Surrogacy vs. Adoption Cost: A Comprehensive Comparison
The main difference between Surrogacy vs Adoption Cost is that surrogacy is a costly and complex process as compared to adoption.
When it comes to building a family, intended parents often face a crucial decision: choosing between surrogacy and adoption. Both options provide the joy of parenthood, but they differ in various aspects, especially in terms of cost.
Understanding the financial commitment involved in each process is essential for making an informed choice. In this blog post, we will explore the cost differences between surrogacy and adoption, breaking down what each process entails and the factors that influence their respective prices.
The main difference between the surrogacy cost and the adoption cost is that the surrogacy cost is much higher than the adoption cost. Becoming parents via adoption or surrogacy, you will be bearing a number of expenses to create your family like legal and medical process costs. Surrogacy vs adoption cost comparison is an important part of your parenthood journey
However, the cost of the gestational surrogacy process is going to be more than the cost of adoption due to additional processes like fertility treatment like IVF. On top of that, egg donor cost and surrogate mother compensation are huge costs to pay.
Surrogacy and adoption both are quite popular ways to grow your family. In gestational surrogacy, the potential parents are called the intended parents while in the case of adoption, they are known as adoptive parents. In adoption, the adopted child is not genetically related to the parents. The people involved and the process involved in each is hugely different.
In surrogacy, a female becomes pregnant with sperm and egg (or a donor’s sperm and/or egg) by in vitro fertilization (IVF). In surrogacy, the baby is mostly genetically related to either both or at least one parent. So, here comes a detailed analysis of the cost of surrogacy vs adoption.
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What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry a child for the intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy:
- Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own eggs, making her genetically related to the child.
- Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries a child conceived through IVF using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm. She has no genetic link to the baby.
What is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal process where individuals or couples become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically their own. Adoption can occur through private adoption agencies, foster care systems, or international adoption. Each type of adoption has its own set of costs and requirements.
The Cost of Surrogacy
Surrogacy, particularly gestational surrogacy, can be a significant financial undertaking. Costs vary depending on the country, agency, and specific medical needs, but here’s a typical breakdown:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (USA) |
| Surrogate Compensation | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Agency Fees | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Medical Expenses (IVF, screenings) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Legal Fees (contracts, parental rights) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Surrogate Living & Travel Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Insurance (health & life) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $120,000 – $200,000 |
Factors Affecting Surrogacy Costs:
- Country of Surrogacy: Surrogacy costs in the USA are among the highest globally. In contrast, countries like Mexico, Colombia, Georgia, and Ukraine offer more affordable surrogacy options.
- Type of Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy is more expensive than traditional surrogacy because it involves IVF and more complex medical procedures.
- Compensation of Surrogate: This varies depending on the surrogate’s location and personal circumstances.
- Legal Requirements: Surrogacy agreements and parental rights can be complicated, requiring experienced legal professionals.
The Cost of Adoption
Adoption costs also vary based on the type of adoption and location. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for different types of adoption:
| Type of Adoption | Estimated Cost (USA) |
| Private Domestic Adoption | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Foster Care Adoption | $0 – $2,500 (often subsidized) |
| International Adoption | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Legal and Home Study Fees | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Travel Expenses (for international) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Agency Fees | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,000 – $60,000 |
Factors Affecting Adoption Costs:
- Type of Adoption: Private domestic adoption is generally more expensive than foster care adoption, which is often subsidized by the state.
- Country of Adoption: International adoption involves travel, translation, and legal fees, making it more costly than domestic adoption.
- Adoption Agency: Agency fees vary depending on the services provided, such as birth mother support, legal assistance, and post-adoption services.
- Legal Requirements: Both domestic and international adoptions require legal documentation and parental rights verification, adding to the overall cost.
Key Differences in Surrogacy vs. Adoption Costs
| Aspect | Surrogacy | Adoption |
| Total Cost | $120,000 – $200,000 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Medical Costs | High (IVF, screening, insurance) | Low to none |
| Legal Costs | High (contracts, parental rights) | Moderate (parental rights, home study) |
| Agency Fees | High (surrogate screening, matching) | Varies (birth mother support, matching) |
| Surrogate/Birth Mother Compensation | Yes (varies based on location) | Usually none (except for support) |
| Travel Costs | Yes, especially for international cases | Yes, for international or distant adoptions |
| Genetic Link to Child | Yes (in gestational surrogacy) | No |
Additional Considerations for Surrogacy and Adoption
Surrogacy:
- Genetic Connection: In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents often have a genetic connection to the child, which is an important factor for many families.
