The Cost of Surrogacy in the USA: Exploring Surrogate Mother Expenses and American Surrogacy Costs
The surrogacy cost in the USA varies from state to state. All surrogacy cases are different and have various factors to attribute to the overall surrogacy cost. The average cost of surrogacy in the USA ranges from $95,000 to $150,000 depending on the specific surrogacy arrangements. Just an example, in states like California, the cost of surrogacy is slightly higher due to higher surrogate mothers’ demand.
Legal requirements and fees for medical procedures also vary from state to state. However, the cost of surrogacy doesn’t fluctuate significantly between major metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Surrogacy is a life-changing journey that brings hope and joy to many aspiring parents. However, it’s important to be aware of the costs associated with surrogacy in the USA.
The expenses can vary significantly based on multiple factors, and understanding these costs is crucial for those considering this path to parenthood.
Surrogacy provides an alternative path to parenthood when pregnancy is not possible, but it comes with considerable costs. This article examines the typical expenses of surrogacy arrangements in America.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
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Costs involved in a typical USA Gestational surrogacy arrangement for Intended Parents
How much for a surrogate mother in the USA?
For those considering growing their family through surrogacy, one of the first and most daunting questions is often: how much does surrogacy cost?
The expenses associated with surrogacy arrangements can be quite high, especially in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical costs associated with surrogacy in America.
Average Total Cost of Surrogacy
The total cost of surrogacy from start to finish, including all medical, legal, and agency fees, tends to range from $90,000 to $130,000 on average. However, the costs can exceed $200,000 based on the circumstances of each unique arrangement.
Some of the factors that influence the overall price include:
- Type of surrogacy (traditional vs gestational)
- Insurance coverage and IVF procedure costs
- The compensation amount for the surrogate
- Use of donor sperm or egg
- Legal representation and contracts
- Unexpected medical costs before or after birth
Let’s look at a detailed breakdown of where these costs come from and what expectant parents using surrogacy can anticipate paying.
Factors That Impact Overall Costs of Surrogacy
While most surrogacy arrangements fall between $90,000 and $130,000, there are several factors that influence the total costs and cause some variability: So, how much does surrogacy cost in the USA, Let’s explore it.
Type of Surrogacy and surrogacy price in the USA
Traditional surrogacy tends to have lower upfront IVF and medical costs since the surrogate’s own eggs are used. However, the legal process to transfer custody of the baby may be more complex.
Gestational surrogacy has higher IVF expenses but is generally an easier legal process when parental rights are pre-determined.
Insurance Coverage
If insurance covers some or all of the IVF procedures needed, it can significantly lower costs. However many insurance plans exclude infertility treatments. Also, surrogates often do not have coverage for IVF or pregnancy.
Surrogate Compensation
The base pay for surrogates ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 on average. Additional compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, etc can drive up the costs.
Use of Donor Egg or Sperm
Using a donor egg adds $15,000 to $20,000 to the costs. Using a sperm donor is often less expensive around $500 to $1,000.
Breakdown of Typical Surrogacy Fees
#1. Surrogate mother compensation
The base compensation for first-time surrogates in the United States is $35,000+.
It is typically paid in monthly installments of around $2,500-3,000 per month, starting on the first month after the fetal heartbeat. Gestational carriers from California, Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, and Maryland are in high demand.
#2. Medical procedures like IVF- ICSI
The cost of one IVF cycle can be around $20,000+. Sometimes more than one IVF cycle may be needed so the expected medical fee can go much higher.
#3. Screening costs for the surrogate mother
It can be paid separately for each screening or can be paid a low upfront fee for all the selection.
Psychological screening: Avg. $1,000
Criminal background investigation: Avg. $500
Medical screening cost varies case-wise.
#4. Attorney & legal fees
As legality is an important factor in the USA surrogacy arrangement, so drafting a gestational surrogacy agreement is mandatory.
The cost of obtaining a draft of the gestational surrogacy contract for the Intended Parents can be around between $2,000 and $3,000. The fee for the establishment of parentage is the most expensive part of the legal process, averaging up to $7,000.
An escrow account manager, which can cost up to $1,000 to $2,000
#5. Surrogate insurance coverage
Some insurance agencies cover surrogates, and some don’t, but even those who do, will cover only part of it. The cost of insurance coverage ranges from $10,000 to $16,000.
#6. Surrogacy Agency Fees
Reputable surrogacy agencies will charge fees ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. This covers their coordination of the arrangements, screening, legal paperwork, escrow account, and other case management.
The cost of surrogacy in the US is perhaps the highest:
Questions About Surrogacy Costs With Breakdown of Surrogacy Fee.
