Surrogacy in Washington, D.C. Protects Every Intended Parent Regardless of Family Structure
Washington, D.C. is one of the most inclusive surrogacy jurisdictions in the country. The Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act covers gestational surrogacy for all intended parents regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or genetic connection to the child, and requires a written agreement before the embryo transfer begins. Surrogate Alternatives works with intended parents and surrogates across the District, 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 Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States.
Washington, D.C.'s Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act Covers Every Intended Parent
Pre-Birth Parentage Orders for Every Family Structure Under the CRAA
That inclusive framework begins with what the law provides intended parents before birth. The Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act, which took effect in April 2017, authorizes pre-birth parentage orders for all intended parents regardless of family structure, genetic connection or relationship status. Both the intended parents and the surrogate must retain independent legal counsel, and both parties must execute the written agreement before the embryo transfer or insemination begins.
Residency Requirements and Post-Birth Parentage Options
Courts in Washington, D.C. grant pre-birth parentage orders when at least one party has a residency connection to the District: the intended parent or surrogate must be a District resident, or the child must be born there. When no residency connection exists, a post-birth parentage order remains available.
Surrogacy Agreement and Birth Certificate Coordination in Washington, D.C.
Surrogate Alternatives coordinates with reproductive law attorneys to manage the surrogacy agreement, parentage order and the birth certificate naming the intended parents as the legal parents to the child prior to birth.
How Intended Parents in Washington, D.C. Work with Surrogate Alternatives
Surrogate Alternatives builds that legal coordination into a four-phase journey: 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. and Help a Family Grow
Those journeys require surrogates, and Surrogate Alternatives is looking for qualified women across Washington, D.C. 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 Eligibility and Program Standards
Washington, D.C. law requires surrogates to be over 21 years old, have given birth to at least one child and complete both a medical evaluation and a mental health evaluation before both parties sign the surrogacy agreement. Surrogate Alternatives screens candidates against those requirements and its own program standards. Candidates must also maintain a healthy lifestyle, be free from illegal substances and tobacco, be financially stable and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
How Compensation Works 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 Support and Wellness Throughout the Journey
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.
