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Pasadena, California · Founded by a Former Surrogate
Surrogacy inPasadena, CA
Five fertility clinics. One Level IIIB NICU. Third-party medical screening. 3–6 month matching. $65,000–$90,000+ compensation.
Made in the USA Surrogacy, Sacramento-based, serving Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.
“They really care about the surrogates. I never felt like just a number. From the first phone call to the hospital, they were there.”
— MUSA surrogate, Southern California
Pasadena has something that most surrogacy city pages won't mention because most agencies haven't done the research: five fertility clinics physically located within city limits and a hospital with the highest-level neonatal intensive care unit in the San Gabriel Valley.
That combination—reproductive medicine and delivery infrastructure in the same zip code—is rare anywhere in California. It's why intended parents from across the country and around the world choose Pasadena-area clinics for their surrogacy journeys, and why surrogates in the San Gabriel Valley have access to medical care that other regions can't match.
Made in the USA Surrogacy is a Sacramento-based, California-focused surrogacy agency founded by Samantha Giermek, a former surrogate who built the agency she wished she'd had. We don't have a storefront on Colorado Boulevard. What we have is every surrogate in our program living in California, a screening process we describe in full detail, matching timelines backed by data, and a team that coordinates with Pasadena fertility clinics and hospitals because we've done this enough times to know exactly what those partnerships require.
Four other surrogacy agencies already have offices in Pasadena—Joy of Life at 117 E Colorado Blvd, Genesis at 482 S Arroyo Pkwy, Oceanside at 155 N Lake Ave, and Simple Steps. If you're comparing agencies, this page gives you the specifics to make an informed decision.
Local Resources
Surrogacy in Pasadena, California
Pasadena has the highest concentration of fertility clinics of any city in our California program. Combined with Huntington Hospital's Level IIIB NICU, it offers a complete surrogacy medical infrastructure. California's surrogacy laws provide the strongest legal framework in the United States.
Fertility Clinics in Pasadena
HRC Fertility Pasadena
55 S. Lake Ave, 9th Floor. Established in 1988, HRC offers IUI, IVF, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), egg freezing, surrogacy coordination, and egg donation. One of the longest-operating fertility practices in Southern California.
LA IVF Clinic Pasadena
10 Congress St, Suite 509. Led by board-certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Bayrak, specializing in IVF, surrogacy, and genetic testing.
Kolb Fertility
55 S Lake Ave, 9th Floor. Dr. Bradford Kolb provides genetic screening, surrogacy coordination, egg donation, and IVF services.
Wilcox Fertility
Pasadena location offering IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, PGS/PGD, and surrogacy.
SCRC (Southern California Reproductive Center)
Pasadena office serving the San Gabriel Valley with comprehensive reproductive services.
Your choice of fertility clinic is always yours. MUSA coordinates with whichever clinic you and your reproductive endocrinologist select.
Huntington Hospital — Level IIIB NICU
Delivery matters as much as conception. Huntington Hospital provides the highest level of neonatal care in the San Gabriel Valley. Its Level IIIB NICU means the hospital can manage the most complex neonatal situations without transferring to another facility.
OB/GYNs on call 24/7
Private birthing suites
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists for high-risk pregnancies
Lactation consultants
U.S. News rated
For intended parents traveling from out of state or internationally, Huntington provides the safety net you need before committing to a clinic and delivery plan. For surrogates, it means the most advanced care available is already in the building.
California Legal Framework
Under California surrogacy law, gestational surrogacy agreements are fully enforceable. Both intended parents are named on the birth certificate through a pre-birth parentage order—before the baby is born—regardless of marital status or genetic connection.
No post-birth adoption. No waiting period. Both surrogates and intended parents have independent legal representation throughout.
Our Difference
Why Families and Surrogates Choose MUSA
Every surrogacy agency will tell you they provide “comprehensive support.” Here's what we can tell you that they won't.
Third-Party
Medical Screening
Screening That Protects Everyone Involved
Every surrogate in our program completes a medical evaluation that goes beyond standard ASRM guidelines. An independent, third-party IVF nurse reviews the complete OB/GYN records for all of her pregnancies—not just the most recent one. She also completes psychological assessment by a licensed mental health professional, financial stability verification, background screening, and undisclosed nicotine testing.
