Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., also known as SAI, is a full-service surrogacy agency based in Chula Vista, California, in the San Diego area, where it works from a single office. It was founded in 1998 and, according to its website, has remained family-owned and founder-led ever since. The president and CEO is Diana Olmeda, whom the agency describes as a former two-time surrogate and five-time egg donor. The team is small, with roughly eight staff in roles spanning operations, client services, case management and finance.
The agency works with intended parents in the United States and abroad, including LGBTQ+ intended parents and single people building families on their own. Surrogates apply as U.S. citizens and are supported through the match and the pregnancy by an assigned case manager, a structure the agency presents as central to its program. It says it operates without a waitlist.
Client funds are held by SeedTrust, an independent escrow provider, and the agency states that it does not hold escrowed funds itself. Its fees are published, and the detailed fee ranges, surrogate compensation, eligibility requirements such as age, BMI and prior pregnancy history, and its Better Business Bureau record appear below. The agency holds an A+ rating from the BBB and says it carries a BBB4Good Verified Business designation.
Among published reviews, several intended parents describe their assigned case manager as the main point of support after matching. Prospective surrogates and intended parents can reach the agency through its website for more on how its program is structured.
AI summary of 10 reviews · can make mistakes
Most reviewers describe a warm, supportive experience with SAI, often crediting their case managers with being responsive, patient and available whenever questions came up. Several returning surrogates say the process felt smooth enough that they came back for another journey. A few reviewers, mostly in older posts, reported strongly negative experiences, including feeling rushed, waiting a long time for answers, or not feeling treated with care.
10 reviews match these filters.
I want to thank Venise Marissa & everyone else for being amazing thru out my first & second journey & maybe more to come they were always commutative, attentive & supportive through it all. I highly recommend SAI everyone at the agency is amazing
View on Google (opens in a new tab)I would like to thank SAI again for making my 2nd journey the best ! I appreciate my support team Marissa Venice and Nicole ! They made my whole process easy and I would like to thank them for that . I enjoyed working with SAI because they make the surrogates feel loved and if you have any problems everyone on the team is there for you day and night .
View on Google (opens in a new tab)I had the privilege of working with an exceptional case worker throughout my surrogacy journey, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the very beginning, she demonstrated genuine compassion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the emotional and logistical complexities involved in surrogacy. She was always responsive, patient, and willing to answer any questions I had—no matter how small. Her ability to clearly explain each step of the process helped me feel confident and supported during what could otherwise have been an overwhelming experience. Nicole consistently went above and beyond to ensure that all parties felt heard, respected, and cared for. What stood out most was their empathy and dedication. Nicole truly cared about my well-being and made sure I felt comfortable and informed at every stage. Her guidance and encouragement made a meaningful difference in my journey. I am incredibly grateful for her support and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone navigating the surrogacy process.
View on Google (opens in a new tab)Nicole has been nothing short of amazing! I have had her as my case manager for my last journey and was so happy to have her for this current journey I am on. She's so helpful, kind and makes you feel so welcomed. Anytime I need something, shes available and so supportive. Thank you so much Nicole for always helping to make my journeys so smooth and memorable!!
View on Google (opens in a new tab)Google reviews are shown as written and link to the original. Forum, Yelp and Trustpilot entries are our short summaries of what was posted, linked to the source. Reviewer type is inferred from what each reviewer wrote.
Base compensation
$54,000 – $63,000
Published by the agency. Benefits and allowances are usually on top of this.
Requirements change — confirm with the agency before applying.
See which agencies fit youSAI accepts gestational surrogates between 21 and 38 years old.
SAI requires surrogates to have a BMI of 32 or lower.
Yes. SAI requires surrogates to have had at least 1 prior pregnancy.
Yes. SAI requires surrogates to be raising at least one child of their own.
SAI's citizenship or residency requirement for surrogates: US citizen.
