Michigan's New Surrogacy Law Opens the Door for Families
Michigan was the only state that criminalized compensated surrogacy. That changed on April 2, 2025, when the Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act took effect, making surrogacy contracts legal and enforceable for every family structure. Intended parents now have a clear legal path to parentage without post-birth adoption.
Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates in Michigan from its San Diego, California headquarters. The team is made up of current and former surrogates, so the people walking you through the process have lived it. Surrogate Alternatives has been building families since 1998.
How the Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act Protects Michigan Families
Surrogacy Contracts Are Now Legal and Enforceable
The Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act (Act 24 of 2024) replaced decades of prohibition with a comprehensive surrogacy framework. The Act permits both compensated and altruistic surrogacy and recognizes both gestational and traditional arrangements. Surrogacy agreements must be in writing, notarized and signed by all parties before any medical procedures begin. Each party must have independent legal counsel licensed in Michigan.
Pre-Birth Orders Establish Parentage Before Delivery
Michigan courts issue pre-birth parentage orders under the new law. Once the court signs the order, intended parents are recognized as the legal parents to the child prior to birth. The state registrar issues a birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child. Courts do not require a hearing in most cases.
Equal Protections for All Family Structures
The Act extends equal protections regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic connection to the child. LGBTQ+ couples, single intended parents and heterosexual couples all have the same legal pathway to parentage.
How Intended Parents in Michigan Work with Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives serves Michigan intended parents from its San Diego headquarters. Intended parents connect with the team by phone, video or in person for a free, no-obligation consultation, where an agency director walks them through the full surrogacy process and answers questions about medical, legal and financial requirements.
The journey follows four phases: consultation, matching, medical and legal coordination, then pregnancy and birth. 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.
Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage contracts, pre-birth orders and parentage. All client funds are held in a 100% third-party escrow account through SeedTrust, and Surrogate Alternatives does not hold or control escrowed funds at any point.
Become a Surrogate in Michigan and Help a Family Grow
Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified, caring women in Michigan who want to give intended parents the family they have been hoping for. The team includes current and former surrogates who provide support, guidance and competitive compensation throughout the journey.
Who Should Apply
Surrogate Alternatives requires candidates to have at least one prior healthy pregnancy and delivery. Candidates must maintain a healthy lifestyle, be free from illegal substances and tobacco, be financially stable and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. State law requires surrogates to be at least 21 years old and to have completed medical and mental health evaluations. After matching, surrogates complete a psychological evaluation and medical screening.
Compensation Details
Surrogate Alternatives offers competitive base compensation, with experienced surrogates eligible for higher rates. Additional compensation is provided for a twin pregnancy, and surrogates receive a monthly non-accountable expense allowance and a maternity clothing allowance. All compensation is managed through third-party escrow. Visit the surrogate compensation page for full details.
A Wellness Program and a Community Behind You
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. A 24/7 emergency line is available to reach management throughout the journey.