We do this because the quality of the match matters to everyone involved. Surrogates deserve an agency that invests in them thoroughly before asking them to commit 12+ months of their lives. Intended parents deserve confidence that their surrogate has been evaluated with the rigor this process requires.
Matching in 3–6 Months, Not 6–12+
Many agencies quote 6–12 months or longer for matching. Our matching timeline is typically 3–6 months. That's a function of our compensation ($65,000–$90,000+ attracts a deep applicant pool), our screening (thorough evaluation means we match with confidence, not hesitation), and our California-only focus (we're not coordinating across a dozen states).
One intended parent who came to MUSA had been waiting 18 months with another agency. She was matched within her first quarter with us.
3–6 Months
Avg. Match Time
100%
California-Based
Every Surrogate Lives in California
No cross-state coordination. No conflicting laws. No ambiguity about legal protections. When your surrogate is a California resident near Pasadena-area fertility clinics, the entire journey stays within the strongest surrogacy legal framework in the country.
For surrogates in the San Gabriel Valley, it means local support and proximity to the five Pasadena clinics listed above.
Founded by a Former Surrogate
Samantha Giermek didn't study surrogacy from a boardroom. She carried a baby for another family, experienced every step of the process firsthand, and built an agency based on what she learned—what worked, what didn't, and what surrogates actually need to feel supported through one of the most significant commitments a person can make. Learn more about our story.
“They really care about the surrogates. I never felt like just a number. From the first phone call to the hospital, they were there.”
— MUSA surrogate, Southern California
Since 2017
Surrogate-Founded
For Surrogates
Become a Surrogate in Pasadena, California
If you're a woman in Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley who has been thinking about surrogacy—maybe you've seen other surrogates share their experiences online, maybe a friend brought it up, maybe you've been quietly researching for weeks—here's what working with MUSA looks like.
Surrogacy with MUSA is meaningful work AND it provides real financial stability for your family. We don't ask you to choose between the two, and we don't pretend compensation doesn't matter. It does.
Surrogate compensation: $65,000–$90,000+. Total compensation can reach $100,000+ depending on your journey. All payments are managed through a dedicated escrow account, so you're never waiting on anyone to follow through.
Compensation Breakdown
$8,000 multiples bonus
Additional compensation for carrying twins.
$350/month allowance
Personal monthly allowance throughout your journey.
$1,500 embryo transfer bonus
Paid at the time of embryo transfer.
$1,500 medical procedures bonus
For additional medical procedures during pregnancy.
$1,000 maternity clothing
Allowance for maternity wardrobe.
$2,000 housekeeping
Housekeeping allowance during pregnancy.
What the Process Looks Like
Application
Takes about 10 minutes online. You'll share basic health history and personal information.
Screening
Medical evaluation, psychological assessment, pregnancy history review, and background check. This isn't a gatekeeping exercise — it's how we make sure you're set up for a healthy, supported journey.
Matching
We introduce you to intended parents based on preferences, values, and what kind of relationship you're looking for during the journey. You have a say in who you carry for.
Legal
You'll work with your own independent attorney (paid for by the intended parents) to review and sign the surrogacy agreement. California law protects your rights at every stage.
Medical
Embryo transfer at your fertility clinic — potentially one of the five Pasadena clinics listed above — followed by pregnancy confirmation and ongoing prenatal care.
Pregnancy and delivery
Regular check-ins with your MUSA case manager, monthly support, and coordination with your medical team through delivery. The entire journey takes roughly 12–14 months from matching.
It's not easy. The injections are uncomfortable, the early weeks can be anxious, and the emotional weight is real. But most MUSA surrogates describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
For full details, visit our surrogate requirements page or see the complete compensation breakdown.
For Intended Parents
Find a Surrogate in Pasadena
Pasadena's concentration of fertility clinics means you likely already have a medical team in place. The agency handles everything the clinic doesn't: surrogate screening, matching, legal coordination, insurance navigation, ongoing support, and the communication framework that holds a 12+ month journey together.
MUSA maintains a success rate of 99.3%–99.5% across our surrogacy journeys—a reflection of the screening, matching, and support infrastructure we've built over years of California-focused work.
How the Process Works for Intended Parents
Free consultation
A free, no-pressure conversation about your situation, timeline, and questions. No commitment required.
