The most fulfilling time in many women’s lives is when they get to experience motherhood. Unfortunately, not all women are able to conceive naturally, but that does not mean they are unable to experience the joy that motherhood brings. Making the decision to seek alternate methods of starting a family can be a difficult first step. One option couples may turn to is a gestational surrogate. At Reproductive Fertility Center, our priority is to help our patients fully understand their options while providing the best possible care.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is when a woman (surrogate) carries a baby for another person or couple, who will be the child’s legal parent(s). Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is inseminated and genetically related to the baby, is no longer used.

At Reproductive Fertility Center, we use gestational surrogacy, which involves transferring an embryo (usually a frozen embryo) into the uterus of the surrogate. The implanted embryo is created from the DNA of the intended parent(s) or an egg and/or sperm donor. Our priority is helping our patients fully understand their surrogacy options while providing the best possible care.

Reasons to Choose a Surrogate Pregnancy

1. Unsuccessful In Vitro Fertilization

If pregnancy has not been achieved after multiple in vitro fertilization treatments, it may be time to consider a gestational surrogate.

2. Previous Hysterectomy

In some cases, an intended mother may be unable to become pregnant because she previously had a hysterectomy. This procedure removes the uterus, and it may be done for a number of reasons.

3. Health Risks to Intended Mother or Baby

Sometimes, a woman’s uterus or body may not be healthy enough for pregnancy. Certain medical conditions may endanger their health, the baby’s health, and even their lives.

4. Same-sex Couples

Same-sex male or female couples who wish to become parents but cannot or prefer not to carry a child themselves can start their family with the help of a gestational surrogate.

How Does Surrogacy Work?

Reproductive Fertility Center is proud to provide surrogacy options for intended parents who are may be looking for fertility options. Below is what you should expect when working with us:

Consultation: Meet with one of our fertility doctors for a private consultation so we can properly inform you on the process, address any questions you may have, and get you on the path to parenthood.
Selecting your Surrogate: Some couples are lucky enough to have a family member of close friend to be their surrogate. However, quite often the parents are not familiar with the surrogate at the beginning of the process. Many parents develop a close relationship with their surrogate throughout the process. Reproductive Fertility Center partners with specific surrogacy agencies to help you find a healthy, fully screened surrogate.
Open Communication: It is important for all couples using a gestational surrogate to communicate with their fertility doctor regarding their desires, family goals, and concerns. This also includes communicating with the surrogate to promote a successful and amicable surrogacy process.
Legal Resources: Couples using a gestational surrogate should fully be informed all laws and regulations involving surrogacy for their state of residency. This process is complex, and Dr. Saadat and this team work with legal experts in the field including lawyers and therapists who specialize in third-party reproduction.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Gestational Surrogacy

Do same-sex couples seek Gestational Surrogates?

Yes, same-sex male couples longing to become parents quite often choose to use a gestational surrogate. Same-sex female couples sometimes seek a surrogate after unsuccessful artificial insemination or IVF treatments.

How much do surrogates cost?

Surrogate mothers receive significant compensation for their time, living expenses while pregnant, and other concerns. The average cost of surrogacy is discussed before meeting your potential surrogate. Final compensation is addressed while drafting the legal contract between you and your surrogate.

Is gestational surrogacy legal in California?

Yes. Surrogate pregnancy using IVF is legal in California. We work with a team of lawyers who specialize in reproductive rights to ensure you and your surrogate’s rights and responsibilities are protected and defined.

What is the screening process for a surrogate?

Gestational surrogates go through a rigorous screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations. Gestational surrogates must be healthy, have had at least one issue-free pregnancy and delivery, live a healthy lifestyle, and be willing to commit a year of their life to this process.

Is IVF surrogacy possible with both an egg and sperm donor?

Yes, thanks to innovative fertility techniques available, patients can still have a child if they don’t have viable eggs (ova or oocytes) or sperm (spermatozoa). Intended parents who thought it would be impossible to experience the birth of their child are now able to be involved with the pregnancy and delivery experience through gestational surrogacy with a sperm donor and egg donor.

What is the difference between Traditional Surrogacy and Gestational Surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy involves artificial insemination of the surrogate mother, meaning her egg is fertilized and she is the baby’s biological mother.

With gestational surrogacy, the woman carrying the child is known as a gestational carrier and is not biologically related to the child. This means the egg and sperm used to create the embryo are from the intended parents or donors.

Our clinic only does gestational surrogacy; like most other clinics, we do not offer traditional surrogacy.

How can I become a surrogate?

There is further information available if you want to learn more about being a surrogate in Southern California. You can see the steps to become a surrogate here.

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Gestational Surrogacy in Los Angeles