The On Fertility Ground Blog

In-depth guides on surrogate compensation, requirements, legal contracts, and the surrogacy journey — for surrogates and intended parents.

• What Black, Brown, and BIPOC Surrogates Deserve (And Why Most Agencies Fall Short)

  From 2020 to 2023, there was a 400% increase in Black and Latina women entering gestational surrogacy. The industry has not caught up. Here is what every BIPOC surrogate deserves — and how OFG was built to deliver it.

• What Does a Gestational Surrogate Actually Get Paid in California? The Full Breakdown

  A complete, transparent breakdown of surrogate compensation in California — base pay, monthly allowances, wellness programs, medical fees, and more. At OFG, you set your own rate.

• 10 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before Becoming a Surrogate

  The right agency will welcome every question. If they make you feel like asking is inconvenient, that tells you everything you need to know.

• What Happens to Your Body as a Gestational Surrogate — From Transfer to Delivery

  A complete medical timeline from screening through post-delivery recovery — in plain language, with nothing glossed over.

• Can I Be a Surrogate If I Had a C-Section?

  Having had one or two C-sections does not disqualify you. Three is reviewed case-by-case. Here is what actually matters.

• What Your Surrogate Contract Actually Covers — In Plain Language

  The Gestational Surrogacy Agreement is one of the things that protects you most. Here is what it covers and what it cannot require.

• I'm Considering Surrogacy But My Family Has Questions. What Do I Tell Them?

  The family conversation is real — especially in communities where surrogacy is not a familiar concept. Here is how to navigate it.

• What Is a Surrogacy Escrow Account and How Is Your Money Protected?

  Your entire compensation is secured in a neutral third-party escrow before the journey begins. Here is how it works.

• A Day in the Life of a Gestational Surrogate — What Nobody Tells You

  Surrogacy content skews toward highlight reels. Here is what a real day looks like — the mundane, the meaningful, and the in-between.

• Do I Qualify? Gestational Surrogate Requirements in California

  A clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the medical, legal, and personal requirements to become a gestational surrogate in California.

• How Much Does Surrogacy Actually Cost for Intended Parents?

  A transparent cost breakdown including agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical, legal, insurance, and escrow. No hidden numbers.

• The Surrogacy Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents

  From your first consultation to holding your baby — every step of the surrogacy journey explained clearly.

• How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency — What to Look For and What to Avoid

  Not all agencies are created equal. Here is how to evaluate them — and the red flags that should make you walk away.

• Why California Surrogacy Law Is the Gold Standard — And What It Means for You

  California offers the strongest legal protections for surrogacy in the United States. Here is what makes it different.

• What Is a Pre-Birth Order and How Does It Protect Your Family?

  A Pre-Birth Order legally establishes Intended Parents as the child's parents before birth. Here is how the process works in California.

• What Happens If a Surrogacy Match Falls Apart?

  Match dissolutions happen. What matters is how the agency handles them. Here is OFG's documented policy.

• LGBTQ+ Surrogacy in California — What You Need to Know

  California offers the strongest legal protections for LGBTQ+ families building through surrogacy. Here is the complete guide.

• The Gestational Surrogacy Agreement: A Legal Guide for Both Parties

  A comprehensive guide to the legal contract that governs every surrogacy journey in California.

• Why Black Women Are Underrepresented in Surrogacy — And What We're Doing About It

  The surrogacy industry has a diversity problem. This post talks about why — and what On Fertility Ground is doing to change it.

• What It Means to Be a Diversity-First Surrogacy Agency

  "Diversity-first" is easy to say. Much harder to operationalize. This post describes what it actually means at OFG.

• Why We Let Surrogates Set Their Own Compensation Rate

  Most agencies set a "standard range." OFG does not. Here is why — and why it matters for equity.

• What BIPOC-Affirming Support Actually Looks Like in Surrogacy

  Not a marketing phrase — a set of specific choices at every stage of the journey.

• The Emotional Side of Surrogacy Nobody Talks About

  The joy is real. The complexity is real. The support is real. All three things are true — and you deserve the full picture.

