Surrogacy Process & Screening
Helping another family welcome a child into the world is an incredible commitment, and it’s perfectly normal to have questions before deciding if it’s right for you. What are the requirements? What happens after you apply? How long does the process take? Who covers the medical expenses?
You’ll find those answers here.
At Alpha Fidelis, we believe the surrogacy process should feel transparent from the very beginning. We’ll guide you through each stage, explain what to expect, and make sure you always understand what comes next.
Every surrogate starts with questions, and that’s exactly where we’re happy to begin. We’ll explain the process, talk through the qualifications, and help you decide if surrogacy feels like the right fit for your life.
Do You Qualify to Become a Surrogate?
Before meeting intended parents, every prospective surrogate completes an initial qualification process. These guidelines are designed to protect your health, support a healthy pregnancy, and create the best possible experience for everyone involved. While individual fertility clinics may have additional medical requirements, the qualifications below are the foundation for most surrogate requirements in California.
You may qualify if you:
- Are between 21 and 39 years old
- Have experienced at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery
- Maintain a healthy height-to-weight ratio (BMI)
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Do not smoke
- Do not consume alcohol during the surrogacy journey
- Have reliable transportation to appointments
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the medical requirements established by your fertility clinic
Meeting these qualifications is an excellent place to start, but it’s only the beginning of the surrogacy screening process in California. Our team will carefully review your medical history, answer your questions, and help determine whether surrogacy is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Your Surrogacy Journey, Step by Step
One of the first questions we hear is, “What happens after I apply?” The good news is that the surrogacy process follows a clear path, and you’ll never have to figure it out on your own.
Here’s what you can expect as you move from your first application to one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.
Submit Your Application
Your journey begins with a simple surrogate application. We'll review your information to confirm you meet the initial qualifications, then a member of our team will reach out to introduce themselves, answer your questions, and explain the next steps.
Complete Your Initial Screening
You'll meet with your dedicated case manager for a virtual conversation about your goals, your previous pregnancies, and what to expect throughout the journey. We'll also request your medical records as part of the surrogacy screening process, allowing fertility specialists to review your pregnancy history.
Meet Your Intended Parents
Once you're approved, we'll begin searching for the right intended parents. When we find a promising match, you'll have the opportunity to meet, ask questions, and get to know one another. If everyone feels comfortable moving forward, we'll officially begin your journey together. Great matches deserve more than a quick introduction.
Complete Medical & Psychological Screening
You'll attend medical appointments that may include a physical examination, bloodwork, hormone testing, ultrasounds, and other evaluations recommended by your fertility clinic. You'll also meet with a licensed psychologist to ensure you feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout the process.
Finalize Your Legal Agreement
Experienced reproductive attorneys will prepare the legal agreement between you and the intended parents. Your legal representation is fully covered, and once everyone signs the agreement, you'll receive legal clearance to begin preparing for the embryo transfer cycle.
Prepare for Embryo Transfer
Your fertility clinic will provide medications that prepare your uterus for implantation and schedule your embryo transfer. The procedure itself is brief, and your first pregnancy test will typically take place about 10 to 12 days later. Those days have a remarkable talent for feeling much longer than they actually are.
Pregnancy & Delivery
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you'll continue receiving care through your fertility clinic before transitioning to your OB for routine prenatal care. Throughout the pregnancy, we'll stay connected, celebrate the milestones, and provide support until delivery day, when the baby is welcomed by the intended parents.
Recover With Continued Support
Your journey doesn't end after delivery. We'll continue supporting you during the postpartum period, including your recovery and final OB visit. Caring for yourself remains just as important as caring for everyone else, and we'll be here to help you through that final chapter.
Your Focus Should Be on the Journey, Not the Bills
Choosing to become a surrogate is an incredible commitment, and you shouldn’t have to worry about unexpected expenses along the way. Throughout the surrogacy process, intended parents cover the approved medical, legal, and pregnancy-related costs associated with your journey, allowing you to focus on your health, your family, and the remarkable difference you’re making.
- Medical Care: All required medical screenings, fertility clinic appointments, laboratory testing, and psychological evaluations related to your surrogacy journey are covered by the intended parents.
- Legal Representation: You’ll work with your own independent reproductive attorney, with all legal fees fully covered by the intended parents. Having dedicated legal counsel helps ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.
- Health & Life Insurance: If additional health or life insurance is needed for your journey, the intended parents will arrange and cover those policies. If you already have qualifying coverage, they may also cover eligible insurance-related costs.
- Travel Reimbursement: Approved travel for medical appointments, including mileage and other eligible travel-related expenses, is reimbursed. Your generosity deserves more than a full tank of gas.
- Monthly Allowance: Surrogates receive a monthly allowance to help cover eligible expenses such as childcare, vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter products, and other approved costs related to the journey.
- Monthly Support Bonus: If you’re working with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) during your journey, you’ll receive an additional monthly support bonus.
- Contract Signing Bonus: Once your legal agreement has been finalized and approved, you’ll receive a contract signing bonus before moving forward to the next stage.
- Medication & Embryo Transfer Bonuses: Additional compensation is provided when you begin fertility medications and for each embryo transfer, regardless of the outcome.
