Best Surrogacy Agencies in California (2026)
Compare California surrogacy agencies by total cost, agency fees, escrow transparency, matching time, and legal support. See top picks & FAQs.This guide ranks California surrogacy agencies using consistent criteria so you can compare options quickly, then dive deeper into what matters most.
How We Ranked the Best Surrogacy Agencies in California
To keep this list fair and useful, we ranked agencies using the same practical checklist intended parents typically care about most—cost clarity, timeline, legal support, and trust.
Ranking Criteria (What We Looked For)
1. Total Cost Transparency
• Does the agency provide a clear cost range and explain what’s included?
• Do they disclose common add-ons (screening, insurance reviews, legal fees, travel, contingencies)?
• Do they explain how surrogate compensation is handled and adjusted?
2. Agency Fees & What You Actually Get
• Is the agency fee clearly stated?
• Do they offer hands-on case management or only “matching”?
• Is support available throughout pregnancy and delivery?
3. Escrow & Payment Safety
• Do they use a structured escrow/milestone payment system?
• Are payment milestones clear (match, medical clearance, transfer, pregnancy milestones, delivery)?
• Is there visibility and accountability around funds?
4. Matching Speed & Quality
• How strong is their surrogate screening?
• Do they explain realistic matching timelines?
• Do they match based on preferences that impact success and relationship fit (communication style, location, travel, embryo transfer expectations)?
5. Legal Coordination in California
• Do they coordinate with experienced surrogacy attorneys?
• Do they explain key steps like contracts, medical clearance, and parentage processes?
• Do they support common California pathways for intended parents (including LGBTQ+ families)?
6. Intended Parent Support (High-Stress Moments)
• Do they offer counseling resources or emotional support?
• Is communication organized and responsive?
• Do they help with conflicts, delays, or unexpected medical changes?
7. Inclusivity & International-Friendliness
• LGBTQ+ friendly process and language
• Support for single parents
• International case support (multilingual help, remote coordination, documentation planning)
Best Surrogacy Agencies in California (2026)
California is widely considered the most surrogacy-friendly state in the U.S., but choosing the right agency still requires careful comparison. Below is a curated list of the top surrogacy agencies in California, ranked based on cost clarity, escrow practices, matching timelines, legal coordination, and suitability for different intended parent profiles.
1. Hatch Fertility
Hatch Fertility is one of the most established names among California surrogacy agencies, with decades of experience and a strong reputation for structured, process-driven programs. The agency is known for its close coordination with fertility clinics and attorneys, which appeals to intended parents who want a highly standardized approach.
In terms of California surrogacy cost, Hatch typically provides detailed educational materials explaining cost components, although exact pricing may vary based on individual circumstances. Matching timelines are generally realistic and clearly communicated, supported by a large surrogate network and formal screening protocols.
One limitation is that the experience can feel more institutional than personalized, especially for intended parents seeking highly customized or flexible arrangements. International parents may need additional coordination depending on their case.
Best for: Intended parents who value experience, structure, and clinic-aligned processes.
Not ideal if: You prefer a smaller, more hands-on agency style.
2. Circle Surrogacy
Circle Surrogacy is frequently listed among the best surrogacy agencies in California due to its comprehensive, full-service model and long operational history. The agency offers extensive educational resources on the surrogacy process in California, making it approachable for first-time intended parents.
Circle places strong emphasis on screening and case management, which helps reduce uncertainty around surrogate matching and pregnancy milestones. Cost discussions are generally transparent, though Circle is often positioned toward the higher end of the California surrogacy cost spectrum.
Because of its scale, some families report a less personalized experience, particularly if they prefer frequent direct interaction with senior staff. Still, Circle’s systems and predictability are a major draw.
Best for: First-time intended parents seeking an established, full-service program.
Not ideal if: Budget flexibility is limited or personalization is a top priority.
3. Yunda Surrogacy
Yunda Surrogacy stands out among top surrogacy agencies in California for its emphasis on clarity, coordination, and communication—particularly for international, LGBTQ+, and first-time intended parents. Rather than positioning itself as purely high-volume, Yunda focuses on guiding families through each stage of the California surrogacy process with clear explanations and realistic expectations.
A key differentiator is Yunda’s focus on cost clarity and milestone-based escrow payments, which helps intended parents better understand how funds are allocated across matching, medical, legal, and pregnancy phases. This structure appeals to families concerned about payment transparency and financial planning.
Yunda also places notable emphasis on inclusivity and cross-border coordination, which can be valuable for non-U.S. residents navigating California’s legal and medical systems. The trade-off is that Yunda may not be the best fit for those seeking a minimal, match-only arrangement.
Best for: International parents, LGBTQ+ families, and those prioritizing communication and financial transparency.