• What Is a Birth Doula and Why Every Surrogate Should Have One

  A doula is your advocate in the delivery room. For Black women delivering in a system that has not consistently heard them, that advocacy is protection.

• How to Take Care of Yourself During a Surrogacy Pregnancy — The OFG Wellness Program

  A $2,000 benefit covering acupuncture, massage, nutrition, mental health, yoga, meals, spa credit, and postpartum support.

• What Is Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy? Understanding the Difference

  Gestational and traditional surrogacy are fundamentally different — medically, legally, and emotionally. Here is a clear breakdown.

• How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take from Start to Finish?

  A realistic timeline from consultation to delivery — with honest time ranges for each phase.

• Can Single People Use a Surrogate? Everything You Need to Know

  Absolutely. Single parents by choice are a core part of the surrogacy community. Here is how the process works.

• International Intended Parents: A Guide to California Surrogacy from Abroad

  California welcomes international families. Here is what you need to know about legal protections, citizenship, and logistics.

• The History of Surrogacy in the United States — From Controversy to Legal Clarity

  Surrogacy in America has evolved from legal uncertainty to one of the most regulated family-building options available.

• The Baby M Case: How One Custody Battle Changed Surrogacy Forever

  The 1986 Baby M case exposed the risks of traditional surrogacy and directly led to the legal frameworks that protect families today.

• I'm a Surrogate on Medicaid — What Happens to My Benefits?

  Surrogate compensation can affect Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and other state benefits. A judgment-free, practical guide to protecting both your benefits and your earnings.

• What Happens at the First Match Meeting? A Surrogate + Intended Parent Walkthrough

  The first video call between a potential surrogate and intended parents is one of the most important hours of the whole journey. Here's exactly how it runs at OFG.

• Pre-Birth Order vs. Post-Birth Order: Why California Gives You the Better Path

  Not all states protect intended parents the same way. Here's the real difference between a Pre-Birth Order and a Post-Birth Order — and why California's approach is the gold standard.

• 5 Things Nobody Tells You About the Postpartum Surrogate Recovery

  The first weeks after a surrogate gives birth are physically, emotionally, and financially different from any other postpartum. Here's the honest guide — and what OFG funds to support it.

• Single Intended Parents: Building Your Family Through Surrogacy in 2026

  Solo parents are one of the fastest-growing groups choosing surrogacy. Here's the 2026 legal, financial, and emotional roadmap for building your family on your own terms.

• Surrogate Self-Care During Embryo Transfer: A Day-by-Day Guide

  The two weeks around embryo transfer are short, intense, and shape everything. Here's an honest, day-by-day guide to caring for yourself — and what OFG's wellness benefit covers.

• Surrogacy Medications Explained: What Injections You'll Actually Take (And What They Feel Like)

  Estrogen, progesterone, Lupron — the medication protocol is the part of surrogacy most women are nervous about. Here's exactly what you'll take, when, what it feels like, and the tricks experienced surrogates swear by.

• Can I Be a Surrogate While Working Full-Time? Jobs, Leave, and Disability Pay in California

  Yes — most surrogates work full-time through their entire journey. Here's how appointments, work leave, California disability pay, and lost-wage reimbursement actually fit around a real job.

• What Happens If the Embryo Transfer Fails? What Comes Next for Surrogates and Intended Parents

  Roughly 3 to 4 in 10 first transfers don't take — and almost nobody prepares you for it. Here's what a negative beta means, what happens to your compensation, and how the next attempt works.

• Becoming a Repeat Surrogate: How a Second Journey Is Different (And Why Experienced Surrogates Earn More)

  Nearly half of surrogates say yes to a second journey. Here's what changes the second time: higher compensation, faster matching, easier screening — and the questions worth asking yourself first.

• How Health Insurance Works in Surrogacy — Who Pays for What?

  Insurance is the least glamorous and most misunderstood part of surrogacy. Here's who covers the pregnancy, what a surrogacy exclusion is, what newborn coverage looks like, and where the money actually goes.

