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.

Surrogate Compensation

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

February 15, 2026 · 7 min read · On Fertility Ground Surrogacy

A surrogacy escrow account is a neutral, third-party financial account that holds all of the funds related to the surrogacy journey. At OFG, the escrow account is fully funded after contract signing — before any medical procedures begin.

How It Works

After the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement (GSA) is signed, Intended Parents fund the escrow account in full. This includes your complete base compensation, all projected allowances and fees, the $2,000 Pregnancy Wellness Program, projected travel and medical expenses, life insurance, and a 15% contingency buffer. The escrow company — not the agency, not the Intended Parents — holds and disburses the funds according to the payment schedule in your GSA.

Why This Matters

You are never chasing a payment
You are never waiting on Intended Parents to send money
Your compensation is protected even if the Intended Parents' circumstances change
The agency cannot access your funds

OFG's Policy

The escrow account must be fully funded after contract signing before any medical procedures begin. This is non-negotiable. We will never ask you to begin medications, attend appointments, or undergo any procedure until your compensation is secured.

From Our Founder

Bree — Founder & CEO, On Fertility Ground

Full escrow funding after contract signing is one of my non-negotiables at OFG. I have seen what happens when compensation is not secured before the medical process begins — and it is not something I will ever allow a surrogate in our program to experience.

Your entire compensation, all projected expenses, and a 15% contingency buffer are secured after contract signing — before any medical process begins. That is not a marketing promise. It is in writing in our agreements.

— 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.