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A surrogate is someone who carries a pregnancy for intended parents. In today’s U.S. family-building context, the term usually refers to a gestational carrier: a woman who carries an embryo created through IVF and has no genetic connection to the baby. For many intended parents, understanding this definition is the first step toward making sense of a process that also includes medical screening, legal agreements, embryo transfer planning, and ongoing support throughout the journey.

Hiring a surrogate mother means working with a gestational carrier who carries a pregnancy created through assisted reproductive technology on behalf of intended parents. This guide walks you through the full journey in 2026 — from your first consultation and...

Choosing between independent surrogacy and agency surrogacy is one of the first—and most important—decisions intended parents must make. While independent surrogacy offers more control and lower upfront costs, agency surrogacy provides structured support, legal protection, and professional guidance at every step. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of both options to help you determine which journey aligns best with your budget, risk tolerance, and emotional needs.

California has long been recognized as the heart of surrogacy in the United States, thanks to its favorable legal framework and the presence of many well-established agencies. For intended parents, one of the first things to consider when choosing an agency is its ranking and reputation, as these reflect proven success, trusted processes, and reliable support. To provide clarity, we recently reviewed and compared several leading surrogacy agencies across California. Within this landscape, Babytree Surrogacy is proud to be consistently ranked among the top, known for our transparent guidance, compassionate care, and a thorough medical and psychological screening process that safeguards the well-being of both surrogates and intended parents.