Navigating the world of surrogacy can be daunting, particularly when it comes to finances. In this guide, we explore the average cost of surrogacy in the United States in 2024, with a special focus on possible additional financial considerations for same-sex male couples.
In this article:
- Understanding the World of Surrogacy
- The Average Cost of Surrogacy in the United States
- Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
- Does insurance cover surrogacy?
- Additional Considerations for Same-Sex Couples
- What other factors influence surrogacy costs?
- Financial Planning for Surrogacy
- Beyond Finances: The Emotional Journey
- A Priceless Investment
- The Future of Surrogacy
Over the years, the practice of gestational surrogacy as a path to parenthood has evolved significantly. Surrogacy has emerged as a powerful tool, allowing individuals and couples to build families and experience the joy of parenthood.
While that joy is inarguably priceless, it still comes with a high price tag.
As an intended parent, it's natural to get overwhelmed as you learn about the various expenses involved in the surrogacy process. The goal of this guide is to empower you with the financial information, support, and resources you need to move forward with hope and optimism.
The average cost of surrogacy in the U.S. in 2024 (including professional fees, carrier fees and expenses, and insurance costs) ranges from $100,000 to $140,000.
Depending on your situation, that number can balloon all the way up to $250,000 or more. This significant variation highlights just how unique each surrogacy journey is.
With that average cost range in mind, let's talk about the key expense categories you'll likely encounter, where exactly all that money will be going, and which factors can affect the final amount you'll pay:
Note: If you are an intended parent who lives outside of the United States who is considering traveling to the U.S. for a surrogacy journey, you should also include expenses like airfare, accommodations, transportation, and meals.
Surrogacy agencies act as facilitators, matching intended parents with potential surrogates, managing logistics, and providing guidance throughout the journey. Their fees typically range from $35,000 to $55,000.
Gestational surrogates are making a significant physical and emotional commitment.
Their compensation can vary depending on experience, location, and the number of embryos transferred. Expect an average range of $35,000 to $60,000, with additional expenses for maternity clothes, lost wages, and childcare covered by the intended parents.
However, according to agencies like Worldwide Surrogacy, your surrogate's total compensation and benefits may range from $65,000 to $95,000, depending on the final terms of your contract together.
The bottom line: The costs involved in a surrogacy journey can range widely, based on various factors, which we will explore more below.
Unfortunately, most health insurance plans still don't cover surrogacy. However, some plans may cover certain medical expenses, like prenatal care and delivery. All of this depends on the type of insurance plan, the state, and the circumstances of the arrangement.
After a surrogate is released to the care of her OB/GYN at approximately 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, her personal insurance is typically utilized. Intended parents may pick up the tab for their surrogate if she uses her health insurance, or sometimes, purchase separate insurance for her.
Some companies now offer benefits that will cover specific (sometimes all) aspects of the surrogacy or fertility treatment process. Here are a few examples:
According to Carrot Fertility, 61% of employers with 500 or more employees offered some fertility insurance coverage in 2022. As employees push for increased coverage and flock to companies who offer these benefits, that number should continue to grow.
Legal representation is crucial to ensure a smooth and secure surrogacy process. This includes drafting contracts, navigating parental rights, and ensuring adherence to state laws.
Legal fees can range from $10,000 to $25,000.
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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common method used in surrogacy. A single IVF cycle can cost $25,000 to $35,000, including medication, monitoring, egg retrieval, sperm processing, and embryo transfer.
Note: IVF may be covered by some intended parents’ insurance, but if it is not, the cost to create embryos and perform transfers is usually between $15,000 and $40,000.
Additional necessary medical expenses such as prenatal care, ultrasounds, and delivery can increase your total by $10,000 or more, depending on your surrogate's insurance plan.
For same-sex male couples pursuing surrogacy, there are additional costs to factor in:
In addition to the standard surrogacy costs outlined above, there are a few other variables to consider, from unexpected complications to where you live:
Surrogacy costs can vary significantly depending on the chosen state. States with a high demand for surrogates, like California, often have higher fees compared to less populated areas.
Different surrogacy agencies offer varying packages of services. Some may provide comprehensive support, including matching, legal guidance, and case management, while others might offer a more basic service, leading to a wider range of costs.
Experienced surrogates and egg donors often command higher compensation compared to first-timers. While experience can provide peace of mind, it can also increase the overall cost.
Unfortunately, not all IVF cycles are successful on the first attempt. Additional cycles significantly increase the total cost.
Unforeseen medical complications during pregnancy can lead to additional medical expenses for your gestational carrier, which can add to your overall total.
Building a family through surrogacy is a significant financial undertaking for LGBTQ+ couples in particular, as many individuals and couples in the community still don't have insurance coverage for family building.
Here are some tips for navigating the financial realities:
While the financial investment in surrogacy is substantial, it's important to recognize that this journey extends far beyond a monetary commitment. For intended parents and gestational carriers in particular, the emotional investment can be profound.
Here's what to know before starting the process:
Surrogacy is a complex and emotionally-charged process. Prepare for a mix of anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and even potential setbacks. Seek support from therapists specializing in LGBTQ+ fertility and mental health.
Building relationships with your gestational carrier and potentially your egg donor will require openness and vulnerability. It's essential to find individuals who align with your values and family aspirations.
Lean on your support network of friends, chosen family, and others in the LGBTQ+ community who have walked a similar path to parenthood. Their encouragement and understanding can provide a lifeline and help keep you sane during challenging times.
Surrogacy is a path to parenthood with lots of variables - many that you can't control. Understand that the journey may not be linear. Build resilience and hold onto the hope that despite any obstacles, your dream of a family can come true.
Surrogacy laws vary widely from state to state in the U.S. and across the globe, adding to the complexity of the legal process. Partnering with experienced attorneys who specialize in reproductive and LGBTQ+ family law is imperative to protecting your rights and ensuring the long-term security of your family.
Here are two (frustrating, yet necessary) legal steps you may need to take:
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While the costs associated with surrogacy may feel daunting, the rewards of parenthood are immeasurable, and the joy of welcoming a child into your home and heart unparalleled.
Surrogacy provides a beautiful opportunity to establish a family rooted in love - one that you've tirelessly wished and worked for. It also offers the chance to show others what's possible, redefine family structures and break traditional barriers.
There are many different organizations and groups focused on providing support to those in the LGBTQ+ community who are hoping to become parents. Some even offer financial assistance in the form of grants or fertility clinic discounts.
Explore some of our favorites below:
The landscape of surrogacy is continually evolving.
With an updated, more inclusive definition of infertility announced by ASRM in 2023, there is increased hope for better access to family-building pathways like IVF and surrogacy - not just for those struggling with traditional infertility, but also for any prospective parent needing the help of fertility treatment, a donor, or surrogacy to expand their family.
With incredible advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), increased acceptance of non-traditional families, and the tireless advocacy of LGBTQ+ organizations, the future of surrogacy (particularly for same-sex couples) will be more inclusive and equitable.
The road to surrogacy may feel long at times, but the potential for joy, fulfillment, and family makes the journey worthwhile. Through education, determination, and a supportive network of friends, family, and family-building professionals, your dream of parenthood can become a reality.