Why do families choose Surrogate Alternatives?

Families choose Surrogate Alternatives for its no-waitlist matching process, fixed agency fee model and 100% third-party escrow for all client funds. Surrogate Alternatives has helped bring over 4,000 babies into the world since 1998 under the continuous founder leadership of Diana Olmeda and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Google Reviews.

Who leads Surrogate Alternatives?

Surrogate Alternatives was founded and is led by Diana Olmeda, a former two-time surrogate and five-time egg donor who has operated the agency since 1998. Olmeda is the author of The Surrogacy Blueprint and brings 28 years of continuous agency experience to every journey.

Do you have a waiting list or charge fees to join one?

No. Surrogate Alternatives does not operate waiting lists and does not charge fees to be placed on one. Qualified intended parents review surrogate profiles directly without joining a list, and Surrogate Alternatives' national network supports an average matching timeline of three weeks.

How long does the matching process take?

Surrogate Alternatives' extensive national network allows the agency to present qualified matches in an average of three weeks. Rather than placing intended parents on a waiting list, Surrogate Alternatives provides curated surrogate profiles and guided conversations until both parties confirm the match is right.

How does Surrogate Alternatives screen surrogates?

Surrogate Alternatives accepts only approximately 5% of surrogate applicants following comprehensive medical, psychological and background screening. This selective process ensures intended parents are matched with fully pre-screened candidates and that surrogates are protected through strict medical and safety standards.

How much does surrogacy cost with Surrogate Alternatives?

Surrogacy costs with Surrogate Alternatives typically range between $150,000 and $200,000 depending on insurance coverage and surrogate location, not including IVF clinic services. Surrogate Alternatives operates on a fixed agency fee model with no hidden administrative costs.

How are funds protected during the surrogacy process?

At Surrogate Alternatives, all client funds are held in a 100% third-party escrow account through SeedTrust, an independent licensed escrow provider. Surrogate Alternatives does not hold or control escrowed funds at any point, protecting both intended parents and surrogates throughout the journey.

Over 4,000 babies born. Family-owned. Led by former surrogates.

America’s most trusted surrogacy agency since 1998

Ethical surrogacy with no waitlist, transparent costs, independent escrow, and personalized support for intended parents and surrogates. Based in San Diego, serving families across the U.S. and internationally.

Build Your Family

Become a Surrogate

100%

Third-party escrow
(SeedTrust)

Waiting List

Top
Surrogate
acceptance

1998

1998
Founder-led

Build Your Family

Fixed-cost security with no waiting lists.

Surrogacy with Surrogate Alternatives is built around clear expectations, transparent fees, and 100% third-party escrow to protect your funds. There are no paid or unpaid waiting lists; once you are ready, you move directly into a thoughtful matching process. Our team coordinates closely with your clinic and attorneys so legal, medical, and logistical steps stay organized and predictable. Whether you are local, out-of-state, or international, you’ll work with people who understand this journey personally.

Direct legal coordination

Dedicated staff work closely with your attorneys so contracts, parentage orders, and key documents move on time with clear communication.

High-touch matching

Instead of a long waiting list, you receive curated surrogate profiles and guided conversations until both sides feel the match is truly right.

LGBTQ+ affirming support

From language and paperwork to recommended clinics and attorneys, every step is designed to welcome and support LGBTQ+ intended parents.

STRUCTURAL SAFEGUARDS

The Structure
Behind Every Journey

Surrogate Alternatives is built on independent financial protection, rigorous screening, and decades of experience—so intended parents and surrogates are never navigating alone.

Since

Today

1998

2026

Founder-Led

Founded and led by former two-time surrogate and five-time egg donor Diana Olmeda, with 28 years of continuous agency experience in 2026.

TOP 5%

Top Surrogate Acceptance

Only a small percentage of applicants move forward after a careful review process, including application, interview, and background check. Full medical and psychological screening is completed later through licensed professionals before pregnancy.

Third-Party Escrow

All client funds are held by an independent, licensed escrow provider (SeedTrust), not by the agency, to protect both intended parents and surrogates.

Become a Surrogate

Meaningful compensation, clear protections, and full support.

Surrogates with SAI receive competitive compensation packages, detailed benefits, and guidance from a team that includes former surrogates.You’ll complete careful medical, psychological, and background screening so everyone enters the journey with clarity and safety. Throughout the process, you have access to consistent support for appointments, communication, and planning.

Compensation packages

Transparent, competitive compensation with clear timelines and line items so you always know what to expect.

Ongoing support

A dedicated team checks in regularly, helps coordinate appointments and communication, and is available when questions or concerns come up.

Health & legal protection

Independent legal representation and established fertility clinics, with contracts and medical protocols designed to protect your health, time, and rights.

Apply & See Pay Rates

Process Clarity

Your Surrogacy Timeline

A clear, proven process designed to move families forward without unnecessary delays.

Build Your Family

Become a Surrogate

Step 1

Free Consultation (Virtual or In-Person)

Share your story, ask questions, and learn how surrogacy works with SAI. You’ll speak with a real team member who understands the process personally, not a sales representative.

Step 2

Application & Initial Screening

Intended parents complete an application and consultation with Client Services, while surrogate candidates meet with the Surrogate Intake team for a detailed screening and program overview.

Step 3

Matching, Trust Setup & Clearances

Intended parents review surrogate profiles without joining a waiting list, and surrogates review profiles of families interested in them. Once a match is confirmed, a third-party trust account is opened and psychological and medical screenings are scheduled.

Step 4

Legal Agreements, Cycle Calendar & Embryo Transfer

Attorneys finalize legal agreements, your clinic issues a cycle calendar, and medications and appointments are coordinated. Embryo transfer follows, and if successful, pregnancy care begins with ongoing support from your case manager.

Step 5

Birth, Parentage & Returning Home

At delivery, a clear birth and parentage plan guides everyone’s roles. After birth, legal steps are completed so intended parents can return home with their baby.

About Us

Family-Owned and Founder-Led Since 1998

Founded in San Diego, California, Surrogate Alternatives brings nearly three decades of experience and has remained family‑owned and founder‑led throughout. Our CEO, Diana Olmeda, is a former surrogate, egg donor, and author of The Surrogacy Blueprint who built this agency on a simple promise:

Treat every journey as if it were our own.

Diana Olmeda, Founder and CEO

WHY US

The choice of parents and surrogates

Intended parents and surrogates choose Surrogate Alternatives for the same core reasons: thoughtful screening, protected finances, and a process that respects everyone’s time and emotional energy.

Build Your Family

Become a Surrogate

Zero Waiting List

While many agencies operate with long waiting lists or charge fees to wait, our extensive national network allows us to present Surrogate profiles to review immediately. Most intended parents begin reviewing profiles within days, not months and years.

Rigorous Screening, Safer Journeys

Our highly selective acceptance policy means intended parents are matched with carefully reviewed candidates. Background checks are completed before matching, with full medical and psychological screening before pregnancy begins.

Protected Finances

Parents enjoy a fixed agency fee model, while surrogate compensation is secured through 100% third-party escrow held by SeedTrust. Funds are never held by the agency, and all disbursements follow a transparent, contract-based schedule.