How Much is Surrogate Mother Payment? Understanding Compensation for Surrogates
Typical surrogate mother payment varies from country to country and state to state in the USA. Becoming a surrogate mother is one of the most selfless acts a woman can undertake, helping individuals and couples fulfill their dreams of parenthood. However, surrogacy is a significant commitment involving physical, emotional, and psychological investments. In recognition of this, surrogate mothers are typically compensated for their time, effort, and the challenges they face throughout the process.
The payment structure for surrogacy can vary depending on several factors, such as the country, the surrogacy agency, and whether the surrogacy is altruistic or commercial.
This blog will explore how much surrogate mothers can expect to be paid, factors that influence compensation, and what the payment typically covers.
Being a surrogate is a huge commitment and a very wonderful present you can give to another person. So, being compensated for surrogate mother services is just fine. Not all countries allow compensated surrogacy. Countries like the USA, Georgia, and Ukraine allowed paid gestational surrogacy.
On the other hand, countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia only allowed for altruistic surrogacy. This means surrogate mothers are not paid financially to carry and deliver the baby for the commissioning parents. They are paid only actual medical costs and work loss-related fees.
Each surrogate may have distinctive needs and qualifications, so there’s no anyone-size-fits-all, answer for everyone.
The base surrogate mother compensation is $35,000-$40,000 in the USA.
The other factors that affect the surrogate mother’s payment are:
- The state she lives in. Some area has a higher demand for surrogate mothers, so the higher base price.
- Insurance status of the surrogate and if it is applicable for the surrogacy process.
- Type of surrogacy
- If she is a first-time surrogate or an experienced surrogate mother. Generally experienced surrogates can get up to $10,000 extra.
- If she is carrying twins. In such a case, she is eligible for extra compensation starting from $8000.
High-demand states for surrogate mothers are:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania
Related surrogacy Costs guides:
What is the average surrogacy cost?
How much does surrogacy cost in Ukraine?
How much does surrogacy cost in Georgia?
How much does surrogacy cost in India?
What is the Surrogacy Cost in Colombia?
What is Surrogacy cost in Mexico?
What is surrogacy cost with family members?
How Much is Surrogate Mother Payment?
The payment for surrogate mothers varies depending on the location, type of surrogacy, and other factors such as experience and additional circumstances. In the United States, where commercial surrogacy is legal and common, surrogates can expect to receive between $30,000 and $60,000 on average. Some surrogates may earn up to $80,000 or more, depending on additional benefits, repeat experience, and specific agreements.
In contrast, countries like Canada and the UK allow only altruistic surrogacy, meaning surrogates are not paid a salary but are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth. These expenses may range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Factors That Affect Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate compensation is influenced by various factors, making the exact payment amount variable. Below are the key factors that determine how much a surrogate is paid:
1. Location
Where the surrogacy takes place plays a significant role in determining the payment. For example:
- United States: Surrogates can earn between $30,000 and $60,000, with higher payments in states where surrogacy laws are favorable.
- Canada/UK: Only altruistic surrogacy is legal, where surrogates are reimbursed for expenses rather than receiving a base salary.
- Other Countries: Countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Colombia allow commercial surrogacy, with compensation ranging between $15,000 and $40,000.
2. Experience
Experienced surrogates who have successfully carried pregnancies before may be compensated at a higher rate. First-time surrogates usually earn the base amount, while repeat surrogates can negotiate higher payments due to their experience. An experienced surrogate may earn an additional $5,000 to $10,000.
3. Agency vs. Independent Surrogacy
Surrogates working through an agency may receive a more structured payment plan that includes base compensation and additional benefits such as health insurance and legal assistance. Independent surrogates, who negotiate directly with intended parents, might have more flexibility in determining their compensation.
4. Additional Expenses and Benefits
On top of the base compensation, surrogates may receive additional payments for specific circumstances, such as:
- Multiples (Twins or Triplets): Surrogates carrying multiples can earn an extra $5,000 to $10,000.
- C-Section Delivery: Surrogates who require a cesarean section may receive additional compensation of $2,000 to $5,000.
- Lost Wages: If the surrogate needs to take time off work due to pregnancy-related complications, she may be compensated for lost wages.
- Travel Expenses: If the surrogate must travel for medical appointments, intended parents usually cover these costs.
5. Health Insurance Coverage
Medical costs associated with the pregnancy are often covered by the intended parents, either through a surrogate-specific health insurance policy or by reimbursing out-of-pocket expenses. If surrogates have to get additional insurance, it is typically paid for by the intended parents.
Surrogate Compensation Breakdown
A surrogate’s total compensation includes a base payment, as well as additional allowances and reimbursements. Here’s a breakdown of what a surrogate mother’s payment typically includes:
| Component | Estimated Payment | Details |
| Base Compensation | $30,000 – $60,000 | Varies by country, experience, and specific arrangement with intended parents. |
| Multiples (Twins/Triplets) | $5,000 – $10,000 extra | Surrogates carrying multiples are compensated for the additional risks and physical demands. |
| C-Section Delivery | $2,000 – $5,000 extra | Surrogates undergoing a cesarean section receive extra compensation for the surgery and recovery. |
| Monthly Allowance | $200 – $400 per month | Covers miscellaneous pregnancy-related costs, such as prenatal vitamins, maternity clothes, etc. |
| Lost Wages | Varies | If surrogates must take time off work, they are compensated for lost income during this period. |
| Maternity Clothing Allowance | $500 – $1,000 | Reimburses costs associated with buying maternity clothes. |
| Insurance Coverage | Varies | Health insurance covering pregnancy and childbirth, paid by intended parents. |
| Transfer Fee | $500 – $1,000 per attempt | Covers the cost of embryo transfer, whether successful or not. |
| Travel Expenses | Varies | If the surrogate needs to travel, intended parents reimburse airfare, hotel, and meals. |
What Does Surrogate Compensation Cover?
