California Surrogate Requirements: Do You Qualify?
September 25, 2025 by Frank Golden
If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in California, you’re probably wondering whether you qualify. It’s one of the most common questions women ask when exploring this incredible journey!
Understanding California surrogate requirements is an important first step. These guidelines exist to protect your health, support positive outcomes, and ensure you feel prepared for the experience ahead.
The good news? California is one of the most surrogate-friendly states in the country. The requirements are clear, fair, and designed with your well-being in mind.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eligibility. We’ll cover medical, lifestyle, psychological, and legal considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what it takes to become a gestational Surrogate in California!
Table of Contents
- Who Can Become a Surrogate in California?
- Medical Requirements for California Surrogates
- Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
- Psychological and Emotional Readiness
- Legal and Residency Considerations
- Why Surrogate Requirements Matter
- Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
- What Happens After You Meet the California Surrogate Requirements?
- Frequently Asked Questions About California Surrogate Requirements
- Making an Informed Decision About Becoming a Surrogate
Who Can Become a Surrogate in California?
California welcomes women who want to help others build their families through gestational surrogacy. But not everyone is the right fit for this journey.
Surrogate requirements exist to ensure safety and success. They’re not judgments about your worth as a person. Instead, they help identify women who are physically, emotionally, and practically prepared for pregnancy.
At a high level, California Surrogates typically need to:
- Be between 21 and 40 years old
- Have delivered at least one child
- Be in good overall health
- Have a stable living situation
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
These standards align with guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). They’re based on years of research into what supports healthy surrogate pregnancies.
If you meet these basic criteria, you may be a great candidate! Let’s break down each requirement in more detail.
Medical Requirements for California Surrogates
Your health is the foundation of a successful surrogacy journey. Medical requirements help ensure that pregnancy will be safe for both you and the baby.
Pregnancy History
You must have carried and delivered at least one child. This shows that your body has successfully completed a full-term pregnancy before.
Ideally, your pregnancies were uncomplicated. If you’ve had more than five deliveries or more than three cesarean sections, additional medical clearance may be needed.
Your last delivery should typically be within the past five years. This helps ensure your reproductive health is current and documented.
General Health Standards
Surrogates need to be in excellent overall health. This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight for your height
- Being a non-smoker
- Having no serious chronic conditions
- Being free from certain infectious diseases
Medical Screening
Before being matched, you’ll complete thorough medical screening. This includes:
- Infectious disease testing (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and more)
- Reproductive health assessments
- Metabolic panels
- OB/GYN clearance confirming uterine health
These tests are standard and protect everyone involved. They’re performed by fertility clinic professionals who specialize in surrogacy.
You can learn more about what happens during screening on our surrogacy timeline page.
Lifestyle and Stability Requirements
Surrogacy requires time, energy, and commitment. Lifestyle requirements help ensure you have the support and stability needed for this journey.
Stable Home Environment
You should have a safe, stable place to live. This doesn’t mean you need to own a home or have a perfect life. It simply means your living situation supports a healthy pregnancy.
Reliable Support System
Having people who support your decision matters. This might include a partner, family members, or close friends. Surrogacy can be emotional, and having people in your corner helps!
Availability for Appointments
Surrogates attend medical appointments, screenings, and check-ins throughout the process. You’ll need the flexibility to travel to clinic visits when required.
In-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing. This helps ensure accurate results and proper preparation for embryo transfer.
Communication
Clear, consistent communication is essential. You’ll stay in touch with your agency, your Care Team, and sometimes the Intended Parents. Being responsive and open makes the experience smoother for everyone.
At Golden Surrogacy, our dedicated Care Team supports Surrogates throughout the entire journey. Your Program Manager is available via phone, text, and email whenever you need guidance!
Psychological and Emotional Readiness
Surrogacy is rewarding, but it’s also an emotional experience. Psychological screening helps ensure you feel prepared and supported.
Purpose of Psychological Screening
This step isn’t about judging you. It’s about protecting you!
A licensed mental health professional will meet with you to discuss:
- Your motivations for becoming a Surrogate
- Your understanding of the process
- Your emotional support system
- Your feelings about carrying a baby for someone else
This conversation helps confirm that you’re making an informed, voluntary decision.
Emotional Preparedness
It’s important to feel ready for the emotional aspects of surrogacy. This includes understanding that the baby you carry will go home with the Intended Parents.
Many women find surrogacy deeply fulfilling. But it’s not the right path for everyone. Screening helps ensure it’s a good fit for you.
Ongoing Support
As of 2026, California regulations require enhanced psychological support throughout your journey. This includes support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Golden Surrogacy provides this support as part of our commitment to Surrogate well-being. Founder Frank Golden leads our team, guiding every Surrogate as family!
