving all families regardless of sexual orientation, relationship status, or background.
How can intended parents, surrogates, or donors reach out to begin the process?
Initial contact starts with phone consultations or online inquiries. Heather Carlson had a 3-year-old daughter and wanted to help other families, motivating her to apply as a surrogate. Danielle’s step-sister also became a surrogate, switching to West Coast Surrogacy for her second journey, creating a family tradition of surrogacy. Nicole developed a new level of closeness with her own husband through the surrogacy experience. These examples show diverse motivations for participating. Contact information is available through agency websites and referral networks.
How does partnering with Southern California Surrogacy support a complete, guided path to parenthood?
Comprehensive support covers every journey phase. Nicole felt supported, cared for, and appreciated throughout her pregnancy. Rachel’s experience demonstrated that each journey was different yet equally powerful, requiring adaptable support. Miranda, a three-time surrogate, described feeling “thought of” when intended parents listened: “If I was craving bagels—the next day, bagels arrived, overnighted from their favorite bagel place.” This level of attention and responsiveness exemplifies the personalized care that transforms surrogacy from a transaction into a meaningful human experience. Partnering with Southern California Surrogacy means accessing expert medical coordination, legal protection, emotional support, and a team committed to making your family-building dreams a reality.
Ready to Begin Your Gift-of-Family Journey?
Southern California Surrogacy guides intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors through every step of the surrogacy process. Whether you’re exploring surrogacy as a path to parenthood, considering becoming a gestational carrier, or interested in egg donation, the team provides compassionate, expert support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Contact Southern California Surrogacy today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward creating or completing your family.
