Babytree Surrogacy shares the best surrogacy agencies in California for intended parents in a 2025 guide.
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.
1. West Coast Surrogacy™ – Top-rated agency serving major California cities
West Coast Surrogacy operates as a boutique surrogacy agency based in California.
West Coast Surrogacy operates as a boutique surrogacy agency based in California. The company was established in 2007 and has built a reputation for providing comprehensive services to intended parents and gestational surrogates.
The agency maintains multiple locations throughout California. Their main office is located in Aliso Viejo, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Sacramento.
West Coast Surrogacy offers an all-inclusive approach to surrogacy services. Their team includes physicians, dietitians, therapists, and case management professionals who support clients throughout the process.
Pros: The agency provides extensive surrogate screening processes and coordinates legal, medical, and financial aspects of surrogacy. They offer case management, counseling, and educational resources. Their boutique approach allows for personalized attention to each client’s needs.
Cons: As a premium agency with multiple California locations, their services may come at higher costs compared to smaller agencies. The boutique model may result in longer wait times for matching services during peak demand periods.
2. Babytree Surrogacy – Full-service agency with egg donor and surrogacy programs
Babytree Surrogacy welcomes all families in California, sharing care and support for surrogacy journeys.
Babytree Surrogacy operates as a compassionate, full-service agency, expertly serving diverse domestic and international clients. Providing comprehensive egg donor and gestational surrogacy across California, their experienced team guides personalized journeys. The agency employs rigorous genetic, psychological, and medical screening for all participants, upholding high program standards. From initial match to three months postpartum, Babytree ensures dedicated support and transparent communication, assisting intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors throughout the entire process.
Pros:
- Full-service approach, managing all program aspects from matching to legal and medical coordination.
- Extensive experience with both international and domestic clients, offering tailored support.
- Comprehensive and rigorous screening protocols, including genetic, psychological, medical, and background evaluations for all participants.
- Dedicated and compassionate support provided throughout the entire journey, with an experienced team, many of whom have personal surrogacy experience.
- Offers a “Match First, Pay Later” policy, meaning agency fees are not collected until a match is accepted.
- Provides a “Guaranteed Successful Program” with a free rematch within five years if a match does not result in a pregnancy.
- Utilizes a custom-built app for seamless and transparent communication between intended parents, surrogates, and coordinators.
Cons (Cost Considerations):
- Medical screening, IVF fees, and medication costs typically range from $25,000 to $35,000.
- Additional egg donor acquisition costs, if applicable, are between $20,000 and $30,000.
- Background check fees for all parties add approximately $1,750 in total.
3. Made In The USA Surrogacy – Connecting surrogates and intended parents nationwide
Made In The USA Surrogacy operates as a full-service agency based in Northern California.
Made In The USA Surrogacy operates as a full-service agency based in Northern California. The agency connects surrogate mothers with intended parents across multiple regions including Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles.
This agency provides comprehensive coordination throughout the surrogacy process. They match intended parents with qualified gestational surrogates and facilitate connections to industry professionals.
Made In The USA Surrogacy offers support from start to finish for each surrogacy journey. They work with individuals facing infertility challenges who cannot conceive naturally.
Pros:
- Full-service agency handling all coordination aspects
- Operates nationwide with extensive geographical coverage
- Connects clients to necessary industry professionals
- Provides support throughout the entire process
- Based in California with established regional presence
Cons:
- Limited specific information about success rates available
- California-based operations may present logistical challenges for distant clients
- Pricing structure not clearly outlined in public materials
- Experience level and years in operation unclear from available information
4. Emmy Life Center – Personalized surrogacy services with dedicated support
Emmy Life Center stands as California’s first agency specifically designed to serve Chinese clients. The agency has been operating since 2010 and has helped over 800 families achieve their parenthood goals.
The center owns California Surrogacy Center (CSC), which operates as a professional surrogate recruitment platform. This direct recruitment approach gives them control over the matching process between intended parents and surrogates.
Emmy Life Center focuses exclusively on California surrogacy arrangements. Their personalized approach aims to create a reassuring experience for clients throughout the surrogacy journey.
Pros:
- 15 years of experience with over 800 successful cases
- Owns their own surrogate recruitment platform for better control
- Specialized expertise serving Chinese-speaking clients
- California-focused operations allow for concentrated local expertise
- Offers signing bonuses and comprehensive benefits for surrogates
Cons:
- Limited to California operations only
- Primarily targets Chinese clientele, which may limit cultural diversity
- Smaller scale compared to national agencies
- Less geographic flexibility for intended parents preferring other states
5. Surrogacy4All – Professional guidance in absence of specific state legislation
Surrogacy4All specializes in navigating complex legal landscapes where surrogacy regulations remain unclear or limited. The agency provides comprehensive guidance on state-specific legislation across the United States.
