New York's Surrogates' Bill of Rights Sets the Standard for Surrogacy Protections
New York prohibited compensated surrogacy until February 2021, when the Child-Parent Security Act legalized gestational surrogacy with enforceable contracts and a Surrogates' Bill of Rights. Intended parents can obtain pre-birth parentage orders, and the state registrar issues a birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child.
Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates in New York 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 Child-Parent Security Act Protects Families and Surrogates
Compensated Gestational Surrogacy with Pre-Birth Parentage Orders
The Child-Parent Security Act (CPSA), effective February 15, 2021, legalized compensated gestational surrogacy in New York. Courts grant pre-birth parentage orders establishing intended parents as the legal parents to the child prior to birth. The CPSA protects all family structures regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or genetic connection to the child. All parties must sign surrogacy agreements before embryo transfer, and intended parents must place compensation in escrow before finalizing the agreement.
The Surrogates' Bill of Rights Protects Health and Autonomy
The CPSA created a Surrogates' Bill of Rights guaranteeing specific protections for every gestational surrogate. Surrogates retain the right to make all healthcare decisions, including whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy. Intended parents must provide comprehensive health insurance, independent legal counsel and a life insurance policy for the surrogate, all at the intended parents' expense. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage contracts, pre-birth orders and parentage throughout the process.
Insurers Cannot Deny Maternity Coverage to Gestational Surrogates
New York prohibits insurers from denying maternity coverage or seeking reimbursement because a person is acting as a gestational surrogate. The state also mandates IVF coverage for large-group plans with 100 or more employees, covering up to three cycles, which may reduce fertility treatment costs for intended parents. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with a licensed insurance broker before matching begins to review the surrogate's existing coverage and identify any gaps, so intended parents understand their insurance costs before the journey begins.
How Intended Parents in New York Work with Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives serves New York 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 New York and Help a Family Grow
Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified, caring women in New York 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 Consider Applying
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. After matching, surrogates complete a psychological evaluation and medical screening.
How Compensation Works
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.
Your Wellness Team
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.
