Total Costs: $50,000 – $100,000+
Let’s just say it: Surrogacy is not cheap. And when you think about the human costs and complications involved in delivering a child, it makes sense. First, there is simply the strange feeling of exchanging money for such a physical, emotional act – on both sides. There are also little things that can affect anyone’s life over a period of a year or more. Whether they cost money or not, they are important to acknowledge and be aware of as supportive expectant parents. Since your surrogate will not only carry your child for 9 months, but also submit to any medications and preparations involved in the IVF process, she is agreeing to at least a year of preparation and pregnancy. That’s why it is important for you, your surrogate, and your agency to be open and honest with each other, considerate to the needs of all involved, and sensitive to the feelings of all parties. It’s best to have every option outlined in advance and agreed upon by you, your surrogate, your attorney(s), and your agency, if applicable.
Surrogate Compensation: $10,000 – $30,000
Monthly allowance for surrogate: $200 – $400/mo (Covers travel to and from appointments, other misc. costs)
Embryo Transfer Fee: Surrogate will receive money for each embryo transferred in IVF process, usually around $500
Medications: You may pay a surrogate when she begins injectable medications for IVF
Travel Expenses: $600 – $6,000 (Depending on how far she has to travel)
Legal Costs:
Contract review: $1,000
Life insurance policy for surrogate: $350 – $500 annually
Legal fees: $7,500 (parental right court pleadings, surrogate pleadings, legal representation, and filing fees)
Psychological Evaluation of Surrogate: $1,000
Psychological Counseling: $1,000
Account management costs: Depends. Cost of managing financial transactions between surrogate and intended parents
Lost wages compensation: Depends. Cost of any lost wages incurred by surrogate
Prenatal tests, visits, delivery (if surrogate not covered by insurance): $10,000
Other potential costs:
- Maternity clothes
- Prenatal vitamins
- Living expenses
- Childcare (if surrogate has other children)
- Medical procedure fees (c-section, tests, miscarriage, etc.)
- Twins (Surrogate may receive more money, depending on agency/your agreement)
- Breast Milk Pumping (equipment, milk transfer)
Sources: http://www.creatingfamilies.com/SM/SM_Info.aspx?Type=123