Matching
We present surrogate profiles based on your preferences, location, and values. Our typical match happens in 3–6 months.
Medical clearance
Your surrogate completes additional medical evaluation at your chosen Pasadena fertility clinic.
Legal agreements
Both parties work with independent attorneys to finalize the surrogacy agreement and file for a pre-birth parentage order under California law.
Embryo transfer
Coordinated with your fertility clinic, with ongoing support from our team.
Pregnancy and birth
Nine months of regular updates, surrogate support, and coordination. Both parents named on the birth certificate. No adoption. No waiting period.
The total journey typically takes 18–24 months from your initial consultation to bringing your baby home. For a full walkthrough, see our surrogacy process guide.
Investment
Pasadena Surrogacy Costs
Surrogacy is a significant financial investment. The total cost of a surrogacy journey in the Pasadena area typically starts at $160,000 and can reach $250,000+.
Total Estimated Investment
$160,000–$250,000+
California's clear legal framework can simplify (and sometimes reduce) legal costs compared to states where surrogacy agreements face more scrutiny. And higher surrogate compensation isn't just an expense—it attracts more qualified candidates, which means better matches and a smoother journey overall.
For a detailed breakdown, see our full surrogacy cost guide.
San Gabriel Valley
Communities We Serve
Made in the USA Surrogacy works with surrogates and intended parents throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Pasadena area.
Pasadena
5 fertility clinics, Level IIIB NICU
Altadena
Minutes from Pasadena's medical corridor
South Pasadena
Easy access to Pasadena clinics
San Marino
Adjacent to Huntington Hospital
Arcadia
Eastern San Gabriel Valley
Monrovia
Foothill community, 210 corridor
Alhambra
Western San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel
Central access to all clinics
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasadena Surrogacy
Are there fertility clinics in Pasadena that work with surrogacy agencies?
Yes, and more than most cities. Pasadena has five fertility clinics within city limits: HRC Fertility, LA IVF Clinic, Kolb Fertility, Wilcox Fertility, and SCRC. All are experienced in surrogacy. Your choice of clinic is yours. MUSA coordinates with whichever fertility clinic you select.
How much does surrogacy cost in Pasadena, California?
Total surrogacy costs in the Pasadena area typically start at $160,000 and can reach $250,000+. This includes surrogate compensation, agency fees, IVF and medical costs, legal fees, and insurance. The range depends on your fertility clinic, the number of embryo transfers needed, and your insurance situation. See our full detailed cost breakdown.
What are the requirements to become a surrogate in Pasadena?
MUSA surrogates must be between 23 and 38 years old, have delivered at least one full-term pregnancy, be currently raising a child, maintain a healthy BMI, have no major pregnancy complications, be a non-smoker, and be a legal U.S. resident living in California. See our full surrogate requirements.
How much do surrogates earn in Pasadena, California?
MUSA surrogates receive $65,000–$90,000+ in base compensation, with total compensation reaching $100,000+ when bonuses and allowances are included. All payments are managed through a dedicated escrow account. See our full compensation breakdown.
Is surrogacy legal in Pasadena, California?
Yes. California has one of the most surrogacy-friendly legal frameworks in the United States. Gestational surrogacy agreements are fully enforceable under California Family Code Sections 7960–7962. Both intended parents are named on the birth certificate through a pre-birth parentage order, regardless of marital status or genetic connection. No post-birth adoption required. See our full California surrogacy laws.
Start a Conversation About Surrogacy in Pasadena
“I didn't know what to expect when I started looking into surrogacy. MUSA answered every question, walked me through the process honestly, and never once made me feel rushed. I'm so glad I found them.”
— MUSA intended parent
Whether you're a woman in the Pasadena area thinking about becoming a surrogate or intended parents searching for an agency that will tell you the truth about screening, timelines, and costs—the next step is the same. A conversation. No pressure, no pitch, just honest information.
For Surrogates
The application takes about 10 minutes. There's no commitment. It's the first step in finding out if surrogacy is right for you.
See If You QualifyFor Intended Parents
A free consultation is a conversation, not a sales call. We'll walk through your situation, answer your questions, and help you figure out next steps.
Free ConsultationMade in the USA Surrogacy. Sacramento-based. California-focused. Founded by a surrogate. Serving Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Monrovia, Alhambra, San Gabriel, and all of California.
