Surrogacy is one of the most compassionate ways to help build a family, and if you’re in California, you’re in one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. Whether you’re someone looking to become a surrogate or an intended parent hoping to welcome a child, finding the right surrogacy agency is the essential first step. But here’s the big question many people start with: Where to find a surrogacy agency in California?
In this article, we’ll break down how to find a reputable agency based on your location, what to look for when choosing an agency, and what a surrogacy agency can do for you throughout the process. We’ll also spotlight regions like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, and explain why the Acorn Surrogacy Center stands out as a top choice in Southern California.
1. Why California Is the Epicenter of U.S. Surrogacy
Before diving into locations, it’s important to understand why California is such a stronghold for surrogacy. The state has one of the most supportive legal frameworks in the country for all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
Key reasons include:
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Clear legal protections for both surrogates and intended parents
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The ability to obtain pre-birth parentage orders, regardless of biological relation or marital status
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Recognition of contracts for LGBTQ+ and single parents
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A long-standing infrastructure of fertility clinics, experienced attorneys, and licensed agencies
Because of this, California attracts both local and international families—and it also supports and protects women who choose to become surrogates here.
2. What a Surrogacy Agency Can Do for You
Before we get into where to find a surrogacy agency, let’s talk about what a surrogacy agency can do for you—whether you’re a surrogate or an intended parent.
For Surrogates, a Full-Service Agency Will:
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Screen your application to ensure you meet medical and emotional requirements
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Handle all matching with intended parents
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Schedule and coordinate medical appointments and IVF cycles
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Provide legal counsel to review contracts and protect your rights
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Assist with insurance setup and compensation management
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Offer ongoing emotional and logistical support throughout your journey
For Intended Parents, Agencies Provide:
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Access to a pre-screened pool of qualified surrogates
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Legal contract management
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Fertility clinic coordination
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Guidance through parentage paperwork
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Multilingual support for international families
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A reliable communication bridge with the surrogate
In short: a surrogacy agency is your project manager, advocate, and guide through an otherwise complex process.
3. Where to Find a Surrogacy Agency in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest surrogacy networks in the world, making it a prime location if you’re searching for an agency—either to apply as a surrogate or to begin your journey as intended parents.
Among the most trusted names in this area is Acorn Surrogacy Center, a top Los Angeles surrogacy agency known for its commitment to ethical, personalized, and legally sound surrogacy journeys. Located in Southern California, Acorn offers full-service support, including medical coordination, psychological screening, and contract facilitation.
Why consider Los Angeles for your surrogacy journey?
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Access to world-class fertility clinics and IVF specialists
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Large, diverse surrogate pool
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Experienced legal professionals familiar with surrogacy law
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Bilingual services for international intended parents
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Year-round climate conducive to travel and care coordination
If you live in or near Los Angeles, or are willing to travel for top-tier support, starting with Acorn Surrogacy Center can give you a smooth and secure experience from day one.
4. Where to Find a Surrogacy Agency in San Francisco
The Bay Area has long been a center for progressive family-building options, including surrogacy. If you’re looking for a San Francisco surrogacy agency, you’ll find options that cater to tech professionals, LGBTQ+ families, and international clients.
San Francisco is especially strong in:
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Legal expertise, especially surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and international agreements
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Integration with high-end fertility clinics in the Bay Area
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Progressive ethics and cultural competence in diverse surrogacy matches
While many agencies based in other parts of California serve Bay Area clients virtually, you can also attend in-person consultations and evaluations at regional clinic partners.
If you’re a surrogate in Northern California or an intended parent living in the Bay Area, this region offers world-class infrastructure and cultural awareness for your journey.
5. Where to Find a Surrogacy Agency in Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital of California, has grown into a surrogacy hub for families seeking a more cost-effective and community-centered experience. A Sacramento surrogacy agency will typically offer:
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Lower average living costs, which can reduce total surrogacy expenses
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Easy access to both Northern and Central California clinics
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A supportive surrogate community in suburban and rural areas
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Personalized services with less of a corporate feel than some large-city agencies
Surrogates in Sacramento often benefit from being close enough to major cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles for clinic visits, while still enjoying the lower cost of living, quieter lifestyle, and local support networks.
If you’re wondering where to find a surrogacy agency outside of California’s largest metros, Sacramento is a strong contender—especially for families seeking a more grounded and community-driven journey.
6. Virtual vs. In-Person: Do You Need a Local Agency?
With many agencies now offering virtual consultations, digital contract management, and remote coordination, you don’t necessarily need to find an agency in your backyard. However, choosing a California-based agency is still critical if you want the protections of California’s surrogacy-friendly laws.
If you’re located in California, there’s value in working with an agency that:
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Knows your local clinics
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Understands state-specific legal requirements
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Can connect you to professionals near your area
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Offers in-person meetings when needed (for emotional or medical support)
This is especially true for surrogates who may need regular monitoring and close medical follow-up.
7. Tips on Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency in California
Finding an agency is one thing—choosing the right one is another. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Experience and Reputation
Look for agencies with at least 5–10 years of experience, or those with proven partnerships with major clinics and legal teams. Acorn Surrogacy Center, for example, is known in Los Angeles for its ethical standards and professionalism.
2. Transparency
Do they explain their compensation structure clearly? Are they upfront about timelines, expectations, and challenges?
3. Legal and Psychological Support
Agencies should provide (or refer you to) licensed attorneys and therapists—not just internal staff.
4. Surrogate and Parent Reviews
Check online testimonials, social media, and public forums. Word-of-mouth remains powerful in the surrogacy world.
5. Personalized Matching
Are they focused on matching based on shared values, communication preferences, and expectations?
When you’re trusting someone with your body—or your future child—you want to know you’re not just another file on their desk.
8. The Journey To Find A Surrogacy Agency In California
Whether you’re researching where to find a surrogacy agency because you’re ready to be a surrogate, or you’re an intended parent preparing to grow your family, California offers one of the most supportive and professionally regulated environments to do so. From the legal strength of its court systems to the depth of its clinic networks, California continues to lead the way in ethical and successful surrogacy journeys.
If you’re located in Los Angeles, working with a top-tier agency like Acorn Surrogacy Center gives you access to all the medical, emotional, and legal support you need. For those in San Francisco or Sacramento, strong regional infrastructure makes local and hybrid (virtual + in-person) journeys smooth and secure. Your first step? Reach out, ask questions, and learn. The right agency will walk with you from the very first form to the very last push—and every step in between.