First-time surrogates in Ohio earn $40,000–$55,000 base compensation plus monthly allowances. See full breakdown below.
| Base Compensation | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $47,000 – $73,000 |
| Base Compensation | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $57,000 – $88,000 |
Ohio has no surrogacy statute, but it does have a state supreme court decision squarely in favor of these agreements. In J.F. v. D.B. (2007) the Ohio Supreme Court held that gestational surrogacy contracts are not contrary to Ohio public policy. That case involved donor eggs, the intended father's sperm, triplets, and a $20,000 payment plus expenses — so compensated gestational surrogacy sits squarely within what Ohio's highest court has upheld. An earlier and often-cited 1994 decision, Belsito v. Clark, points the same way but is a trial-level ruling and persuasive only.
Roughly half of Ohio's 88 counties issue pre-birth orders; the rest require post-birth. Venue may be the intended parents' county, your county, or the county of birth. Most counties do not require a hearing, though some require attorney appearance. Ask your attorney which county they intend to file in and whether it grants pre-birth orders — the answer determines whether your name appears on the initial birth certificate.
Your protection is entirely contractual. There is no minimum age, prior-birth requirement, mandated medical or psychological evaluation, required independent counsel, rule on who pays your lawyer, insurance mandate, or medical-autonomy floor. A clause that a Connecticut or Rhode Island statute would void as against public policy is, in Ohio, simply a term in your contract. Insist on your own attorney — nothing compels one.
The criteria below are agency screening standards, not state law. No statute here sets a minimum age, requires a prior birth, or mandates medical or psychological evaluation. Agencies apply these criteria (largely from ASRM practice guidance) and they determine whether your application proceeds — but they are policy, and some are negotiable.
Final eligibility is determined by the agency's medical team.
Complete application in 10–15 minutes. Agency contacts you within 48 hours.
Physical exam, bloodwork, and uterine evaluation — paid for by the agency.
Review profiles and meet potential intended parents. You always have the right to say no.
Surrogacy agreement reviewed by your own attorney, funded by the agency.
Monthly compensation begins immediately after transfer. All medical costs covered.
Remaining compensation disbursed around delivery. Post-delivery allowances continue up to 6 weeks.
Yes. Ohio has no surrogacy statute, but the Ohio Supreme Court held in 2007 that gestational surrogacy contracts are not against public policy. Only about half of Ohio's counties issue pre-birth orders.
Typically yes. Most agencies require you to live in the state where you carry the pregnancy, as medical care and legal jurisdiction are state-specific.
Base compensation is generally taxable at the federal level. Expense reimbursements (travel, maternity clothes) are typically not taxable. Consult a tax professional for Ohio-specific guidance.
18–24 months from application to delivery: matching (1–6 months), medical screening, legal review, and the full pregnancy term.
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