Average Cost of Surrogacy

Determining the Average Cost of Surrogacy

Determining the average cost of surrogacy is often a very difficult task. Although it is commonly estimated that a surrogate birth costs between $60,000 and $80,000, the procedure is quite complicated and involves a number of different variables. For example:

• Surrogate mother’s fee: The fee charged by the surrogate mother for her services can vary widely. A friend or family member may agree to act as a surrogate to show her appreciation and love for the couple. However, a stranger acting as a surrogate mother typically charges between $13,000 and $25,000. Some surrogates also insist on additional fees for carrying multiples or requiring a cesarean birth.
• Miscellaneous surrogacy expenses: There are a number of fees associated with the pregnancy that you may need to pay on behalf of your surrogate. When figuring the average cost of surrogacy, don’t forget to include expenses such as:
  • Maternity clothing
  • Lost wages
  • Travel expenses
  • A life insurance policy to protect the mother’s family
  • Supplemental health insurance, if required
• Medical expenses: You will be responsible for a variety of medical expenses associated with surrogacy. These may include:
  • Fertility medications: $400 to $2,000
  • IVF: $4,900 to $8,000
  • Sperm preparation: $200 to $400 per cycle
  • ICSI for men with poor sperm quality or quantity: $1,000
  • Frozen embryo transfers: $750
  • Assisted hatching, if required: $500
• Agency fees: If you are working with a surrogacy agency, there will be fees to sign up and be matched with a surrogate. You may also be charged a fee after the first trimester of the pregnancy. In total, expect to pay up to $15,000 for these expenses.
• Legal fees: Since surrogacy laws can vary widely by state, seeking the advice of an experienced lawyer is a necessity. Fees for legal representation can be between $1,000 and $8,000. Additional fees may be required to process the appropriate paperwork in order to document parental rights and prevent custody litigation.

Payment Arrangements

Payment arrangements for surrogacy vary widely. Some parties pay up front, some pay after the child is born, and others pay in equal monthly sums throughout the pregnancy.

Regardless of how you choose to pay your surrogate, it is recommended that the money be placed in an escrow account. This ensures that you can focus on the pregnancy without unnecessary financial worries.

Financing Options

Since surrogacy and the related infertility treatments are not generally covered by health insurance, dealing with the financial aspects of the arrangement can be challenging. Many couples must save for several years to afford the required fees. Others borrow against their retirement or take out a second mortgage on their homes, despite warnings that these decisions may have serious consequences in the future.

Many surrogacy agencies do have financing plans available, although it’s important to read the terms of the agreement carefully. It is common for plans to charge no interest for six months to one year, but you will often be charged interest on the entire amount retroactively if you are unable to make a payment.

Outsourcing the Professional Surrogacy Cost

If you’re concerned about the high cost of surrogacy in the United States, you may find yourself wondering about surrogacy options around the world. According to a recent article in Marie Claire, a growing number of American women are choosing to work with Indian surrogates. Instead of paying up to $70,000 in the United States, a woman can hire an Indian surrogate and pay all associated medical costs for just $12,000.

However, this approach is very controversial. Many people worry that poor women are being exploited by the surrogacy arrangement. There are also concerns that standards of medical care may not be as high as they are in the United States, plus fears of potential legal repercussions if the surrogacy arrangement does not go exactly as planned. If you are thinking of going outside the United States in search of a surrogate, careful research is in order.