Even if surrogacy isn’t allowed where you live, you can still grow your family by working with a surrogate in another state.

With the help of an experienced agency, the legal process, medical coordination, and emotional support are all handled for you, no matter where you live.

Ready to explore your options? Fill out our simple formto take the first step toward matching with a surrogate quickly.

Yes, You Can Work with a Surrogate in Another State

Living in a state with restrictive or unclear surrogacy laws doesn’t mean you can’t grow your family through surrogacy.

Surrogacy agencies like ours work with surrogates across the country and help intended parents find a match in a state where surrogacy is permitted and legally supported.

When surrogacy takes place across state lines, each party will have their own attorney familiar with the surrogacy laws in their respective states. This helps ensure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and protected throughout the process.

With the right legal guidance and agency support, working with a surrogate in another state can be a smooth and secure experience.

In What States is Surrogacy Illegal or Restricted?

Knowing which states make surrogacy difficult helps you understand why finding an out of state surrogate might be your best move.

There are a few states that either ban or restrict compensated surrogacy:

States Where Surrogacy is Banned

Louisiana is the on only state the legally bans compensated surrogacy. Entering into a paid surrogacy contract can result in criminal penalties.

Because of this, we do not work with surrogates in Louisiana, but we can match you with surrogates in a surrogacy-friendly state.

States That are Not Surrogacy-Friendly

In some states, surrogacy is not illegal, but compensated surrogacy contracts are void and enforceable.

Nebraska: Due to Nebraska’s complex surrogacy laws, we don’t work with surrogates in this state.

Arizona and Indiana: We do not match surrogates and intended parents in these states with each other.

For intended parents in these states, we usually match you with surrogates in states that allow compensated surrogacy where your rights are protected from day one.

If you’re in any of these states, finding a surrogate in another state isn’t just an option, it’s often the smartest path forward.

How We Can Help You Find a Surrogate in Another State

Connecting intended parents with qualified surrogates is what agencies do—and it matters even more when you’re looking across state lines.

We have a nationwide network of pre-screened surrogates in surrogacy-friendly states. You won’t have to figure out how to find a surrogate on your own in a different state with different laws.

Here’s what we offer:

• Personalized matching: We take the time to understand your values, background, and family goals, then match you with a surrogate who truly aligns with your preferences.
• Comprehensive screening: Every surrogate in our program has already completed medical, psychological, and background evaluations, so you can move forward with confidence.
• Full coordination and support: From clinic communication to legal steps and surrogate compensation, our team helps manage every part of the process to keep your journey organized and stress-free.

What if the most important decision you make this year started with just one conversation? Contact us online and see how we can match you with the right surrogate.

Best States for Surrogacy (and Why They Matter)

Not every state approaches surrogacy the same way. While surrogacy is permitted in most states, some have clearer laws that outline the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved.

These include:

• California: Widely considered the national standard for surrogacy. Allows pre-birth orders, recognizes all types of parents (including LGBTQ+ couples and single parents), and has long-standing laws that support surrogacy.
• Illinois: Offers strong legal protections. Parents can obtain pre-birth orders, and parentage is recognized even when there’s no genetic connection to the child.
• Nevada, Colorado, and Washington: Known for clear, inclusive surrogacy laws and straightforward legal processes that protect everyone involved.

Learn more about your state’s surrogacy laws today.

Why this matters

When your surrogate lives in a state with well-defined surrogacy laws, the legal process tends to be more predictable and your parental rights are better protected.

You’ll also work with attorneys familiar with that state’s system, and in many cases, you can secure legal parentage before your baby is born — offering valuable peace of mind.

How the Legal Process Works Across State Lines

One of the biggest questions people have about working with an out of state surrogate is: how does the legal side even work?

Good news—when you work with an experienced agency, doing surrogacy across state lines is pretty straightforward.

Here’s how it generally works:

You’ll work with attorneys experienced in surrogacy law to create a contract that reflects everyone’s rights and responsibilities.

In many surrogacy-friendly states, the legal process includes a court order (often called a parentage order) that establishes you as the baby’s legal parents — sometimes even before birth.

Your surrogacy specialist and attorney will coordinate with professionals in both states to make sure the process complies with all applicable laws and that your parental rights are properly recognized.

Bottom line: Even if your home state’s surrogacy laws are restrictive or unclear, it’s often possible to move forward safely by working with qualified professionals who understand interstate surrogacy.

Why Working with an Agency Matters Even More in This Situation

Surrogacy is complicated—medical coordination, legal contracts, finances, emotional support. Add in crossing state lines and it gets even more complex. That’s why working with an experienced agency is so valuable.

Here’s what we do:

• Fast matching: We can help you find a qualified surrogate in another state in just a few months instead of you spending years searching alone.
• Legal help: We connect you with lawyers who specialize in your surrogate’s state laws, so your contracts work and your rights are protected.
• Financial protection: Our escrow services and transparent processes protect both you and your surrogate.
• Day-to-day coordination: From medical appointments to keeping communication flowing, we handle the logistics that can get overwhelming when you’re managing everything across state lines.
• Peace of mind: Our team has helped thousands of families in your exact situation.

Next Steps: Find an Out-of-State Surrogate Today

If surrogacy isn’t legal where you live, you have options, and they’re more doable than you might think.

Working with a surrogate in another state is a real path to parenthood for people living in states with tough surrogacy laws. Your dream of becoming parents doesn’t have to wait.

Get the support you deserve today to start your out-of-state surrogacy journey.