• Surrogacy Myths vs. Facts: 12 Things People Still Get Wrong

  “The baby has the surrogate's DNA.” “Surrogates can keep the baby.” “It's only for the rich and famous.” Twelve stubborn surrogacy myths, corrected with facts — and what the truth means for you.

• Surrogacy and Taxes: What Surrogates and Intended Parents Need to Know for 2026

  Is surrogate compensation taxable? Can intended parents deduct surrogacy costs? The tax rules around surrogacy are murkier than they should be — here's the honest lay of the land and the questions to bring to your CPA.

• Egg Donor + Surrogate: How a Dual Journey Works, Step by Step

  Many families need both an egg donor and a gestational surrogate — single dads, gay couples, and women who can't use their own eggs. Here's how a dual journey works, what it costs, and how the timelines interlock.

• Expecting Twins via Surrogacy: Costs, Risks, and Why Single Embryo Transfer Is the New Standard

  Can you ask your surrogate to carry twins? Should you? Twin pregnancies change the medical math, the budget, and the contract — here's what intended parents need to know before requesting a double transfer.

• Agency vs. Independent Surrogacy: The Honest Pros and Cons

  Independent surrogacy can save intended parents real money — and it can also go very wrong. An honest, non-defensive breakdown of when indy journeys work, when they don't, and who ends up unprotected.

• Denied by a Surrogacy Agency? Why Going Independent Won't Bypass the Medical Requirements

  It's one of the most dangerous misconceptions in surrogacy: that a woman denied for BMI or medical history can skip the rules by matching independently. She can't — because the requirements were never the agency's. They're ASRM guidelines, and every fertility clinic enforces them.

• LGBTQ+ Surrogacy: A Complete Guide to Building Your Family in 2026

  For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, surrogacy offers a beautiful path to biological parenthood. Here's everything you need to know about the process, legal protections, and finding the right support.

• First-Time Surrogate FAQ: 25 Questions Every New Surrogate Asks

  Considering becoming a surrogate for the first time? Get honest answers to the questions you're probably wondering about—from compensation to emotional attachment to what labor is really like.

• How to Tell Family and Friends You're Using Surrogacy: Scripts, Strategies, and Handling Tough Questions

  Sharing your surrogacy decision with loved ones can feel daunting. Here's how to navigate the conversations with confidence, including what to say when reactions aren't what you hoped for.

• Surrogacy vs. Adoption: An Honest Comparison to Help You Decide

  Both surrogacy and adoption are beautiful paths to parenthood, but they're very different journeys. Here's an honest look at both to help you make the right choice for your family.

• International Intended Parents: Your Complete Guide to U.S. Surrogacy from Abroad

  Pursuing surrogacy in the United States from another country involves unique considerations. Here's everything international intended parents need to know about the process, legal requirements, and logistics.

• Navigating Facebook Groups for Surrogacy Agency Reviews: What Every Intended Parent Should Know

  Facebook groups can be valuable resources for surrogacy research, but not all reviews are what they seem. Learn how to spot bias, hidden agendas, and make informed decisions.

• Building Your Surrogacy Support Team: The Key People You Need on Your Journey

  A successful surrogacy journey requires more than just an agency. Learn about the essential team members who will guide and support you every step of the way.

• Surrogacy Trends in 2026: What Intended Parents and Surrogates Should Know

  The surrogacy landscape is evolving. Discover the latest trends shaping surrogacy in California and what they mean for your journey.

• Essential Self-Care Tips for Surrogates in 2026

  Carrying a baby for another family is a beautiful gift. Here are practical self-care strategies to support your physical and emotional wellbeing throughout your surrogacy journey.

• 15 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Surrogacy Agency in 2026

  Choosing the right surrogacy agency is crucial for your journey. Use this comprehensive checklist to evaluate potential agencies.

• California Surrogacy Requirements: What You Need to Know

  Learn about the legal and medical requirements for becoming a surrogate in California, one of the most surrogate-friendly states in the US.

• How to Get Started with Surrogacy: A Complete Guide for Intended Parents

  Thinking about growing your family through surrogacy? Here is everything you need to know to begin your journey.

