Surrogacy in Maine Makes Intended Parents the Legal Parents from the Moment of Birth
Maine's Parentage Act, effective July 1, 2016, permits gestational surrogacy for all intended parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or genetic connection to the child. When a gestational surrogacy agreement meets all statutory requirements, the intended parents become the legal parents to the child by operation of law at the moment of birth. Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates across the state, 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 Maine and throughout the United States.
The Maine Parentage Act Establishes Parentage by Operation of Law at the Moment of Birth
Pre-Birth Parentage Orders by Operation of Law Under the Maine Parentage Act
That automatic legal parentage is what makes this framework distinctive. The Maine Parentage Act authorizes pre-birth parentage orders for all intended parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or genetic connection to the child. When the agreement meets the statute's requirements, courts issue a pre-birth order and direct hospitals to list the intended parents on the original birth certificate from the child's first day.
Evaluation and Agreement Requirements for Surrogates and Intended Parents
Maine requires both the surrogate and the intended parents to complete medical and mental health evaluations before the parties sign the agreement. The surrogate must be at least 21 and all parties must retain independent legal counsel and execute a written surrogacy agreement before any medical procedures begin.
Agreement and Birth Certificate Coordination Through Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage the agreement, pre-birth order and birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child prior to birth.
How Intended Parents in Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine and Help a Family Grow
Those journeys require surrogates, and Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified women across Maine 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.
Screening Standards and Eligibility for Surrogate Candidates
Surrogate Alternatives screens candidates to meet both the statutory requirements of the state's parentage statute 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. The statute also requires the surrogate to be at least 21 and to complete medical and mental health evaluations before the parties sign the agreement.
Surrogate Compensation and Benefits 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.
Pregnancy Wellness, Mentorship and Community Support
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.
