Surrogate Alternatives vs. Surrogacy Is: Choosing the Right Path for Your Family
Surrogate Alternatives is a full-service surrogacy agency that manages the entire journey from consultation through birth. Surrogacy Is, a surrogate advocacy and matching network based in Savannah, Georgia, connects intended parents with vetted partner agencies. An intended parent working with Surrogacy Is still works with a separate agency for screening, legal coordination, escrow and case management.
These are fundamentally different structures. Some intended parents prefer a network model that connects them with partner agencies. Others prefer a single agency that manages every step of the process under one roof. This page lays out the differences so intended parents can decide which path fits their family.
Surrogate Alternatives
- Founder-led since 1998 by a former surrogate
- No paid or unpaid waiting lists
- Independent third-party escrow via SeedTrust
- Fixed agency fees with a line-item breakdown
Surrogacy Is
- Matching network, not a full-service agency
- Partner agency handles screening and legal
- Escrow provider not publicly named
- Founded 2020, no published cost range
(SeedTrust)
Surrogate
acceptance
Founder-led
How Business Model, Track Record and Transparency Compare
Surrogate Alternatives is a full-service surrogacy agency. Surrogate screening, matching, legal coordination, escrow management, case management and support all happen within one organization. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with fertility clinics and reproductive law attorneys nationwide so intended parents have experienced professionals at every stage.
Surrogate Alternatives provides a Pregnancy Wellness Program that includes dietary and nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage and prenatal vitamins. Surrogates also have access to an online support group, mentorship from experienced surrogates, annual retreats and a 24/7 emergency line available to reach management. Surrogate Alternatives was the first surrogacy agency to offer a wellness package.
Surrogacy Is connects intended parents with vetted partner agencies. The partner agency, not Surrogacy Is, conducts final medical and psychological screening, manages the legal process and coordinates escrow. Intended parents working through a matching network should ask which organization manages each part of the journey and who serves as the primary contact.
Surrogate Alternatives Has Helped Bring 4,000 Babies Into the World Since 1998
Surrogate Alternatives opened in 1998 and has helped bring more than 4,000 babies into the world through surrogacy. Surrogate Alternatives publishes a surrogacy-specific baby count, a surrogate acceptance rate of approximately 5% and a named escrow provider (SeedTrust). Surrogate Alternatives also publishes a cost range of $150,000 to $200,000 with fixed agency fees, no surprise agency fees and a detailed cost breakdown before the journey begins.
Surrogacy Is launched in 2020 and does not publish a total baby count, completed journey count, surrogate acceptance rate, named escrow provider or cost range. Published results allow intended parents to verify an organization's claims independently before committing.
Both Organizations Are Led by People Who Have Lived the Surrogacy Journey
Surrogate Alternatives is family-owned and founder-led by Diana Olmeda, a two-time surrogate, five-time egg donor and author of The Surrogacy Blueprint. Diana's surrogacy and egg donation resulted in the birth of 10 children. Diana continues to lead Surrogate Alternatives today. Surrogate Alternatives was built by someone who has personally lived the surrogacy journey from multiple perspectives.
Sunshine Hanson, a three-time gestational surrogate, Casey Bojorquez, a two-time surrogate, and CEO Kyle Hanson co-founded Surrogacy Is. The leadership team brings five combined surrogate journeys. People with personal surrogacy experience lead both organizations. The difference is how long each organization has applied that experience: Surrogate Alternatives has operated as a full-service surrogacy agency for 28 years, while Surrogacy Is has operated as a matching network since 2020.
Both Require Independent Third-Party Escrow
Surrogate Alternatives requires all client funds to be held through SeedTrust, an independent third-party escrow provider. Surrogate Alternatives never holds or controls escrowed funds at any point. Surrogacy Is requires the partner agencies it works with to use fully funded third-party escrow rather than in-house escrow.
Reproductive law guidance on gestational surrogacy agreements identifies escrow funding as a required component of a compliant agreement, alongside independent legal counsel and insurance protections for the surrogate. Surrogate Alternatives names its escrow provider directly. Surrogacy Is describes the requirement at the partner-agency level but does not name which escrow providers its partners use.
Talk With Surrogate Alternatives About Your Journey
Intended parents who want a full-service agency with 28 years of verified results, a founder who lived the journey, no waitlists, curated matching and a named independent escrow provider can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Surrogate Alternatives. An agency director walks intended parents through the full surrogacy process and answers all questions about medical, legal and financial requirements before intended parents and surrogates sign any agreements.
Surrogate Alternatives has been building families since 1998. The right path is the one whose structure, depth and transparency match what matters most to your family.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Surrogate Alternatives.
