Become a Surrogate
A surrogate-first, fully supported journey for women who want to help another family—guided by a San Diego-based team with decades of lived experience.
Becoming a surrogate is a big decision. You are already caring for your own family, juggling work and life, and wondering whether this is the right step for you. You might feel excited, curious, and a little nervous all at the same time.
Surrogate Alternatives was built by a former surrogate who believed women like you deserve clear information, real support, and the freedom to make the choices that feel right for your body, your family, and your life. For over 28 years, we've helped surrogates walk this journey safely and confidently—without pressure and without treating you like a number.
This page is here to answer your questions about why women become surrogates, what we look for, how the process works, how compensation is handled, and what kind of support you can expect if you choose to move forward.
Founder-led by former surrogate and five-time egg donor Diana Olmeda since 1998 — San Diego, California — 28 years of continuous agency experience in 2026.
Ready for the full application? Start Surrogate Application
Motivation & Purpose
Why Women Choose to Become Surrogates
Women who become surrogates often say they simply "felt called" to help another family experience what they already know and love about having children. Some have completed their own families and want to give back. Others had easy pregnancies and feel excited to be pregnant again for someone who can't safely carry on their own. Whatever brings you here, you are allowed to explore this option without pressure or judgment.
If you're asking yourself, "Is surrogacy right for me?" or "Why do women become surrogates?", this section is meant to help you think through the decision in a clear, non-pushy way.
- You've had at least one healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth of your own
- You enjoy being pregnant and are open to experiencing pregnancy again for another family
- You want to make a meaningful difference for people who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves
- You value being treated with respect, honesty, and transparency—not like a transaction
- You want fair compensation that recognizes your time, physical commitment, and emotional investment
- You appreciate having a team to guide you through medical, legal, and emotional steps
Requirements Preview
What Surrogate Alternatives Looks For in a Surrogate
Because your safety—and the safety of the baby—comes first, there are specific medical, lifestyle, and emotional criteria that surrogates must meet. Many of these guidelines come directly from fertility clinics and medical professionals. This is a high-level overview to help you understand whether you might qualify before you spend time on a full application.
- Have given birth to at least one child of their own without major complications
- Are within the age range recommended by fertility clinics (usually early 20s to late 30s, depending on history and medical guidance)
- Have a stable home environment and reliable support system
- Do not smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs, and have limited or no alcohol use during the process
- Are generally healthy, with no uncontrolled medical or mental health conditions that would make pregnancy unsafe
- Are comfortable attending appointments, following medical guidance, and communicating with the intended parents and the agency
- Clear communication and comfort asking questions
- Reliability with appointments and follow-through
- Emotional resilience and openness to support
- Respect for boundaries and a collaborative mindset with the intended parents
Want the full list of criteria? See our detailed Surrogate Qualifications & Requirements — full eligibility details and what clinics and SAI look for.
The Journey
How to Become a Surrogate: The Process
Surrogacy can feel overwhelming when you look at everything at once. We break the journey into clear, guided steps so you always know what comes next. You are never expected to figure this out alone—our team is here to walk you through each stage.
Quick Surrogate Interest Form
Start with a short form covering your basic information, where you live, and a few high-level questions about your health and pregnancy history. This helps us quickly see whether you might meet general guidelines—no commitment to anything.
Full Surrogate Application
If the initial screen looks like a possible fit, complete the full Surrogate Application. This covers your medical and pregnancy history, lifestyle, support system, and preferences so our team and the fertility clinic can evaluate whether surrogacy is safe and appropriate for you.
Screening and Approval
After your application is reviewed, we coordinate more in-depth screening—medical records review, background checks, and insurance review. The goal is to make sure surrogacy is safe for you and that we can support you well throughout the process.
Matching with Intended Parents
Once approved, we work to match you with intended parents whose values, expectations, and communication style align with yours. You'll review their profile, meet them via video or in person, and have the chance to ask questions. No match moves forward without your clear and enthusiastic "yes."
Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy
After legal, psychological and medical clearances are complete, you'll begin medications as directed by the fertility clinic and prepare for embryo transfer. If the transfer is successful, you'll continue working closely with your OB, and the SAI support team throughout pregnancy.
Birth and Beyond
As you approach delivery, your team coordinates birth plans and logistics with the intended parents and the hospital. After birth, there is time for recovery, transitions, and emotional support as you return to your regular life.
Have questions about any step? Our team is here to walk you through it.