- Control Over Pregnancy: Intended parents can be involved in the pregnancy from the beginning, attend medical appointments, and have a say in the surrogate’s health and lifestyle.
Adoption:
- Shorter Process for Some: Foster care adoptions can be quicker and less costly, though there may be fewer newborns available.
- No Medical Intervention: Adoption does not require medical procedures like IVF, which reduces the overall cost and complexity.
Cost of Surrogacy vs Adoption
The intended parents ‘ agreement with the surrogate is legally binding. The surrogate is unable to alter her mind during or after the baby’s birth.
Adopting parents become their child’s legal parents several months after placing the baby with them. Before the baby is born, intended parents become legal parents.
There is a lot of uncertainty about adoption. Surrogacy is much more certain, and the expected parents are much more in command of the process than they are in adoption. Adopting families need to wait for many years to get the adoption process done. In both adoption and surrogacy, birth parents are not different.
Surrogate vs adoption cost overview
The main difference between the surrogacy cost and the adoption cost is that the surrogacy cost is much higher than the adoption cost.
Adoption and Surrogacy both have their own costs and expenses. Adoption costs much lower than that of surrogacy or we can also say that it just forms a part of the surrogacy cost. Here is the typical list of the expenses associated with each of them –
Surrogacy Cost
Gestational Surrogacy is very expensive compared to adoption. The cost includes-
- Compensation of the surrogate
- medical expenses of IVF or IUI depending on whether you are going for gestational surrogacy or traditional surrogacy.
- The medical expense of pregnancy
- legal surrogacy cost
- Surrogacy agencies cost
The total of all gestational surrogacy costs in the USA can be around $1,00,000 to $150,000
Adoption Cost
Adoption is less expensive as compared to surrogacy. It requires the following costs –
- Home Study. Home study alone would cost you less than $5000
- The cost of finding a baby to adopt. This cost will also lie anywhere between $5000 to $15,000.
The birth mother may also require some help to incur the expenses of pregnancy. So, some states allow adoptive parents to help the birth mother.
Read more about international adoption agencies: https://www.adoptuskids.org/
Hence, the cost of surrogacy vs adoption states that surrogacy costs much higher than that of adoption.
Adoption Costs Explained
Foster Care Adoption
Opting for foster care adoption can be financially advantageous. Some state-funded foster care homes don’t charge adoption fees, making it an affordable route. However, expect to incur expenses such as home study fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Additionally, if using an adoption agency, agency fees might apply.
Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoption involves various costs, including agency fees, court fees, home studies, and legal representation. On average, domestic adoption costs fall within the range of $25,000 to $30,000, considering factors like agency selection, birth parent profile approval, and medical history assessment.
International Adoption
International adoption entails higher expenses due to legal complexities and travel considerations. Costs range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the chosen country and agency involvement. The extended timeframe of up to three years for completion is another factor influencing expenses.
Independent Adoption
Independent adoption involves engaging directly with birth parents without an agency’s assistance. This method incurs expenses related to legal services, the birth mother’s medical fees, and social worker costs. Costs typically range from $15,000 to $40,000, with variations depending on state regulations.
Agency Adoption
Adopting through an agency offers comprehensive support but comes at a higher price. Agency fees can range between $15,000 and $30,000, excluding legal fees and home study expenses. Despite the higher investment, agencies streamline the process by facilitating birth-parent connections and guiding the entire adoption journey.
But how much does surrogacy cost?
The cost of surrogacy differs from one country to another. Even the cost of the compensation paid to the surrogate differs from place to place.
Typically, in the USA, gestational surrogacy is the most expensive and out of reach for many intended parents.
However there are international surrogacy countries where surrogacy costs as less as $40,000.
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The surrogate’s pay varies from country to country. In some countries, it is also not allowed to pay anything out of pocket to the surrogate. This is done in the case of altruistic surrogacy countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.