Surrogate mothers receive compensation for more than just carrying a child. Surrogacy payment covers the physical, emotional, and logistical demands of the pregnancy. Here’s a closer look at what surrogates are compensated for:
- Physical Challenges: Pregnancy is demanding, and surrogates often undergo hormonal treatments, injections, and invasive medical procedures such as embryo transfer. Compensation recognizes the physical effort and risks involved.
- Time Commitment: Surrogates dedicate significant time to medical appointments, tests, and check-ups throughout the pregnancy. They may also need to take time off from work or other responsibilities.
- Emotional Investment: Carrying a child for another family is emotionally intense. Surrogates invest a great deal of care and attention, navigating the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy.
- Legal and Administrative Costs: Surrogates often deal with legal contracts, medical documentation, and communication with fertility clinics. This can be time-consuming and requires proper compensation.
Legal Considerations Around Surrogate Compensation
It’s important to note that surrogacy laws vary widely from country to country. In countries like the United States, commercial surrogacy is legal in many states, allowing surrogates to receive compensation. However, in countries like Canada and the UK, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, meaning that surrogates can only be reimbursed for actual pregnancy-related expenses, not paid a salary.
- Commercial Surrogacy: This is when the surrogate receives a set compensation for carrying the baby, in addition to having all pregnancy-related expenses covered. Commercial surrogacy is common in the United States, Ukraine, and Georgia.
- Altruistic Surrogacy: In countries like Canada and the UK, surrogates are only reimbursed for pregnancy-related costs and do not receive additional compensation beyond that.
Additional Guides for Surrogate Mother:
Find a Surrogate Mother With or Without an Agency
In Which Country I Find Low-Cost Surrogate Mothers (in 2023)?
How can I Find a Surrogate Without Agency
What is the Age Limit for Surrogate Mothers
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost Using Family Member
How to Start the Gestational Surrogacy Process? A step-by-step guide for Beginners
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? Everything You Need To Know (in 2023)
Other surrogacy-related expenses that can be considered are:
Surrogacy itself is a physically and emotionally demanding process for surrogate mothers. But the good news is that she does not have to undergo any financial loss.
The intended parents cover all medically-related costs, legal agreement fees, and other travel-related fees throughout the process.
Besides this, surrogates are eligible for the monthly allowance that includes:
- Maternity clothes
- Local travel for doctor’s appointments
- Meals
- Housekeeping, if needed
- Telephone calls
- Prenatal vitamins and other health supplies
- Insurance co-pays
- Childcare, if needed
- Miscellaneous pregnancy expenses as and when incurred
Furthermore, besides the pregnancy-related fee, the surrogate is entitled to monthly compensation. It may include the loss of wages due to a medical reason or due to an appointment time with the doctor.
If there are any medical costs, not included in the health insurance, will be covered by the intended parents.
Surrogate mother compensation outside the USA
In case if you are looking for a surrogate mother outside the USA, the surrogacy mother fee varies from country to country. It is a minimum for eastern European countries like Ukraine and Georgia, where surrogacy is legal and yet affordable as well.
The surrogate pay in East European countries ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.
Read more about surrogate mother compensation topic:
Surrogacy mother cost in Georgia
Surrogacy mother cost in Ukraine
Surrogacy mother cost in Colombia
Surrogacy mother cost in Mexico
Conclusion
What is essential is to have a surrogacy agency team. Someone who will be there at the surrogate mother’s disposal to help and support her at each level.
Although the financial gain that comes with being a gestational surrogate is good, other aspects like emotional fulfillment and a sense of achievement make it worth trying.
A good and predefined surrogate mother pays to make both the intended parents and surrogate move forward with full confidence.
If you wish to learn more about surrogate mother compensation or want to find a suitable surrogate mother for you, feel free to get in touch with us for a free consultation.
Get in touch for a Free Surrogacy Consultancy:
📲 +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)
FAQs for surrogate mother payouts
Q: How much can a surrogate earn in the U.S.?
A: On average, a surrogate can earn between $30,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and other factors.
Q: Are there additional payments for carrying multiples?
A: Yes. Surrogates carrying twins or triplets usually receive an additional $5,000 to $10,000 in compensation.
Q: Is surrogacy compensation taxed?
A: Surrogacy compensation can be subject to taxation in some regions. It is advisable for surrogates to consult with a tax advisor for specific guidance.
Q: What is covered under “lost wages” in surrogate compensation?
A: If a surrogate needs to take time off work due to pregnancy-related issues, she is usually compensated for lost wages to cover the time off.
Q: Can I negotiate surrogate compensation?
A: Yes, compensation can be negotiated, especially for experienced surrogates or when working independently. It’s essential to clarify all terms in the surrogacy contract.