Their team focuses on helping intended parents and surrogates understand varying legal requirements between different states. They offer detailed analysis of surrogacy laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
Pros:
Surrogacy4All maintains extensive knowledge of state-by-state legal variations. They provide clarity through intricate surrogacy legislation that changes frequently.
The agency offers professional guidance for parties operating in states without established surrogacy frameworks. Their comprehensive approach addresses legal complexities before they become problematic.
They specialize in creating agreements that comply with relevant regulations across different jurisdictions. This expertise helps mitigate potential legal complications.
Cons:
Working with states lacking specific legislation can create uncertainty despite professional guidance. Legal frameworks may shift unexpectedly in jurisdictions without established surrogacy laws.
The complexity of navigating multiple state regulations can extend timelines for surrogacy arrangements. Additional legal consultation may be required in challenging jurisdictions.
6. PrimeSurro – Experienced agency focused on caring and rewarding surrogacy journeys
PrimeSurro operates as a California-based surrogacy agency located in Irvine. The company has been BBB accredited since November 2019 and serves clients globally from their Southern California headquarters.
The agency focuses on connecting intended parents with qualified gestational surrogates through a screening process. PrimeSurro provides matching services between intended parents and surrogates with transparent compensation packages. Their team offers support throughout the surrogacy process with emphasis on safety and health protocols.
The agency can be reached at (833) 966-0990 and maintains offices at 300 Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine. They offer professional services for both domestic and international clients seeking surrogacy arrangements.
Pros:
- Large pool of active surrogate applicants
- BBB accreditation provides credibility
- Transparent compensation structure
- Global client service capability
- Professional screening process
Cons:
- Limited public information about success rates
- Newer BBB accreditation compared to some competitors
- Pricing details not readily available online
- Less detailed online presence than some agencies
7. Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) – Over 30 years of experience with seasoned professionals
Surrogate Parenting Services operates as California’s established surrogacy agency with over 35 years in the field. The agency was founded in 1990 by Cristie Montgomery following her personal surrogate experience.
SPS employs professionals who have firsthand surrogacy experience as former surrogates themselves. This background provides practical insight into the process from multiple perspectives.
The agency offers full-service surrogacy programs throughout California. Their team handles matching services, legal coordination, and ongoing support for both parties.
Pros:
SPS maintains high surrogate retention rates, with over half choosing to work with the agency again. The extensive experience spanning three decades demonstrates operational stability.
Team members with personal surrogacy backgrounds can offer informed guidance. The agency provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process.
Cons:
The premium positioning may result in higher costs compared to newer agencies. Established agencies sometimes have longer waiting periods due to demand.
The focus on experience may mean less adoption of newer industry practices or technologies.
8. Choice Surrogacy – Expert and personalized surrogacy services in California
Choice Surrogacy operates as a California-based agency specializing in connecting intended parents with surrogate mothers. The agency focuses on providing individualized attention throughout the surrogacy process.
The company offers guidance for both parties involved in surrogacy arrangements. They handle the coordination between intended parents and potential surrogates in California.
Choice Surrogacy emphasizes personalized care as a core component of their service model. This approach aims to address the unique needs of each surrogacy journey.
Pros:
The agency provides expert guidance through California’s surrogacy laws and regulations. Their personalized approach allows for tailored support based on individual circumstances.
Choice Surrogacy offers comprehensive services that cover legal, medical, and emotional aspects of surrogacy. They maintain experience working within California’s surrogate-friendly legal framework.
Cons:
Limited information is available about their specific success rates or detailed pricing structure. The agency’s size and years of operation are not clearly documented in public resources.
Their geographical focus on California may limit options for intended parents seeking surrogates in other states. Details about their screening processes and support services require direct contact for clarification.
How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency in California
The success of a surrogacy journey depends heavily on selecting an agency with proper credentials, thorough screening procedures, and comprehensive support systems throughout the process.
Accreditation and Licensing
California does not require specific licensing for surrogacy agencies, making it essential to verify other credentials. Reputable agencies often hold memberships with professional organizations like the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Look for agencies with established track records spanning several years. Agencies should provide transparent success rates and client testimonials upon request.
