If you’ve decided to become a parent through surrogacy, you’re probably asking yourself: “How much does surrogacy cost?”. To understand the costs that are involved, you should know that the surrogacy process requires many professionals to navigate all the ins and outs.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the average cost of surrogacy, how those costs break down, and financing or payment options.
What Is The Average Cost of Surrogacy In The US?
This depends on a variety of factors, including what state you live in. In certain states where surrogacy is in high demand, the average will be considerably higher because you have to pay the surrogate more.
Additionally, if the intended parents need more medical procedures to create a viable embryo, this will add to the overall cost. Remember, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility treatments are already expensive, so you should take this into consideration before finding a surrogate.
However, if you take the average across the whole country, you can be expected to pay anywhere from $80,000 to $130,000.
For example, Surrogacy By Faith is a California-based surrogacy agency that, on average, costs about $130,000. This may seem pricey, but we provide the best benefits package for surrogates to ensure that they have a healthy pregnancy. We also follow only the strictest requirements for becoming a surrogate, matching intended parents with the best candidates.
How Much Does Independent Surrogacy Cost?
Because of the cost, you might be tempted to try independent surrogacy. This is when intended parents try to bypass a surrogacy agency and do it on their own. It’s always riskier since you take on all the responsibilities and it may not even be more affordable, depending on the situation.
First of all, a surrogacy agency handles the most important part: finding the right surrogate mother. They perform the vetting process, including any background checks that are necessary. If you decide to not use an agency, then you’ll have to take on the cost of locating the surrogate and may end up spending just as much.
It may also be tempting to bypass all these steps by choosing a family member for the surrogacy, but this rarely works. At the end of the day, it’s best when the process is kept more professional and is brokered by a surrogacy agency.
Finally, the agency also helps you with all the legal issues. Remember, reproductive law varies from state to state, making it important that you understand the ins and outs in each state. For example, California is much friendlier to surrogacy than other states where intended parents don’t have as many rights.
A Breakdown Of Surrogacy Costs
Let’s take a look at the breakdown of the costs for surrogacy. However, it’s important to point out that this does not include fertility treatments or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Generally, you first create a viable embryo and then start looking for a surrogate.
- Surrogate compensation. This includes her base salary.
- Surrogate benefits package or reimbursement. The surrogate has to be reimbursed for various expenses including travel, medical care, maternity clothes, health supplies, or lost wages. In some states, the surrogate is entitled to more reimbursements.
- Additional payments to the surrogate. Surrogates can be paid more if the pregnancy or delivery has complications or they become pregnant with twins.
- Embryo transfer. This is the medical procedure in which the fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred to the surrogate.
- Medical costs. This includes all medical appointments before, during, and after the pregnancy.
- Screening costs. This includes psychological screenings, criminal background checks, and medical screenings.
- Legal fees. This includes drafting the surrogacy contract, legal review, trust account management, and parentage orders (known as pre-birth orders in certain states).
- Counseling or support. In some cases, counseling can help during the surrogacy process.
A surrogacy agency can be a real godsend: you pay them an established fee and they handle a lot of these costs. Obviously, total costs can vary, due to reimbursements, additional payments, and even complications, but a good agency will handle every situation that may come up.
How Do I Pay For Surrogacy?
Luckily, you have some options if you want help paying for your surrogacy. These include:
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- Third-party fertility financing. These are organizations that specialize in giving loans to intended parents who need assisted reproduction. These include New Life Fertility Finance, CapexMD, and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
- Personal loans. Some intended parents choose to go through a bank for a home equity loan. You can compare personal loan options to find the right one for you.
- Borrowing from your 401(k) plans. One or both intended parents may borrow from their retirement accounts.
- Credit cards. This is probably not the best way to pay for your surrogacy – the interest rates alone can be astronomical.
- Surrogacy agency financing. Some surrogacy agencies will allow you to pay in installments.
- Surrogacy grants. Low-income or needy families could be eligible for a grant from an agency like Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, Pay It Forward Fertility, or Baby Quest Foundation. These usually max out at $10,000.
Most importantly, if you’re interested in a specific surrogacy agency, then make sure you connect with them and see what options are available. You never know, they may have a financing plan that suits your needs perfectly!
Find The Right Surrogacy Agency
While surrogacy can be an expensive journey, it’s ultimately worth it. There are so many steps and so much to take care of, but choosing the right surrogacy agency can be a blessing. You can rest easy knowing that your future family is in great hands.
Surrogacy By Faith is based in sunny Irvine, California and our mission is to help intended parents build the perfect family. We are a Christian agency, but we don’t cater exclusively to Christians. Instead, we use our faith as a guide and to help us help you.
If you’re interested, please contact our team and we can start right away. If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate with us, please fill out our Inquiry Form.