#1. The fertility clinics in the US are considered to be the best and most expensive in the world having the most advanced IVF and fertility solutions. Most of them house well-trained specialists having an excellent track record. The surrogates maintain the best standards of mental and physical health. The cost of one IVF cycle in the USA is as high as $25,000. On the other hand, European IVF Clinics offer the same quality with IVF costs as low as $5,000.
#2. The success rates in IVF clinics are the highest in the world. The credit goes to the advanced medical system and expertise of specialists. Using an egg donor, 85% of embryo transfers result in successful pregnancies. That is appreciably high compared to the 55%-75% success rates of overseas clinics.
#3. The fertility clinics are mandated by law to submit the results of IVF and embryo transfer procedures to the Center for Disease Control which releases clinic rankings based on it. The intended parents can choose the best clinic for the surrogacy program which affects the cost of surrogacy in the US. This means additional administrative work which leads to the extra cost of IVF for parents.
#4. Surrogate mother cost in the USA is relatively high varying between $30,000 and $60,000 which significantly contributes to the cost of surrogacy in the US. In states where surrogacy is highly demanded, the surrogate compensation maybe $10,000-$15,000 higher compared to others.
#5. Adequate legal protection is given to the surrogate mother and intended parents. This means it is mandatory to draft surrogacy agreements for each case by the experienced family attorney. The legal fee for assisting the surrogacy process is much more than in any other country.
The Breakdown of Surrogacy Costs USA
- Agency Fees: Many intended parents choose to work with surrogacy agencies to facilitate the surrogacy process. These agencies charge fees for services such as matching intended parents with surrogates, providing support, and handling legal and medical aspects of surrogacy.
- Surrogate Compensation: How much cost a surrogate mother in the USA? Compensating the surrogate for her time, effort, and the physical and emotional demands of the pregnancy is a significant part of the cost. Surrogate compensation can vary depending on the state and agency.
- Medical Expenses: Medical expenses include prenatal care, labor and delivery, and other medical procedures required during the surrogacy process. Health insurance for the surrogate may also be a part of these costs.
- Legal Fees: Surrogacy involves complex legal agreements to protect the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Legal fees cover the drafting and review of contracts and parental establishment.
- Screening and Matching Costs Before surrogacy can begin, surrogates and intended parents must undergo various screenings. This includes background checks, medical evaluations, and psychological assessments. These costs are incurred during the matching process.
- IVF Expenses: In cases of gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to create embryos. IVF can be a significant cost, including medications, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer.
- Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses: Intended parents may need to travel to the surrogate’s location for medical appointments and the birth of the child. Other miscellaneous expenses may include background checks, birth certificates, and more.
Typical Surrogacy Costs
| Cost Component | Details | Price Range |
| Agency fees | Coordination of arrangement, screening, case management | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| IVF procedures | Egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, lab work | $15,000 – $30,000 per cycle |
| IVF medications | Lupron, Follistim, and other meds needed for the IVF process | $3,000 – $5,000 per cycle |
| Donor egg | If the donor egg is used instead of the intended mother’s | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Donor sperm | If donor sperm is used instead of the intended father’s | $500 – $1,000 |
| Surrogate compensation | Base payment for service as a carrier | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Legal fees | Contract drafting, consultations, establishing parental rights | $10,000 – $15,000 total |
| Insurance | Premiums, copays, deductibles (if not covered) | Widely variable |
| Travel expenses | Airfare, hotels, rental cars, meals for surrogate & parents | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Lost wages | Salary lost by surrogate due to appointments | Varies based on income |
| Post-birth expenses | Any additional medical fees for the baby after birth | Widely variable |
How does the high cost of surrogacy in the US can be managed?
Yes, to some extent hopeful parents can work on reducing the high surrogacy cost in the USA. These two methods can be recommended for IPs to manage costs.
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Independent surrogacy or Indy Surrogacy
In independent surrogacy, the intended parents directly coordinate with the surrogate mother and IVF clinic without the help of a surrogacy agency. No surrogacy agency involvement means no surrogacy agency fee is needed. So parents can save up to $20,000-$30,000 in the overall cost.
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Surrogacy cost with a friend
Put simply, the major part of surrogacy cost goes to the surrogate mother’s compensation. So, one of the most obvious ways to reduce overall surrogate costs is to use a friend or relative as a gestational carrier. It does not take too much calculation to know that the surrogacy cost with a friend is much lower. Read more: How much does surrogacy cost using a friend or family member?
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Opt for legal yet cheap International surrogacy countries
The full surrogacy cost in the USA can be overwhelming. As each case has its unique requirements the total accurate fee can vary. The Intended Parents need to be prepared for hidden costs as well. Although many couples can afford high-end USA surrogacy arrangements, not all.
For the perspective who wish to do surrogacy but are unable to provide high surrogacy costs in the USA, other low-cost and more affordable options in Europe are available. Cross-border surrogacy countries like Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina offer a trusted yet affordable surrogacy solution.