Key credentials to verify:
- Professional organization memberships
- Years in operation
- Client references and testimonials
- Legal partnerships with reproductive attorneys
- Medical partnerships with fertility clinics
Check if the agency maintains proper insurance coverage and bonding. This protects all parties involved in case of unexpected complications or disputes.
The agency should also demonstrate knowledge of California’s surrogacy-friendly laws. They should work exclusively with attorneys specializing in reproductive law.
Screening and Matching Process
Thorough screening protocols protect intended parents and surrogates alike. Agencies should conduct comprehensive background checks, psychological evaluations, and medical screenings for all surrogates.
Medical screening typically includes fertility history reviews, current health assessments, and infectious disease testing. Psychological evaluations help ensure emotional readiness for the surrogacy process.
Essential screening components:
- Criminal background checks
- Financial stability verification
- Medical history and current health evaluation
- Psychological assessment
- Previous pregnancy history review
- Lifestyle and social support evaluation
The matching process should consider compatibility factors beyond basic requirements. Geographic proximity, communication preferences, and lifestyle compatibility all influence successful partnerships.
Quality agencies take time to understand both parties’ preferences and concerns. They facilitate initial meetings and ongoing communication throughout the matching phase.
Support Services Provided
Comprehensive support services distinguish exceptional agencies from basic service providers. Full-service agencies coordinate medical care, legal processes, insurance matters, and emotional support throughout the journey.
Case management services should include dedicated coordinators who guide clients through each step. These professionals handle appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and communication between all parties.
Critical support services include:
- Dedicated case management
- Legal coordination and contract facilitation
- Insurance navigation and verification
- Financial management and escrow services
- Counseling and emotional support resources
- 24/7 emergency contact availability
Financial transparency is crucial for trust and planning purposes. Agencies should provide detailed cost breakdowns and payment schedules upfront.
Ongoing communication support helps maintain positive relationships between intended parents and surrogates. This includes regular check-ins, conflict resolution services, and celebration of milestones throughout the pregnancy.
Legal and Financial Considerations for Surrogacy in California
California offers one of the most secure legal frameworks for gestational surrogacy in the United States, with comprehensive laws protecting all parties. Typical agency fees range from $30,000 to $50,000, while legal procedures include enforceable contracts and pre-birth parentage orders.
Surrogacy Laws and Regulations
California legalized gestational surrogacy in 2012 through Family Code sections 7960, 7961, and 7962. These laws establish clear guidelines for gestational agreements and protect both intended parents and surrogates.
The state recognizes intended parents regardless of marital status, citizenship, or sexual orientation. Same-sex couples, single individuals, and international intended parents all have equal rights under California law.
Key legal protections include:
- Enforceable surrogacy contracts
- Court-issued parentage orders
- Protection for gestational carriers
- Clear parental rights establishment
California prohibits traditional surrogacy where the surrogate uses her own eggs. Only gestational surrogacy using IVF with the intended parents’ or donor genetic material is legally permitted.
The surrogate must be at least 21 years old and have completed at least one successful pregnancy. Independent legal representation is required for all parties before contract signing.
Typical Agency Fees
Surrogacy agency fees in California typically range from $30,000 to $50,000. These fees cover matching services, case management, and ongoing support throughout the process.
Standard agency services include:
- Surrogate screening and matching
- Psychological evaluations and counseling
- Medical coordination and monitoring
- Legal support and contract facilitation
- 24/7 case management support
Additional costs beyond agency fees include surrogate compensation ($40,000-$70,000), medical expenses ($30,000-$50,000), and legal fees ($5,000-$10,000). Insurance coverage varies significantly depending on the surrogate’s policy.
Total surrogacy costs in California range from $100,000 to $200,000. Premium agencies with extensive support services typically charge higher fees but provide more comprehensive care coordination.
Contracts and Parentage Procedures
California requires written gestational surrogacy agreements before any medical procedures begin. These contracts must address compensation, medical decisions, lifestyle requirements, and contingency situations.
Essential contract elements include:
- Surrogate compensation and expense reimbursement
- Medical decision-making authority
- Lifestyle restrictions during pregnancy
- Insurance coverage and medical costs
- Communication expectations between parties
Pre-birth parentage orders establish the intended parents’ legal rights before delivery. Courts review the surrogacy agreement and issue orders confirming parental status typically around 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The parentage order ensures the intended parents’ names appear directly on the birth certificate. Hospital staff receive copies to prevent complications during delivery and immediate post-birth procedures.
Independent legal counsel represents each party during contract negotiations. The intended parents typically cover legal fees for both their attorney and the surrogate’s separate legal representation.
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