How long does the surrogacy process take in California?

The entire surrogacy journey typically takes 12-18 months from initial consultation to birth, depending on various factors including matching time and medical procedures.

What are the California surrogacy requirements to become a surrogate?

To become a surrogate in California, you must be between 21-40 years old, have had at least one successful pregnancy, maintain a healthy BMI, be a non-smoker, and live in a stable environment.

How much does surrogacy cost in California?

Total surrogacy journey costs typically range from $150,000 to $230,000+, including agency fees ($42,500), surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, insurance, and escrow. Every dollar is accounted for before you commit.

How much compensation do surrogates receive?

At On Fertility Ground, surrogates set their own base compensation rate — your worth, your choice. We never negotiate your rate down. Additional benefits include maternity clothing ($750-$1,000), monthly expense allowance ($250/month), embryo transfer fees, and more.

Becoming a Surrogate

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

February 28, 2026 · 7 min read · On Fertility Ground Surrogacy

The most important distinction in surrogacy is between gestational and traditional surrogacy. Understanding it changes everything about how you evaluate the process.

Gestational Surrogacy

The surrogate carries a baby created from the Intended Parents' egg and sperm (or donor gametes). The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. This is the standard in modern surrogacy and the only type OFG facilitates.

Traditional Surrogacy

The surrogate provides her own egg and is genetically related to the baby. This creates significantly more complex legal and emotional dynamics.

Why the Distinction Matters

Legal clarity: Gestational surrogacy has clear, established legal frameworks (especially in California)
Pre-Birth Orders: Available for gestational surrogacy in California — establishing IP parentage before birth
Emotional boundaries: No genetic connection simplifies the emotional landscape for everyone
Medical process: IVF with embryo transfer vs. artificial insemination

Why OFG Only Facilitates Gestational Surrogacy

The legal protections, medical standards, and emotional clarity of gestational surrogacy make it the safest path for everyone involved.

From Our Founder

Bree — Founder & CEO, On Fertility Ground

Almost every inquiry we receive from a woman exploring surrogacy for the first time includes this question: "Is the baby mine?" The answer, in gestational surrogacy, is no — and that clarity is the foundation everything else is built on.

I chose to build an agency that exclusively facilitates gestational surrogacy because the legal protections, the emotional landscape, and the medical standards are clearest when genetics are not a factor. Everyone deserves that clarity before they begin.

— Bree | info@onfertilityground.com

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're considering surrogacy as a surrogate or an intended parent, we're here to answer every question personally.

Become a Surrogate Intended Parent Inquiry

Email us at info@onfertilityground.com — We answer every inquiry personally.