4. Growing Generations
Growing Generations is a Los Angeles-based agency known for its premium, concierge-style services. It is often associated with high-profile cases and offers a deeply supportive model throughout the surrogacy journey.
The agency provides extensive emotional and logistical support, which many intended parents find reassuring during high-stress moments. Costs are typically at the higher end of the California surrogacy cost range, reflecting the level of service and staff involvement.
Because of this premium positioning, Growing Generations may not appeal to families who prefer a leaner or more self-directed process.
Best for: Intended parents seeking high-touch, concierge-level support.
Not ideal if: Cost efficiency is a primary concern.
5. The Fertility Agency
The Fertility Agency is another Los Angeles-based option that emphasizes personalized case management and inclusive family building. The agency clearly markets itself as supportive of diverse family structures, including LGBTQ+ and single parents.
Its strengths lie in individualized attention and coordinated support across legal and medical steps. Pricing structures are generally explained upfront, though details may vary depending on case complexity.
Best for: Intended parents wanting personalized support in Southern California.
Not ideal if: You prefer large-scale systems and standardized programs.
FAQs About California Surrogacy (Cost, Timeline, Escrow, Legal, Red Flags)
1. How much does surrogacy cost in California?
Most intended parents should plan for a six-figure total. The final number varies based on surrogate compensation, agency services, legal fees, medical items, and insurance/contingencies.
What usually drives cost up or down:
￮ Surrogate compensation & benefits (largest variable)
￮ Agency model (match-only vs full-service case management)
￮ Legal complexity (contracts, parentage steps, extra reviews)
￮ Insurance gaps (maternity coverage, exclusions, deductibles)
￮ Contingencies (rematch, extra transfers, complications)
Tip: Ask every agency for a written cost breakdown + a list of common add-ons (the “hidden fees” list).
2. What’s included in surrogacy agency fees in California?
Agency fees usually cover things like:
￮ Recruiting and screening coordination
￮ Matching support and expectation alignment
￮ Case management (communication, scheduling, milestones)
￮ Coordination with clinics, attorneys, escrow, and support services
But what’s “included” differs a lot. Two agencies can charge similar fees but deliver very different levels of support.
Ask this directly:
￮ “Is this full-service case management or mainly matching?”
￮ “Who handles conflicts, delays, and unexpected changes?”
￮ “How many check-ins happen during pregnancy?”
3. Are there hidden fees in California surrogacy?
Yes—“hidden” usually means not included in the initial quote, not necessarily dishonest. Common add-ons:
￮ Extra medical screenings or repeat labs
￮ Travel and lodging for appointments
￮ Extra legal reviews or contract revisions
￮ Insurance review costs or coverage upgrades
￮ Additional embryo transfers
￮ Rematch-related costs (if match falls through)
￮ Pregnancy complications and extended support needs
Best practice: Get an itemized breakdown and ask, “Which costs are most likely to change for my case?”
4. How long does surrogacy take in California? (Timeline)
A typical timeline includes:
￮ Onboarding + planning
￮ Screening + matching
￮ Medical clearance + legal contract
￮ Embryo transfer and pregnancy
￮ Delivery and post-birth paperwork steps
The biggest timeline variable is usually matching time (how quickly the right surrogate match is found) and medical readiness (clinic schedules, screening, transfer timing).
Tip: Ask for two ranges:
￮ Realistic best case (no delays)
￮ Typical case (includes common waiting periods)
5. How long does it take to match with a surrogate in California?
Matching time depends on:
￮ Your preferences (travel, communication, selective medical factors)
￮ Surrogate availability and screening standards
￮ Whether the agency matches for “fit” vs “speed”
￮ Clinic requirements and insurance constraints
Red flag: “We can guarantee a match in X weeks” with no elanation. Green flag: They give a range and explain what could shorten or extend it.
Why Yunda Surrogacy Is a Strong Option for International & LGBTQ+ Parents
For international parents and LGBTQ+ intended parents searching for the best surrogacy agencies in California, the main concern is reducing uncertainty—around costs, timelines, payments, and legal coordination. Yunda Surrogacy is often considered a strong option because its model emphasizes clarity and coordination rather than speed or volume.
For international surrogacy in California, Yunda focuses on step-by-step guidance that supports remote participation. Clear explanations of the surrogacy process in California, realistic expectations for matching timelines, and structured communication help families who cannot be present locally manage the process with fewer gaps. This approach aligns well with searches like “international surrogacy California” and “surrogacy agency for international parents.”
For LGBTQ+ parents, including gay couples and single parents, Yunda emphasizes inclusive communication and expectation alignment early in the process. This can reduce friction during matching, legal coordination, and ongoing case management—key concerns behind searches such as “LGBTQ friendly surrogacy agency California” and “gay surrogacy California.”