Compensation
Surrogate Compensation and Your Choice
At Surrogate Alternatives, we believe surrogates should have a voice in every part of their journey—starting with compensation. That's why we allow our surrogates to set their own base compensation. You tell us what feels fair to you.
Every woman's life, body, responsibilities, and comfort level are different. Only you can truly determine what feels like appropriate compensation for the time, physical commitment, emotional investment, and temporary discomfort that pregnancy involves. Our role is not to dictate your worth, but to advocate for it.
How compensation works with SAI- You share the base compensation that feels fair for your situation
- We work closely with intended parents to make sure expectations around compensation and benefits are clear and aligned from the very beginning
- Compensation typically includes your base plus additional allowances and reimbursements for maternity clothing, travel, and certain pregnancy-related expenses
- Many journeys also include support for wellness and mental health, such as counseling or other resources, depending on the arrangement
For specific compensation ranges and a line-by-line breakdown, visit our Surrogate Compensation & Pay page. What matters most here is that you are part of the conversation from day one—and that you have a team advocating for your needs.
Support Program
Real Support, Not Just Promises
Being a surrogate should never feel lonely or overwhelming—and with us, it never is. From the moment you're matched, you're surrounded by people who understand the process and are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
- Dedicated case managerOnce you are officially matched, you are assigned a dedicated case manager whose primary role is to support you, coordinate logistics, and help you navigate questions or concerns as they arise.
- Pregnancy support team memberWhen you become pregnant, a member of our support team is added to your circle so you always have someone focused on your day-to-day experience as a surrogate.
- Clear communicationWe help manage communication between you, the intended parents, the clinic, and your OB so you're not left to juggle everything on your own.
- Monthly virtual surrogate support group meetings where you can connect with other surrogates who truly understand what you're experiencing.
- Three in-person surrogate retreats each year, designed to create community, rest, and reflection with women walking a similar path.
- A responsive, experienced in-house support team you can reach out to when you need reassurance, information, or just someone to listen.
You are never just a number here. You are known, supported, and valued.
To explore more tools and guidance, visit our Knowledge Hub page.
Why SAI
Why Surrogates Choose
Surrogate Alternatives
Many surrogates tell us they weren't just looking for any agency—they were looking for a team that truly respects them, listens to them, and stands beside them throughout the journey. Surrogate Alternatives was built around that promise.
Surrogate-First Philosophy
Your needs, boundaries, and comfort level guide every part of the journey. We will never pressure you to move faster than you're ready or agree to something that doesn't feel right.
Founder-Led Since 1998
SAI is founder-led by a former surrogate and five-time egg donor, with over 28 years of continuous experience. That longevity means stability, trusted relationships with clinics and attorneys, and insight into what truly supports surrogates.
Lived Experience, Real Empathy
Our team includes current and former surrogates, as well as staff who have been intended parents. The people guiding you understand what this journey feels like from the inside.
Dedicated Support and Community
With dedicated case managers, a support department, monthly groups, and in-person retreats, you are surrounded by a community—not left to navigate everything alone.
Transparency, Respect, and Trust
From compensation and contracts to expectations and communication, we prioritize clear, honest conversations so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
Stories & Resources
Hear from Other Surrogates
The best way to understand what this journey is really like is to hear from women who have lived it. Their stories reflect the challenges, the joy, and the deep meaning that surrogacy can bring.
"From the first conversation, I felt like they saw me as a whole person—not just a uterus. My case manager checked in on me as a mom and as a surrogate."
"The retreats and support groups made such a difference. I never felt like I was doing this alone."
"Setting my own base compensation and having SAI advocate for me helped me feel respected and in control of my journey."
Helpful Resources for Surrogates
When you're ready to learn more, these resources can help you go deeper.
Ready to start
your journey?
Choose the path that fits you best.
Quick Answers for Surrogates
Here are answers to some of the most common questions women ask when they first start exploring surrogacy with SAI.
Why do women become surrogates with Surrogate Alternatives?
Who can become a surrogate with Surrogate Alternatives?
Can surrogacy be a woman's first pregnancy?
How long does the surrogacy process take with Surrogate Alternatives?
Can surrogates continue working and caring for their own children during a surrogacy journey?
Do surrogates need to live in California to work with Surrogate Alternatives?
How is surrogate compensation determined at Surrogate Alternatives?
What support do surrogates receive from Surrogate Alternatives?
If you don't see your question here, we're happy to answer it directly—no obligation and no pressure.