Surrogacy in Vermont Vests Parentage at Birth Under the Vermont Parentage Act
Vermont's Parentage Act, Chapter 8, vests parentage in the intended parents at the moment of birth when the gestational carrier agreement complies with the statute. The law covers all family structures regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or genetic connection to the child. Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates across the state 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 Vermont and throughout the United States.
Vermont's Parentage Act Grants Parentage at Birth Across Every Family Structure
Parentage Vests at Birth Under § 803 When the Agreement Complies With Chapter 8
Vermont's Parentage Act grants parentage to the intended parents immediately upon the child's birth when the gestational carrier agreement complies with Chapter 8, and the carrier and her spouse hold no parental rights. Courts issue orders to confirm parentage and align vital records, but the statute itself establishes parentage at birth without requiring a prior court order. Act 175 updated these provisions, effective July 1, 2024.
No Genetic Connection Required and Lab Error Protection Under § 803(c)
The Parentage Act requires no genetic connection between the intended parents and the child and explicitly covers same-sex couples, unmarried individuals and single parents. Under § 803(c), even if a lab error results in the child being genetically unrelated to either intended parent or their donors, parentage vests with the intended parents and not the gestational carrier. The statute uses gender-neutral language throughout.
Written Agreement, Carrier Spouse Inclusion and Legal Coordination in Vermont
The statute requires all parties to execute a written gestational carrier agreement before assisted reproduction begins, with intended parents assuming full parental rights and financial responsibility at birth. A married carrier's spouse must join the agreement and acknowledge no parental rights. Both parties retain independent legal counsel. Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage the agreement and the birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child prior to birth.
How Intended Parents in Vermont Work with Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives serves intended parents in the state 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 all 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 fertility clinics, monitoring clinics and reproductive law attorneys in Vermont 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 Vermont and Help a Family Grow
Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified women across Vermont 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 Screening Standards and Program Requirements
Surrogate Alternatives screens candidates against its own program requirements and the medical and mental health screening standards of Vermont's Parentage Act. 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. Surrogate Alternatives also requires candidates to be at least 21 years old. After matching, surrogates complete a psychological evaluation and medical screening.
Competitive Pay, Allowances and Financial Benefits for Surrogates
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 Program, 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.
