Surrogacy in Delaware Protects Every Intended Parent Before the Transfer Begins
Delaware is one of the most legally defined surrogacy states in the country. The Gestational Carrier Agreement Act requires a written agreement executed before the embryo transfer begins, and the statute explicitly names the gestational carrier as not a parent of any child born through the arrangement. Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates across Delaware, coordinating medical, legal and financial steps from its San Diego, California headquarters.
The Surrogate Alternatives team is made up of current and former surrogates who have lived the experience they guide others through. Founded in 1998, the agency serves families in Delaware and throughout the United States.
Delaware's Gestational Carrier Agreement Act Resolves Parentage Before Birth
Gestational Carrier Agreements and Pre-Birth Parentage Orders
That statutory foundation shapes how the law names the intended parents. Delaware's Gestational Carrier Agreement Act establishes parentage before the medical process begins. The statute explicitly provides that the gestational carrier is "not a parent of a child born as a result of a gestational carrier arrangement," provided all required conditions are met. Courts in the state routinely grant pre-birth parentage orders, establishing the intended parents as the legal parents to the child prior to birth.
Equal Protections for Every Family Structure in Delaware
These protections apply equally to married and unmarried individuals, LGBTQ+ couples and single parents. The state imposes no genetic connection requirement and no residency requirement for intended parents seeking a pre-birth parentage order.
Gestational Carrier Agreement and Birth Certificate Coordination
Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage the gestational carrier agreement, pre-birth order and the birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child.
How Intended Parents in Delaware Work with Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives builds that legal coordination into four structured phases: consultation, matching, medical and legal coordination, then pregnancy and birth. During a free, no-obligation consultation by phone, video or in person, an agency director walks them through the full surrogacy process and answers all questions about medical, legal and financial requirements.
There is no waiting list. Many intended parents begin reviewing potential matches within days, based on compatibility rather than location. Only about 5% of surrogate applicants move forward after screening, and all screening takes place after matching. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with fertility clinics, monitoring clinics and reproductive law attorneys in Delaware and nationwide.
SeedTrust holds all client funds in a 100% third-party escrow account. Surrogate Alternatives does not hold or control escrowed funds at any point. Intended parents receive a detailed cost breakdown before the journey begins, and agency fees are fixed.
Become a Surrogate in Delaware and Help a Family Grow
Those journeys require surrogates, and Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified women across Delaware and the United States who want to help intended parents build the family they have been working toward. The team includes current and former surrogates who provide guidance, community and support from application through delivery.
Surrogate Requirements Under the Gestational Carrier Act
The Gestational Carrier Agreement Act sets statutory standards for surrogates, and Surrogate Alternatives screens candidates against both the legal requirements and its own program standards. Candidates must have at least one prior healthy pregnancy and delivery, maintain a healthy lifestyle and be free from illegal substances and tobacco, and be financially stable and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. After matching, surrogates complete a psychological evaluation and medical screening.
What Surrogates Earn Through Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives offers competitive base compensation, with experienced surrogates eligible for higher rates. Surrogate Alternatives provides additional compensation for a twin pregnancy, and surrogates receive a monthly non-accountable expense allowance and a maternity clothing allowance. SeedTrust manages all surrogate compensation through third-party escrow. Visit the surrogate compensation page for full details.
Surrogate Wellness and Community from Match Through Delivery
Surrogate Alternatives provides a Pregnancy Wellness Program that includes dietary and nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage and prenatal vitamins. Surrogate Alternatives was the first surrogacy agency to offer a wellness package. Surrogates also have access to an online support group, mentorship from experienced surrogates and annual retreats. Surrogate Alternatives maintains a 24/7 emergency line so surrogates can reach management throughout the journey.
