Our Standards & Ethics
How we protect surrogates, intended parents, and children—through experience, medical guidance, and clear boundaries.
Surrogacy is deeply personal, and it’s also complex. Medical care, legal agreements, finances, and emotions all intersect. Our standards and ethics exist to protect everyone involved: the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.
Surrogate Alternatives follows established medical and ethical guidelines while drawing on nearly three decades of founder-led experience. In practice, that means careful screening, informed consent, fair compensation, independent legal counsel, and honest communication— without shortcuts.
Nearly three decades of continuous surrogacy and egg donation experience
Thousands of babies born through SAI-supported journeys
Many surrogates who return for additional journeys after their first experience
Long-standing relationships that extend well beyond delivery day
Screening & Safety Come First
Not every person is a good candidate to be a surrogate, and not every situation is a good fit for surrogacy. Our first responsibility is to move forward only when a journey can be medically safe and emotionally sustainable.
Surrogates complete medical and psychological screening guided by fertility clinics & ASRM standards
Prior pregnancy and delivery records are reviewed
Clear health, lifestyle, and stability requirements are in place to reduce avoidable risk
Intended parents are also screened for readiness so matches are set up for success
We say “no” or “not right now” when safety or sustainability is a concern
Learn more about Surrogate Requirements.
Fair Compensation & Independent Escrow
Ethical surrogacy means surrogates are fairly compensated and that money is handled transparently for everyone involved.
Surrogates set their own base compensation with guidance on what’s typical and realistic
Compensation packages are designed to cover both base pay and real pregnancy-related costs
Funds for surrogate compensation are held by an independent third-party escrow company—not by SAI
Payments follow a written schedule outlined in the contract and are documented clearly
Read more about Surrogate Compensation & Pay.
Transparency, Privacy & Support
Ethics are not just about rules—they’re about how people feel throughout the journey.
The surrogacy process is explained in plain language, step by step
Questions are always welcome, even if they feel basic or repetitive
Personal information is treated as confidential and shared only as part of the journey
A dedicated care coordination team is available for transfers, early pregnancy, and labor
Emotional support and mental health resources are encouraged when needed
What This Looks Like in Practice
Ethics show up in everyday decisions—not just policies. Over thousands of journeys, we’ve learned that doing the right thing in the moment matters more than doing the easiest thing.
Declining journeys when a surrogate’s health history makes another pregnancy unsafe
Pausing or passing on matches when core values around medical decisions are not aligned
Working only with clinics and attorneys who share similar standards
Where to Learn More
If you’d like to see how these standards apply to your situation, the best next step is to explore the parts of the journey that matter most to you—or talk with someone directly.
Surrogate
Requirements
Requirements
See who can be a surrogate with SAI and why those requirements exist.
Surrogate Requirements
Surrogate Compensation & Pay
Learn how compensation works and how escrow protects everyone involved.
Surrogate Compensation & Pay
Talk with
Our Team
Our Team
Ask questions about safety, ethics, or your specific situation—no pressure.
Talk with Our Team