Legal and Residency Considerations
California has some of the clearest, most protective surrogacy laws in the country. Understanding the legal side helps you feel confident and secure.
Residency
You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. California residency is not always required, but living in a surrogacy-friendly state matters.
California’s laws strongly support gestational surrogacy agreements. Courts consistently uphold contracts and protect Surrogate rights.
Legal Representation
Every Surrogate must have her own independent attorney. This lawyer reviews your contract and ensures your interests are protected.
The Intended Parents typically cover the cost of your legal representation. You won’t pay out of pocket for this important protection.
The legal process begins only after you receive medical clearance. This ensures everything happens in the right order.
Contracts
Your surrogacy contract outlines everything. This includes compensation, expectations, medical decisions, and more.
Having clear legal agreements protects you. It ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities from the start.
You can learn more about how California law protects Surrogates in our California surrogacy laws blog.
Why Surrogate Requirements Matter
Requirements might seem like a lot at first. But each one exists for an important reason!
Protecting Your Health
Medical and lifestyle requirements reduce pregnancy risks. They help ensure your body is ready for this experience.
According to the CDC, maternal health is foundational to positive pregnancy outcomes. Screening supports this goal.
Supporting Positive Outcomes
When Surrogates meet eligibility standards, journeys tend to go more smoothly. This benefits you, the baby, and the Intended Parents.
Ensuring Informed Consent
Psychological screening confirms that you understand what surrogacy involves. It protects your right to make a fully informed decision.
Building Trust
Clear requirements create transparency. You know exactly what’s expected, and agencies know you’re prepared.
At Golden Surrogacy, we believe informed Surrogates are empowered Surrogates!
Common Reasons Applicants May Not Qualify
Not everyone will meet the requirements to become a Surrogate. That’s okay!
Here are some common reasons an application might not move forward:
- No prior pregnancy or delivery
- Recent pregnancy within the past year
- More than three cesarean sections without medical clearance
- Certain health conditions that could complicate pregnancy
- Smoking or substance use
- Unstable living situation
If you don’t qualify right now, it doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. Some factors may change over time.
We encourage every woman who inquires to be honest during the application process. This protects your health and ensures the best possible experience.
If you have questions about specific circumstances, our team is happy to chat!
What Happens After You Meet the California Surrogate Requirements?
Once you meet the requirements, the real journey begins! Here’s a quick overview of what comes next.
Application Review
Your application is reviewed by the agency team. This includes your medical history, background information, and motivations.
Pre-Screening
You’ll complete initial screenings to confirm basic eligibility. This happens before you’re matched with Intended Parents.
Matching
Golden Surrogacy helps match you with Intended Parents who align with your preferences and values. Founder Frank Golden personally guides this process!
In-Person Screening
Medical and psychological evaluations take place at the fertility clinic. Timing aligns with your menstrual cycle for accuracy.
Legal Process
After medical clearance, you’ll work with your independent attorney to finalize your contract. Legal protections are put in place before embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer
Once everything is ready, the embryo transfer takes place. This is the exciting moment when pregnancy may begin!
Pregnancy and Beyond
During pregnancy, your dedicated Care Team supports you every step of the way. In the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence.
You can explore the full journey on our surrogacy timeline page!
Frequently Asked Questions About California Surrogate Requirements
Do I need to have had a previous pregnancy?
Yes. You must have delivered at least one child to qualify as a gestational Surrogate in California. This confirms your body has successfully carried a pregnancy to term.
Can first-time Surrogates apply?
Absolutely! Many Surrogates are first-timers. As long as you meet the requirements and have prior pregnancy experience, you’re welcome to apply.
Are there age limits for California Surrogates?
Most agencies require Surrogates to be between 21 and 40 years old. Some flexibility may exist depending on individual health and circumstances.
What if I don’t meet every requirement?
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, reach out! Some requirements have flexibility, and our team can help you understand your options.
Who handles the legal process?
You’ll have your own independent attorney who reviews your contract. The Intended Parents cover these legal fees.
How long does the screening process take?
Timelines vary, but most Surrogates complete screening within a few weeks to a couple of months. Your Care Team will guide you through each step!
Making an Informed Decision About Becoming a Surrogate
Becoming a Surrogate is a meaningful decision. Understanding the requirements helps you feel confident and prepared.
California offers one of the most supportive environments for gestational surrogacy. The laws are clear. The protections are strong. And agencies like Golden Surrogacy are here to guide you every step of the way.
Take your time exploring whether this path is right for you. Read about California surrogate compensation to understand the financial side. Learn about our surrogate intake process to see the full picture.
When you’re ready, we’d love to hear from you. There’s no pressure to decide today. Just know that if you choose to move forward, you’ll have a caring, experienced team by your side!
Requirements may vary slightly based on individual circumstances and clinic guidelines. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