Here is the table of the cheapest countries for surrogacy:
| Country | Regulation & Organization | Who is allowed to participate | Surrogacy Cost | Legal Assurance |
| Colombia | Altruistic | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Affordable
$70,000 |
Reliable |
| Mexico | Altruistic | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Affordable
$70,000 to $80,000 |
Reliable |
| USA | Commercial | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Costly
$150,000+ |
Strong |
| Ukraine | Commercial | Hetero couples | Affordable
$60,000 |
Strong |
| Georgia | Commercial | Hetero couples | Affordable
$60,000 |
Strong
|
| Greece | Altruistic | Hetero couples and single women | Affordable
$80,000 |
Strong |
Information on countries and their surrogacy laws:
| Country | Commercial Surrogacy | Altruistic Surrogacy | Surrogacy Status |
| Australia | Prohibited | Allowed | Altruistic surrogacy is legal in all jurisdictions. Commercial surrogacy is a criminal offense. |
| Canada | Banned | Allowed | Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. Compensation for gestational carriers is limited to approved expenses. |
| Colombia | Uncertain | Allowed | There are no clear rules, but altruistic surrogacy is performed and well tolerated. |
| Greece | Banned | Allowed | Heterosexual couples and single females are allowed. |
| India | Prohibited | Allowed | Altruistic surrogacy is permitted for certain couples based on medical and age criteria. |
| Israel | Allowed | Allowed | Gestational surrogacy is legal under the Embryo Carrying Agreements Law. |
| Kenya | N/A | N/A | No legal regulations/laws for surrogacy in Kenya. |
| Mexico | Allowed | N/A | Surrogacy, along with ovum and sperm donation, has been legal since 1992. |
| New Zealand | N/A | Allowed | Altruistic surrogacy is legal. |
| Thailand | Banned | N/A | Commercial surrogacy is criminalized under the Medical Council Act. |
| Ukraine | Allowed | Allowed | Surrogacy and egg/sperm donation are legal and supported by liberal laws. |
| United Kingdom | N/A | Allowed | Surrogacy laws vary across different states/territories in the UK. |
| United States | Varies by state | Allowed | Surrogacy laws vary by state, some are surrogacy-friendly, while others restrict or penalize commercial surrogacy. |
More resources about cheap surrogacy cost
Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world
Why US couples can opt for surrogacy in Georgia?
12 Tips to Reduce Surrogacy Cost
How much surrogate Mother cost for twins?
Out of five confirmed pregnancies from IVF, one can be twins. This means the chances of having a twin are higher in IVF as compared to natural pregnancy. If a surrogate is carrying twins, she is eligible to get an extra payment of $5000 + for additional discomfort she has. In case parent wishes to avoid twins, they can ask their fertility expert to transfer only one blastocyst to a surrogate mother.
Miscellaneous surrogacy cost that needs to be taken into consideration while working with a surrogate mother in the USA.
There may be add-on fees to ensure the hassle-free return of the couple with the baby —
- The cost of a DNA test.
- Legal fee if a court order is required for the legalization process, a legal fee has to be paid.
- Twins baby expenses like extra medical care for twins and additional surrogate mother compensation.
Many programs do not include charges for egg donors, hotel accommodations, airfares, country-wise legal formalities, and any unforeseen medical events related to the surrogate and the child.
More resources for surrogacy in the USA cost:
Guarantee baby surrogacy program
How much does surrogacy cost in Ukraine?
How much does surrogacy cost in Georiga?
Factors Impacting Surrogacy Costs in the USA
- State Regulations: Surrogacy laws vary by state, impacting the legal requirements and associated costs. It’s essential to understand the laws in the state where the surrogacy takes place.
- Type of Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child, may have different costs compared to traditional surrogacy.
- Health insurance health: Insurance for the surrogate is a significant consideration. Some policies cover surrogacy-related expenses, while others may not.
- Surrogate’s Compensation Expectations: The compensation expectations of the surrogate can vary, impacting overall costs. Experienced surrogates may command higher compensation.
Planning and Budgeting for the cost of surrogacy USA
Before embarking on a surrogacy journey, it’s crucial to plan and budget carefully. Work with reputable agencies and professionals who can provide a clear breakdown of costs. Understand the financial commitment and explore options for financing if needed. Many intended parents find that the joy of building their family through surrogacy is well worth the investment.
Surrogacy is a complex, emotional, and costly journey, but for many, it’s the path to fulfilling their dream of parenthood. Proper financial planning and understanding of the costs involved will help intended parents navigate this life-changing process.
Please note that the costs mentioned in this article are for reference only, and actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances and choices.
