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Becoming a Parent through Surrogacy.

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Becoming-a-Parent

Becoming a Parent.

Whatever your story, surrogacy offers a path to having a child who is genetically related to you. In gestational surrogacy (the type we practice at SFSC), a surrogate carries a baby created using an egg and sperm from either the intended parents or donors. This means the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby.


For over a decade, San Francisco Surrogacy Center has helped hundreds of families grow through surrogacy. Our experienced team understands both the practical steps and the emotional journey involved. We've developed a program that puts your needs first, making the process smoother and more predictable.


Many intended parents tell us they were initially overwhelmed by the idea of surrogacy. There seem to be so many moving parts – finding the right surrogate, understanding medical procedures, navigating legal requirements, and managing costs. That's exactly why SFSC exists – to turn this complex process into a clear path to parenthood.


Our approach combines medical expertise, legal knowledge, and heartfelt support. We believe that building your family should be a joyful experience, not an obstacle course.

Why Choose SFSC.

When choosing a surrogacy agency, you deserve a partner who will support you completely while making your journey as smooth as possible. Here's why so many intended parents choose San Francisco Surrogacy Center:

Same-Day Coordinator Access

Never wonder where things stand with your surrogacy journey. Through our SFSC Connect app, you'll receive guaranteed responses from your dedicated coordinator within 4 hours, any day of the week. This means your questions never go unanswered, and you'll always know exactly what's happening with your case. Many parents tell us this feature alone reduced their stress significantly.

Transparent Financial Protection

Surrogacy is a significant investment, and you deserve complete clarity about your costs. Our industry-leading escrow management system provides real-time expense tracking, showing you exactly where your money goes. You'll also receive automated updates when milestone payments are made.

International Family Concierge

For international intended parents, we remove the extra challenges of distance. Our 24/7 translation services ensure nothing gets lost in communication, while our visa specialists handle expedited processing for your travel to crucial appointments and birth. We coordinate travel logistics, local accommodations, and even help you navigate bringing your baby home. Our international program has supported families from 27 different countries.

Post-birth Support

Your emotional wellbeing matters throughout this journey and beyond. Our unique 18-month program provides ongoing support with quarterly check-ins and dedicated counseling for you, your surrogate, and even extended family members. This support continues for a full year after birth, helping you navigate the transition to parenthood with confidence.

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Finding a Surrogate.

Finding the right surrogate is one of the most important steps in your journey to parenthood. We've developed a thoughtful, thorough matching process that goes far beyond basic compatibility. Before a potential surrogate ever meets intended parents, she goes through our comprehensive screening:

Initial Application: We review her personal information, pregnancy history, and motivation for becoming a surrogate.

Medical Record Review: Our medical director examines her previous pregnancy records to ensure she had healthy pregnancies.

In-Person Assessment: A coordinator meets with her in her home to understand her lifestyle and support system.

Criminal Background Check: We conduct thorough background checks on the surrogate and adults in her household.

Psychological Evaluation: Licensed therapists assess her emotional readiness through tests and interviews.

Medical Screening: Fertility clinic physicians perform physical exams, blood tests, and reproductive evaluations.

Only about 4% of women who apply to become surrogates with SFSC complete this entire process successfully. This selectivity means you can be confident in the surrogates we present to you.

Find Your Surrogate

Surrogacy Process.

The journey to parenthood through surrogacy involves several key phases. Here's what you can expect when working with San Francisco Surrogacy Center:

Phase 1: Consultation and Onboarding (2-4 weeks)

  1. Initial Consultation: Meet with our team to discuss your goals, answer questions, and learn about our program.
  2. Program Selection: Choose the service package that best fits your needs and budget.
  3. Intended Parent Profile: Create your profile that helps us match you with the right surrogate.
  4. Financial Consultation: Review detailed cost estimates and payment schedules with our financial coordinator.
  5. Agreement Signing: Sign your agreement with SFSC to officially begin your journey.

Phase 2: Screening and Preparation (4-6 weeks)

  1. Psychological Evaluation: Meet with our counselors to discuss the emotional aspects of surrogacy.
  2. Creating Embryos: If you don't already have embryos, you'll work with a fertility clinic to create them through IVF.
  3. Genetic Testing: Optional testing of embryos for genetic conditions.
  4. Legal Consultation: Initial meeting with an attorney specializing in reproductive law.
  5. Surrogate Search Begins: Our matching team starts looking for surrogates who match

Phase 3: Matching and Contracts (1-3 months)

  1. Surrogate Introduction: Review profiles of potential surrogates who match your criteria.
  2. Match Meeting: Meet the surrogate (and often her partner) via video call or in person.
  3. Match Confirmation: Both parties confirm their desire to work together.
  4. Contract Creation: Attorneys draft the surrogacy agreement covering all aspects of the arrangement.
  5. Contract Signing: Both parties sign legal contracts after reviewing with their attorneys.
  6. Escrow Establishment: Funds are placed in a secure escrow account to manage surrogate compensation.

Phase 4: Medical Process (2-3 months)

  1. Surrogate Medical Screening: The surrogate completes medical screening at your fertility clinic.
  2. Medication Protocol: Surrogate begins medications to prepare her body for embryo transfer.
  3. Monitoring Appointments: Regular ultrasounds and blood tests to track progress.
  4. Embryo Transfer: Your embryo is transferred to the surrogate's uterus in a simple procedure.
  5. Pregnancy Test: Blood test 10-12 days after transfer to confirm pregnancy.
  6. Early Ultrasounds: First ultrasounds at 6-7 weeks to confirm heartbeat and viable pregnancy.

Phase 5: Pregnancy (9 months)

  1. Regular Updates: Your coordinator provides updates after each medical appointment.
  2. Milestone Ultrasounds: Opportunity to attend key ultrasounds in person or via video.
  3. Ongoing Communication: Regular contact with your surrogate according to your mutual agreement.
  4. Quarterly Meetings: Check-in meetings with your SFSC team to review progress and address any concerns.
  5. Birth Planning: Work with your coordinator to create a hospital plan for the delivery.
  6. Legal Parentage: Your attorney files for pre-birth parentage orders when possible.

Phase 6: Birth and Beyond

  1. Birth Preparation: Final planning for the hospital stay and birth experience.
  2. Labor and Delivery: Support during the birth process, with most intended parents present for delivery.
  3. Hospital Time: Time in the hospital with your new baby (typically in your own room).
  4. Discharge Planning: Preparation for taking your baby home.
  5. Post-Birth Support: Continued access to resources, referrals, and support groups.
  6. Ongoing Relationship: Support for whatever level of continued contact you and your surrogate choose.

Begin Your Journey to Parenthood

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