In the USA the surrogate’s pay will cost you around $35,000 to $60,000. While it is $16000 to 18,000 in East European countries like Ukraine and Georgia.
How much does egg donation cost?
Apart from the surrogates, you have many other people involved to pay as well. These may include the egg donor in case the egg of the intended mother is not used or the sperm donor in case the sperm of the intended father is not used. So, you need to pay for their compensation as well.
Due to variances such as travel expenses and the cost of medical screening at your fertility clinic, the costs of egg donors may differ slightly. An egg donor fee and expenses can be explained in more detail by a case manager.
Read more:
Surrogacy Vs Adoption pros and cons
Surrogacy cost with a family member or friend
Top 4 Cheapest Countries For Surrogacy That Parents Should Know (in 2023)
Countries Where Surrogacy Is Legal (International Surrogacy 2023)
Conclusion
So, what is the best option for your surrogacy or adoption?
In terms of raw financial costs, adoption is generally more affordable than surrogacy, particularly if opting for foster care or domestic adoption. However, surrogacy offers the possibility of a genetic link to the child, which may be a deciding factor for many intended parents.
It’s crucial to weigh the emotional, legal, and financial considerations when deciding between surrogacy and adoption. Working with reputable agencies, legal professionals, and medical experts will help ensure a smooth process, regardless of the path you choose.
For those who value a genetic connection, surrogacy may justify the higher cost. For others, adoption provides a loving, fulfilling way to grow a family at a lower financial burden.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy services to build families with love.
Our surrogacy consultancy is free of cost. We do not charge any fee and make sure that you are well aware of all your options to make an informed decision.
Get in touch for a Free Surrogacy Consultancy:
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FAQs For Surrogacy vs Adoption Cost Explained
What is the cost difference between surrogacy and adoption?
The cost difference between surrogacy and adoption can be significant. Surrogacy often involves higher expenses due to medical procedures, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate mother.
Adoption costs can vary depending on the type of adoption (domestic, international, agency-assisted), covering legal fees, agency fees, home studies, and sometimes travel expenses.
On average, surrogacy tends to be more expensive than adoption.
Are there any financial assistance options for surrogacy or adoption?
Yes, there are financial assistance options available for both surrogacy and adoption. Many adoption agencies offer grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans to help alleviate adoption costs.
In surrogacy, some agencies provide financing plans or options to spread out payments. Additionally, families may explore personal loans, fundraising, employer benefits, and nonprofit organizations that support adoption or surrogacy expenses.
How do insurance factors affect the costs of surrogacy and adoption?
Insurance factors play a crucial role in determining the costs of surrogacy and adoption. In surrogacy, intended parents often need to secure comprehensive health insurance for the surrogate mother to cover medical expenses. Insurance plans that cover surrogate pregnancies can significantly reduce costs.
In adoption, health insurance for the adopted child is essential, as medical expenses might be required for post-placement care and treatments.
What are the potential hidden costs of surrogacy and adoption?
Potential hidden costs in surrogacy can include legal fees for drafting surrogacy agreements, medical complications during pregnancy, additional fertility treatments, and psychological counseling.
In adoption, hidden costs may arise from unexpected legal hurdles, birth mother expenses, travel costs for international adoptions, and post-placement expenses such as court fees or birth parent counseling.
Which is cheaper: surrogacy or adoption?
Adoption is generally more affordable than surrogacy. Surrogacy costs can range from $120,000 to $200,000, while adoption typically ranges between $20,000 and $60,000.
Why is surrogacy more expensive than adoption?
Surrogacy involves medical procedures like IVF, surrogate compensation, and legal fees, which significantly increase the total cost. Adoption has lower medical costs and fewer legal complexities.
Can adoption costs be subsidized?
Yes, especially in foster care adoptions, where the state may cover or subsidize legal and agency fees.
Is there financial assistance available for surrogacy?
Some intended parents secure loans, grants, or payment plans to cover surrogacy costs. It’s important to explore financial options with surrogacy agencies.
Are international adoptions more expensive?
Yes, international adoptions involve additional travel, legal, and documentation fees, making them more costly than domestic adoptions.