- Maternity Clothing, Childcare & Housekeeping: As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll receive additional support for maternity clothing, childcare, and housekeeping, helping make everyday life a little easier.
- Procedure-Related Compensation: If certain physician-recommended medical procedures become necessary during your journey, additional compensation is provided based on the procedure performed.
When you begin your surrogacy journey, you’ll receive a detailed compensation package outlining exactly what’s covered and when. Clear expectations create peace of mind, and that’s something we believe every surrogate deserves.
Life During Surrogacy
One of the biggest surprises for many women is how much of life continues to feel familiar. You’ll still spend time with your family, head to work if you’re able, cheer from the sidelines at soccer games, and enjoy the routines that matter most. The difference is that your surrogacy journey includes scheduled appointments, regular check-ins with your care team, and the incredible privilege of helping another family grow.
Throughout the process, your case manager will be there to answer questions, coordinate appointments, and provide support whenever you need it. You’ll never be expected to figure everything out on your own, and you’ll always know who to call. That’s the kind of peace of mind every surrogate deserves.
Your Story Could Change Someone Else's Forever
Reading about surrogacy is a great first step. Applying simply opens the conversation.
If you’ve been wondering whether becoming a surrogate is the right fit, we’d love to get to know you, answer your questions, and help you decide with confidence. There’s no expectation to have everything planned before reaching out. That’s what we’re here for.
Helping another family welcome a child is an extraordinary gift, and it all begins with one decision to learn a little more. We’d be honored to help you take that first step.
Let's Start With a Simple Conversation
You don’t need to know every detail before reaching out. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your goals. We’ll provide the guidance, the experience, and a team that’s excited to cheer you on from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surrogacy process usually take?
Most surrogacy journeys take around 12 to 18 months, from your application through delivery. Some move a little faster, while others take extra time for matching or medical preparation. The important thing is that you’ll always know where you are in the process. We love surprises when it comes to birthday gifts. Timelines? Not so much.
Why do I need a psychological evaluation?
Because preparing for surrogacy involves more than medical appointments. Meeting with a licensed psychologist gives you the chance to ask questions, talk through expectations, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. Think of it as another member of your support team joining the conversation.
What happens during the surrogacy screening process in California?
Your screening may include reviewing medical records, a virtual interview, bloodwork, infectious disease testing, uterine imaging, and a psychological evaluation. It sounds like a long list, but we’ll walk you through each step one at a time. One appointment at a time feels a lot less intimidating than one giant checklist.
Will I have to use my own eggs?
No. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. You’re carrying the pregnancy, but you aren’t genetically related to the baby. Your role is extraordinary all on its own.
Who pays for medical appointments during the surrogacy process?
Approved medical screenings, fertility clinic visits, legal services, and psychological evaluations are covered by the intended parents. You’ll receive a clear explanation of what’s included before your journey begins, so there aren’t any unexpected bills waiting in the mailbox.
Can I continue working while I'm a surrogate?
Many surrogates do. As long as your physician feels it’s appropriate, most women continue working, caring for their families, and living their everyday lives throughout much of the pregnancy. Surrogacy becomes part of your life; it doesn’t suddenly become your full-time personality.
What happens after I submit my surrogate application?
We’ll review your application, confirm you meet the initial qualifications, and contact you to schedule your first conversation. From there, we’ll explain each step, answer your questions, and help you understand exactly what comes next. Easy enough to follow, even without color-coded sticky notes.
Can I choose the intended parents?
Yes. Matching is a thoughtful process, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the intended parents before deciding whether the partnership feels right. Comfortable conversations build strong relationships, and those relationships often become one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
What happens during the embryo transfer process?
You’ll take medications that prepare your uterus for implantation before the embryo transfer, which is a brief outpatient procedure at your fertility clinic. About 10 to 12 days later, you’ll return for your first pregnancy test. Fair warning: those 10 days have a habit of feeling much longer than they really are.
What if the embryo transfer isn't successful?
While everyone hopes for positive news, sometimes another transfer is needed. If that happens, your fertility team will explain your options, and we’ll continue supporting you every step of the way. A detour doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of the road.
Do I need health insurance before becoming a gestational surrogate in California?
Not necessarily. Depending on your situation, the intended parents may provide or supplement health insurance for your journey. We’ll review everything together before moving forward, so you’ll know exactly how your coverage works.
Can I become a surrogate more than once?
Yes. Many women choose to complete more than one journey. Your eligibility will depend on your health history, previous pregnancies, and your fertility clinic’s guidelines. Some women discover helping one family grow simply inspires them to help another.
How is surrogate compensation paid?
Your compensation schedule is outlined in your legal agreement before the journey begins. Along with your base compensation, you may receive milestone bonuses, monthly allowances, reimbursements, and additional payments when applicable. Everything is explained upfront, because guessing games belong in board games, not contracts.
What if I still have questions before applying?
Perfect. Questions are exactly where most journeys begin. Reach out, ask anything that’s on your mind, and we’ll walk through it together. You don’t need to know every medical term or memorize the timeline before saying hello. Curiosity is more than enough.