• Understanding Surrogate Compensation in California

  A transparent look at surrogate compensation packages, benefits, and what to expect financially as a California surrogate.

• How to Choose the Best Surrogacy Agency in California

  Key factors to consider when selecting a surrogacy agency, and what sets top agencies apart from the rest.

• 10 Tips for First-Time Surrogates

  Practical advice from experienced surrogates to help you navigate your first surrogacy journey with confidence.

• The Surrogacy Process Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month

  A detailed breakdown of the surrogacy journey timeline from application to bringing baby home.

• How to Boost Your Fertility to Get Pregnant: Evidence-Based Tips for 2025

  Discover science-backed strategies to optimize your fertility and increase your chances of conception naturally.

• How to Heal from a Pregnancy Loss: A Compassionate Guide to Finding Hope Again

  Navigating grief after miscarriage or pregnancy loss is deeply personal. Here's guidance for healing at your own pace.

• How to Talk to Your Partner About IVF: Having the Conversation That Could Change Everything

  Starting the IVF conversation with your partner can feel daunting. Here's how to approach it with compassion and clarity.

• How to Handle Infertility Around the Holidays: Surviving the Season with Grace

  The holiday season can be especially difficult when you're struggling with infertility. Here's how to protect your heart while still finding moments of joy.

• Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry? Understanding Compensation During Pregnancy Loss

  One of the most difficult topics in surrogacy is what happens financially if a pregnancy ends in miscarriage. Here's a compassionate and thorough explanation of how compensation works during pregnancy loss.

• The Surrogate's Complete Guide to Pumping and Shipping Breast Milk

  Many surrogates choose to pump breast milk for the babies they carry. Here's everything you need to know about pumping after delivery and shipping milk to intended parents.

• Pros and Cons of Pumping After Surrogacy: Making the Right Choice for You

  Deciding whether to pump breast milk after your surrogacy delivery? Here's an honest look at the benefits and challenges to help you make an informed decision.

• Therapy for Surrogates: Why Mental Health Support Is Essential (Not Optional)

  Surrogacy is an emotional journey. Here's why therapy matters, what to expect from counseling, and how to find the right mental health support throughout your surrogacy experience.

• Self-Care Tips for Parents of Surrogate-Born Children: Nurturing Yourself While Nurturing Your New Family

  After your baby arrives through surrogacy, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your newborn. Here are essential self-care strategies for intended parents.

• How to Have a Successful Relationship with Your Surrogate: A Guide for Intended Parents

  Your surrogate is carrying your baby—but how do you navigate this unique relationship? Here's how to build a healthy, positive connection that benefits everyone.

• How to Have a Successful Relationship with Your Intended Parents: A Guide for Surrogates

  Building a positive connection with your intended parents makes your surrogacy journey more meaningful. Here's how to navigate this unique relationship.

• Will I Bond with My Baby Born Through Surrogacy? What Every Intended Parent Should Know

  One of the biggest fears for intended parents is whether they'll bond with a baby they didn't carry. Here's the science, stories, and reassurance you need.

• Is Surrogacy Ethical? A Thoughtful Exploration of the Most Common Concerns

  Surrogacy raises important ethical questions. Here's an honest examination of the most common concerns and how ethical programs address them.

• What to Expect During Your First Trimester as a Surrogate

  Your first trimester as a gestational surrogate is filled with excitement, anticipation, and questions. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this special time.

• How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency: A Complete Guide for Intended Parents

  Selecting a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your journey to parenthood. Here's how to evaluate your options and find the perfect match.

• Surrogate Compensation Explained: What You'll Actually Earn in 2026

  Wondering how much surrogates really make? Here's a transparent breakdown of base pay, bonuses, allowances, and everything else that goes into surrogate compensation.

• How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? A Complete Breakdown for 2026

  Understanding surrogacy costs is essential for planning your journey to parenthood. Here's a transparent look at every expense you should expect.

• How to Prepare Your Family for Your Surrogate Journey

  Your decision to become a surrogate affects your whole family. Here's how to prepare your partner, children, and extended family for the journey ahead.