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 a Birth Doula and Why Every Surrogate Should Have One

April 20, 2026 · 7 min read · On Fertility Ground Surrogacy

A birth doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and delivery. At OFG, doula support is an optional add-on funded by Intended Parents.

What a Doula Does

Physical support — positioning, breathing, comfort measures
Emotional support — continuous calm presence and reassurance
Informational support — helping you understand your options
Communication support — ensuring your preferences are heard

Why the Research Supports It

Doula care is associated with shorter labors, lower C-section rates, reduced pain medication use, lower postpartum depression rates, and higher positive birth experience reporting.

Why This Matters for Black Women

Black women die from pregnancy complications at 3-4x the rate of white women. A doula who knows your birth plan and is present as your advocate provides a layer of protection the medical system cannot reliably provide on its own.

At OFG

We raise doula support proactively with every set of Intended Parents. If a surrogate wants doula support and her IPs haven't elected it, her coordinator raises it on her behalf.

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.