Surrogacy can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. But it does come at a cost.
Sensible notes that many factors impact the cost of surrogacy. Common elements include surrogate compensation, IVF treatments, legal expenses, and clinic procedures – here are some tips to save money during this process.
The Basics
Surrogates typically receive base compensation and reimbursements for expenses related to their role before, during, and after pregnancy. This typically includes travel costs for medical screenings and embryo transfer appointments; travel expenses associated with attending medical screenings; lost wages/worker’s compensation payments depending on whether she works; too-big maternity clothes that need replacing while she’s on bed rest; babysitting costs while on bed rest; health insurance premium payments and a lump sum payment after the baby has been born.
Numerous agencies also include a monthly allowance to cover any unexpected costs that arise throughout a surrogacy journey, such as:
Injections to prepare the surrogate’s uterus for embryo transfer. This costs $500 or more in the United States. Maternity clothes – to accommodate her first trimester, as none of her regular clothing will fit, often included as part of her contract. Starting medication fee – Failure to start medications when asked will likely cancel out an entire cycle, leading to cancellation fees and potential penalties being assessed accordingly.
Surrogacy embryo transfers are considered one of the most exciting parts of surrogacy! On average, surrogates will receive approximately $1,000 for one embryo transfer.
Other invasive procedures may also be necessary, including dilation and curettage (D&C) and amniocentesis, in case there are complications with the surrogate’s cervix that could interfere with labor. Fetal reduction could also be necessary should more than one fertilized egg result. Removal may be required in these instances so the surrogate can deliver all fetuses safely.
Some surrogates use their savings or an unsecured low-interest loan as another funding source. However, this should only be used as a last resort as loans could compromise financial security throughout the pregnancy. Furthermore, retirement and thrift savings accounts carry severe penalties; thus, they should seek advice before borrowing funds for the surrogacy journey.
Agency Fees
Surrogacy costs may appear daunting to prospective Intended Parents, yet understanding all the essential details is critical for both parties. On top of base compensation for their surrogate, Intended Parents will incur legal fees, escrow management fund fees, and fertility clinic expenses – making it essential to consult a reputable agency like Golden Surrogacy so they receive accurate cost estimates tailored to their journey.
Full-service agencies typically charge fees between $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the level of services and whether it is a boutique or traditional agency. These fees cover screening and matching surrogates with Intended Parents and screening for medical, psychological, and social work needs before surrogacy, pre-screening for social work needs, and conducting a psychological exam.
As part of your contract, this also covers the coordination of information between all clinics, attorneys, accountants, and any other professionals involved in your journey. Furthermore, it covers travel to and from the surrogate’s home, lodging during the fourth trimester of pregnancy, lodging during final trimester meals while traveling appointments, miscellaneous expenses such as postage phone calls, faxing over-the-counter vitamins or supplements as well as pregnancy wellness activities like yoga or chiropractic and monthly allowance for miscellaneous costs like postage phone calls faxing various expenses such as postage phone calls faxing over-the-top vitamins or supplements along with pregnancy wellness activities such as yoga or chiropractic treatments.
Gestational carriers typically charge a base compensation between $25,000 to $35,000 for single gestational carriers and up to $60,000 for twin pregnancies, and additional payments and benefits included within this base compensation include the following.
At 12 weeks gestation, surrogates receive a one-time surrogate expense payment of $1,000 per embryo transfer procedure to cover lost wages, childcare costs, and any expenses incurred from bed rest from their embryo transfer procedure.
Attorney fees cover the drafting and reviewing legal contracts between gestational surrogates and Intended Parents that outline compensation structure, risks involved, and custody arrangements after birth. This step ensures both parties remain protected during gestation.
Legal Fees
Surrogates incur medical and legal expenses and compensation; these vary by state and, sometimes, insurance coverage. Surrogates should seek advice to ensure they understand all costs involved with becoming a surrogate and can afford all associated expenses; counseling to prepare them psychologically can also be invaluable; cost-cutting ways should also be explored to cover medical bills more affordably during gestation. They should also find out what is covered under their health insurance to anticipate additional expenses that may occur throughout their pregnancy.
Costs associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg or sperm donation can make up a substantial part of surrogacy expenses. Many intended parents require multiple rounds of IVF before experiencing successful pregnancies; as standard surrogacy medical insurance policies don’t cover this expense, surrogates should consider investing in additional policies to cover any unforeseen costs that might arise during gestation.
Surrogates must also locate an obstetrician to provide care during their gestation period and ensure they have treatment privileges at a hospital where the intended parents plan on giving birth – this could save considerable money over time. They should check with their current OBGYN to see if they can manage this pregnancy or refer them to someone more suitable.
Intended parents will require legal services to draft and review their contract with their surrogate mother, which will help ensure the legal process runs smoothly and protect both parties’ rights throughout their journey. Furthermore, intended parents should consult an attorney about getting a legal order changing the child’s name from that of their surrogate to their name.
In the United States, surrogates’ compensation typically comprises base pay and various benefits. Base pay typically ranges between $ 50,000 and $ 60,000 depending on qualifications such as living in California or prior surrogacy experience. These payments usually go into an escrow account in advance, with additional charges being made monthly during the gestational period.
Surrogate Compensation
Surrogates are compensated for their time, effort, and any inconveniences they encounter on their journey; the Intended Parents determine compensation levels in their contract with her.
Surrogacy packages often provide additional payments and benefits beyond basic compensation for surrogate mothers, such as maternity clothing allowance, child-care costs, and lost wages.
Initial surrogacy costs can quickly mount for first-time surrogates; however, the exact sum received depends on various factors, including location, insurance coverage status, and whether multiples are being carried.
Generally speaking, first-time surrogates can expect to earn between $32,000-37,000; more experienced surrogates often command a higher pay scale.
Medical expenses are one of the main costs of surrogacy. Intended Parents will generally cover any pregnancy-related medical costs not covered by their health insurance plan, including any deductibles, co-pays, or other related medical expenses that arise during gestation.
Intended Parents will sometimes cover any medications or treatments necessary for their surrogate mother to give birth, including prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding supplies (if applicable), parking fees at medical appointments, and missed wages resulting from being pregnant or taking time off work.
Some Intended Parents will offer signing bonuses or gifts for their surrogate mother to make her journey more manageable, such as cash, gift cards, monthly spa treatments, or anything that will make the pregnancy experience a little more pleasant!
Many surrogates are willing to endure the discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy as they believe firmly in its power to help other people build their families. They understand the joy of giving life, so they willingly bear weight gain, heartburn, morning sickness, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with being pregnant in exchange for helping create new families for others.
