Surrogacy in Ohio
Is Surrogacy Legal in Ohio?
Yes — Ohio is widely regarded as one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. Here is what intended parents and surrogates should know about Ohio surrogacy law:
Gestational surrogacy is permitted. While Ohio has no statute specifically governing surrogacy, the Ohio Supreme Court held in J.F. v. D.B. (2007) that gestational surrogacy agreements do not violate Ohio public policy. Compensated gestational surrogacy is an established, safe path to parenthood in Ohio.
Pre-birth parentage orders are available. Courts in many of Ohio’s 88 counties grant pre-birth orders establishing the intended parents’ legal rights before delivery; other counties grant post-birth orders. Your attorney will confirm the process in the county where your surrogate will deliver.
All families are protected. Parentage orders are available to married and unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ parents, single parents by choice, and intended parents with or without a genetic connection to their child. Egg, sperm, and embryo donation are also recognized.
A strong legal contract is essential. Every Ohio journey requires a properly drafted gestational carrier agreement with independent legal counsel for both parties. Accel Conceptions coordinates with experienced Ohio assisted-reproduction attorneys so everyone is protected from day one.
(Updated July 2026)
Welcome to Accel Conceptions
Your trusted surrogacy agency for intended parents & surrogates in Ohio
Surrogacy in Ohio
With 20+ years of experience, Accel Conceptions guides intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors across Ohio — from Columbus and Cleveland to Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Toledo, and everywhere in between. As a boutique surrogacy agency, we connect you with the industry’s most qualified fertility clinics, psychologists, and experienced Ohio reproductive attorneys, and we support you from your first consultation through birth and beyond.
Whether you are an intended parent ready to grow your family through gestational surrogacy or an Ohio woman considering the life-changing gift of becoming a surrogate, our dedicated team is with you every step of the way.
Basic Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate in Ohio.
Be between the ages of 21-38
No major complications during pregnancy and/or delivery
Have given birth to at least one child and have full custody
Have no more than 3 deliveries via c-section / 5 births
Tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free with no criminal history
Be communicative, responsible, and dependable
Healthy lifestyle with a stable support system
US Citizen
Have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 32
One of the most comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Packages
How much does a surrogate earn in Ohio?
Compensation Breakdown
Experienced Surrogates receive a customized benefit package. Please contact us for more information.
Base Compensation
• Contract Signing Fee/ Bonus
• Embryo Transfer Fee
• Monthly Allowance
• Lost Wages (If Employed)
• Maternity Clothing
• Health/ Life Insurance
• Monthly Support Group Fee
• Vaginal/ C-section Delivery Fee
Potential Compensation
• Travel Companion’s Lost Wages
• Cancelled Cycle / Mock Cycle
• Physician Ordered Bed Rest/ Childcare Allowance
• Twin/ Multiples Pregnancy Compensation
Additional Benefits
• Housekeeping Allowance
• Invasive Procedure Fee
• Pumping Compensation
• Wellness/ Self-Care Allowance
Process & Timeline for Ohio Surrogates
Getting Started
1. Application & Intake Process (1-4 Weeks)
2. Matching with Intended Parents (4-8 Weeks)
Screening & Legal
3. Psychological Evaluation & Medical Screening (4-8 Weeks)
4. Legal Contract (3-4 Weeks)
Pregnancy & Delivery
5. Monitoring Appointments & Embryo Transfer (3-4 Weeks)
6. Pregnancy & Pre-Birth Order
7. Delivery!
Ohio Surrogacy FAQs
Is surrogacy legal in Ohio?–
Yes. Ohio is considered one of the more surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. While Ohio does not have a statute specifically governing surrogacy, the Ohio Supreme Court confirmed in J.F. v. D.B. (2007) that gestational surrogacy agreements do not violate public policy. Compensated gestational surrogacy is practiced safely throughout the state with proper legal contracts in place.
How much does surrogacy cost in Ohio?–
Most intended parents can expect a total investment of roughly $120,000–$180,000, which includes surrogate compensation, medical and IVF expenses, legal fees, and agency coordination. Accel Conceptions provides a transparent financial plan at the beginning of your journey, and you can review your finances through your trust portal at any time.
How much do surrogates get paid in Ohio?–
Ohio surrogates working with Accel Conceptions receive one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the industry, including base compensation, a monthly allowance, contract-signing and transfer fees, and many additional benefits. Contact us and we will provide a detailed benefit package for your review.
Can intended parents get a pre-birth order in Ohio?–
In many of Ohio’s 88 counties, courts issue pre-birth parentage orders that establish the intended parents’ legal rights before the baby is born; other counties issue post-birth orders. Your assisted-reproduction attorney will confirm the exact process for the county where your surrogate will deliver.
Can LGBTQ+ couples and single parents pursue surrogacy in Ohio?–
Absolutely. Ohio parentage orders are available regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or genetic connection to the child. Accel Conceptions is proudly all-inclusive and works with all types of intended parents.
What are the requirements to become a surrogate in Ohio?–
You should be between 21–38 years old, have given birth to at least one child you are raising, have a history of healthy pregnancies, have had no more than 3 c-section deliveries (5 births total), and be tobacco-, drug-, and alcohol-free with no criminal history. If you are unsure whether you qualify, reach out — our team is happy to talk it through.
How long does the surrogacy process take in Ohio?–
A typical journey takes 12–18 months from application to delivery. This includes screening and matching, medical and psychological evaluations, legal contracts, the embryo transfer, and pregnancy.
Do I need to live near a fertility clinic to be an Ohio surrogate?–
No. Surrogates typically travel to the intended parents’ IVF clinic only twice — once for medical screening and once for the embryo transfer. Travel costs are fully covered, and monitoring appointments can usually be done at a clinic near your Ohio home.
Why work with a surrogacy agency in Ohio instead of going independent?–
An experienced agency handles the screening, matching, escrow management, legal coordination, and 24/7 support that protect both surrogates and intended parents. With 20+ years of experience, Accel Conceptions manages every detail so you can focus on the journey itself.
Does Accel Conceptions work with surrogates and intended parents throughout Ohio?–
Yes! We work with surrogates and intended parents in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Toledo, and every corner of Ohio. Our support is personalized and distance-friendly, no matter where in the state you live.
Ohio Surrogate & Family Stories
“First time surrogate here. Monica and the girls have been so kind and helpful through my whole surrogacy journey. I am so happy I chose to go through Accel when choosing my agency.”
— Payton, Accel Conceptions Surrogate in Ohio
Get in Touch
Feeling unsure and have questions? Ready to dive in and get started? No matter where you are in your journey, getting in touch with one of our amazing team members is a great place to start.