Every state has its own laws surrounding surrogacy and egg donation, California included. Learn more about why so many parents and surrogates choose California for their family-building journey.
An Overview of California Surrogacy
Families of all shapes and sizes live in California, and each one has a unique origin story. For many families, the origin story includes helping hands of a surrogate, egg donor, or fertility center.
With many years of surrogacy laws and regulations under its belt, California is a prime spot for intended parents to find a surrogate and/or egg donor who works with their needs and vice versa. Many reputable agencies and clinics based out of California will help you navigate the process without any unnecessary stress.
If you are considering taking this journey, either as a parent, surrogate, or egg donor, you might be curious about the specific regulations in California. We’ve broken it down for you, so you can get a better handle on the local processes before embarking on this exciting path!
Why Choose Surrogacy or Egg Donation in California?
California is no stranger to surrogacy and egg donation. Given that it boasts some of the best IVF clinics in the country, it has become a first choice for both Californians as well as other intended parents throughout the US and even across the Pacific Ocean.
California Surrogacy Laws and Processes
Surrogacy law differs by state. Here, in The Golden State, much of the regulations surrounding surrogacy come from The California Family Code 7960. This code protects all parties involved in the process, from the intended parents to the surrogate to the coming baby.
One major benefit of the California Family Code is that it has made establishing parentage a seamless process for all involved. Under this code, it’s possible for families to establish parentage through a pre-birth order without being required to attend a hearing.
Regulations in California also require both the surrogate and the intended parents to have their own (separate) legal representation during the process. Together, with both involved attorneys, everybody will be expected to come up with a protective contract. This will need to be done, dusted, and notarized before any related medical steps can take place.
By law, the aforementioned contract will need to include:
- The exact date which said contract has been executed
- Full information about any person who will be genetically related to the coming baby
- Identifying information on the intended parents
- Information regarding the processes for the parentage and pre-birth orders, if any
California Egg Donation Laws and Processes
Egg donation is legal and regulated across California. It has been a popular form of fertility treatment for many years. Depending on your own situation (whether or not you are married, using a surrogate, or other specifics,) you will follow slightly different legal procedures to ensure parentage after the birth. There are specific laws in place, particularly the New Assisted Reproductive Law (AB 960), which will make sure that egg donors are protected.
Becoming a Parent in California
If you dream of starting your family and need the supporting hands of a surrogate or egg donor to make it a reality, you are in the right state. California has many options for you to pursue.
Here at Extraordinary Conceptions, we have many resources to make your journey into parenthood a smooth and exciting one, whether you’ll be working with a surrogate, egg donor, or both.
How to Become an Egg Donor in California
If you’re interested in donating your eggs to another family, we’d like to congratulate you on making such a giving and generous choice! Rest assured, the process of donating eggs in California is very straightforward— and we are here to help.
Before jumping into the process of applying to become an egg donor, it can be helpful to double-check that you meet all basic requirements:
- You Must be between 18-29 years old
- Your BMI must be under 30
- You must not smoke or take any recreational drugs
Please note that your IVF clinic or physician might have other requirements for their donors. If you tick all boxes, you can begin your application process whenever you’re ready!
How to Become a Surrogate in California
If you choose to become a surrogate in California, you will enjoy a straightforward and smooth process.
Though specifics will vary by IVF clinic and/or physician, the basic requirements of becoming a surrogate in California are:
- You must be between the ages of 21-39 with a regular menstrual cycle. (Sometimes older surrogates are considered if they’ve done it before!)
- You must have successfully given birth previously.
- You must not smoke, use drugs, or have a BMI over 30.
- You must be financially stable and not receive any government assistance.
- You must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
- You (or your spouse) cannot have any previous felonies.
- You must not be on any medication for mental health or have a history of mental health issues.
- You cannot be using birth control shots or have an IUD.
If you qualify to become a surrogate, you can apply today!
Surrogacy Agencies in California: Why Choose Extraordinary Conceptions?
Here at Extraordinary Conceptions, we’ve been helping California families grow for over 15 years, and we’re not slowing down! We started in San Diego, where we’ve seen our first miracle babies grow up into happy, healthy teenagers.
At Extraordinary Conceptions, we employ a multilingual team and work with intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors from all over California. Those who have worked with us love how compassionate and dedicated our team is. They find it helpful how many resources we provide. Whether you want to connect with peers going through the same prices as you, or need a good family therapist or lawyer, we’ll be able to get you in touch with the very best. We’ll also always be here to hold your hand, answer questions, and navigate this exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming process.
Get in touch with our team today for a conversation on how we can help you take the steps you need to build your own family or help another one grow.