Financing Options for Surrogacy- Surrogacy Cost in USA
Given the high costs associated with surrogacy, intended parents require creative ways to finance this route to building a family. Some options to pay for surrogacy include:
Loans
Many turn to loans such as personal loans, home equity loans, or credit cards to fund surrogacy costs. However, loans accrue interest so this can add to long-term costs.
Grants and Financial Aid Programs
Some nonprofit organizations and clinics provide financial aid or grants of up to $10,000+ to qualifying families pursuing surrogacy.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe enable intended parents to fundraise for surrogacy from their community. This provides an alternative to traditional loans.
Employer Benefits
In rare cases, employer insurance plans help cover surrogacy. Advocating to expand company benefits can make surrogacy more affordable.
Tax Credits and Deductions
The IRS provides some tax credits and deductions related to surrogacy that can offset a portion of the costs for American taxpayers.
Investigating multiple financing options is prudent for managing the costs of building a family through surrogacy. We’ll discuss cost-saving strategies next. Let me know if you would like me to add or expand this section on paying for surrogacy first.
Conclusion
IVF Conceptions is proud of making the surrogacy journey as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
We always aim to find new ways to help ease any part of the surrogacy process. That is why we offer the most affordable surrogacy services in the USA with our local partner in LA.
To give our intended parents opportunities to reduce financial stress and provide an affordable surrogacy program, we can offer international surrogacy services. Our guaranteed surrogacy baby plan in Georiga and Ukraine costs @60,000 USD for hetero couples.
For single male or gay couples surrogacy, we can recommend and offer affordable yet secure surrogacy in Colombia.
We offer guaranteed Baby All Inclusive IVF Egg Donor Surrogacy in Colombia ( Bogota) – $65,000
Surrogacy in Colombia is the most recommended plan for same-sex couples or single males due to its AFFORDABLE, LEGALLY SECURE, and all-inclusive GUARANTEED BABY PLAN. Almost 90% of cases, in this new destination, are gay couples who cannot afford high surrogacy costs in the USA.
This destination is highly recommended to gay couples looking for low-cost surrogacy with legal protection and higher medical services.
Learn more: https://www.ivfconceptions.com/surrogacy-in-colombia/
Are you ready to start the surrogacy process? Do you want to learn more about starting your family through surrogacy? Don’t let the high cost of surrogacy in the USA become a barrier to your parenthood.
If you’d like to learn more about legal surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website: IVF Conceptions.
We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE and help in choosing full-service surrogacy globally with 14 experience with surrogacy. Please contact us to get started with your parenthood journey. Gestational surrogacy costs can vary significantly, but we help to choose the cheapest surrogacy countries with legal frameworks in place.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)
Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com
Frequently Asked Questions: Surrogacy costs in the USA
1. How much for a surrogate mother in the USA?
The cost of surrogacy in the USA varies depending on several factors. On average, the total cost can range from $100,000 to $150,000. This includes surrogate compensation, agency fees, medical expenses, legal fees, and other associated costs.
2. How is surrogate compensation determined?
Surrogate compensation is typically determined based on various factors such as the location, experience, and willingness of the surrogate mother. Compensation can range from $30,000 to $50,000 for a successful surrogacy journey.
3. What is cost for surrogate mother in usa?
The surrogate mother’s price varies depending upon the state and the experience she has in the past surrogacy journey. The intended parents are responsible for covering the surrogate’s medical expenses, legal fees, agency fees, psychological evaluations, and other related costs. This ensures that the surrogate mother receives proper care during the process.
4. Can insurance coverage be used for a surrogate pregnancy?
It’s important to review your insurance policy to determine if it covers surrogacy-related expenses. While some policies may provide coverage, others may exclude surrogacy. It’s recommended to work with an insurance expert to understand your coverage options.
5. Are there additional fees associated with surrogacy?
Yes, there may be additional fees involved such as fertility clinic fees, psychological counseling fees, travel expenses, and surrogate support fees. These fees can vary between surrogacy agencies and individual situations.
6. How does the surrogacy process work?
The surrogacy process typically involves several stages, including matching with a surrogate, medical procedures like IVF and embryo transfer, legal agreements, and ongoing support throughout the pregnancy. Each step is carefully coordinated to ensure a successful surrogacy journey.
7. What are the average legal fees associated with surrogacy?
Legal fees for surrogacy can vary, but on average, they range from $8,000 to $15,000. These fees cover the drafting and review of legal agreements, surrogate rights, custody issues, and other legal aspects of the surrogacy process.
8. How long does the surrogacy journey typically take?
The surrogacy journey usually takes around 12 to 18 months from the time of matching with a surrogate to the birth of the child. The duration can vary based on various factors, such as the availability of a surrogate and the success of the medical procedures.
9. What is Surrogacy costs by state in the USA?
The cost of surrogacy by State in the USA varies depending upon the medical procedure cost and surrogate mother payout. IN any way, the cost is around $150,000+.