Gestational surrogacy is a fantastic process, but it is also complicated. Fortunately, California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states. According to California Family Law Sections 7960-7962, gestational surrogacy allows the intended parent to establish a parent-child relationship before the child’s birth. Also, California requires you and the surrogate to have separate legal representation.
Additionally, becoming a parent using a surrogate is not only for married couples. California does not restrict single individuals from becoming parents.
Find your donors
If you are a single male, you need a donated egg. Gestational surrogacy does not use the surrogate’s eggs to create the embryo. Women must find a sperm donor and contribute their eggs for fertilization. Single people who want to become parents do not need to undergo additional background checks. Your marital status has little effect on the legal process of becoming a parent through surrogacy.
Find your support system
Even though you want to pursue single parenthood, having a robust support system is still highly desirable. Surrogacy brings with it many potential setbacks such as miscarriages or failed transfers. Single parents do not have to go through the process alone. Ask for help from your family members and loved ones during the process. Also, you obviously need to afford the cost of surrogacy on one salary, so create a financial plan before starting the process.
Unmarried people who wish to become parents have a viable option in the form of gestational surrogacy. Remember that the process does not happen overnight, so start your planning and donor research today.