California Surrogacy Laws

California law generally permits compensated surrogacy agreements, recognizing intended parents through a pre-birth court order, which can establish legal parentage before birth. Surrogacy must be conducted through a licensed fertility clinic or a qualified attorney, and surrogates must meet legal and medical criteria. The law emphasizes informed consent and prohibits discrimination based on age or marital status. California’s supportive legal framework makes it one of the most surrogacy-friendly states, ensuring clear pathways for intended parents to establish parental rights while safeguarding the surrogate’s rights and well-being.