May up: surrogacy programs under $79,000

While Maying Up can be too late, still, there are 12 hours left until the end of this beautiful spring month, and just one call to a surrogacy agency or clinic may make a great difference in your life. We understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to surrogacy, especially considering the financial aspects involved. That is why we have diligently collected all up-to-date surrogacy programs under $79,000 in three top surrogacy destinations: Cyprus, Georgia, and Mexico. In this article, we will explore the legal advantages, costs, and benefits of surrogacy programs in these countries, helping you navigate your journey towards parenthood.

Surrogacy in Mexico: Legal Advantages and Inclusive Regulations.

Eligibility: everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and marital status
Egg Donation: legal option
Surrogacy cost: ranging from $49,000 to $119,000.
Currency: $ (US Dollar)

Mexico has become a prominent choice for individuals and couples aspiring to realize their dreams of becoming parents through surrogacy. With its inclusive legislation and favorable regulations, Mexico warmly embraces individuals and couples from across the globe who seek to embark on this extraordinary path to parenthood.

Mexico’s surrogacy laws provide substantial advantages to those considering surrogacy. Irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation, both residents and non–residents are legally permitted to pursue surrogacy in Mexico. The country offers two distinct types of surrogacy arrangements: altruistic and commercial. These options provide intended parents with the flexibility to choose the approach that aligns with their personal preferences and circumstances.

Understanding Surrogacy Costs in Mexico: An In-Depth Breakdown of Expenses.

The budget also plays a crucial role in surrogacy decisions. For intended parents who cannot allocate $100,000–$300,000 for the process, a range of $49,000–$90,000 might be more feasible. This amount includes expenses such as embryo creation or shipping costs, egg donation (including donor costs and compensation), sperm vitrification and storage, embryo transfer, surrogate mother’s compensation, medical expenses, legal contracts, insurance, and the return of Parental Order, among others. Additionally, within this price range, services like vitrification of IVF embryos with one year of storage, a frozen embryo transfer backup in case of failed fresh transfer, and options for preimplantation genetic testing or sex–selection of embryos are typically covered.

Low–cost surrogacy programs in the range of $49,000–$59,000 generally cover cryogenic shipping of embryos to Mexico, devitrification, and transfer for surrogacy involving frozen embryos or limited to one IVF cycle. These programs, also known as “pay–per–attempt,” usually do not include backups such as re–matching with a surrogate mother or egg donor, new IVF or egg donation cycles in case of failure, genetic testing, or frozen embryo transfer backup.

On the other hand, higher–priced surrogacy bundles range from $60,000 to $90,000. These comprehensive programs include unlimited egg donation cycles with the option for re–matching with a new egg donor for a backup cycle, unlimited sessions for generating new IVF embryos, unlimited fresh/frozen embryo transfers, extensive screenings and preparations for the surrogate mother’s embryo transfer procedure (some programs offer re–matching with a new surrogate mother backup), comprehensive genetic testing, and additional services.

Here is a breakdown of the different surrogacy options and their associated costs in Mexico:

Surrogacy with own gametes (intended mother’s eggs and intended father’s sperm used to create IVF embryos) has a pay–per–attempt cost ranging from $49,000 to $60,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using a Mexican donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to create IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from $49,000 to $59,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using a traveling egg donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to generate IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from $60,000 to $67,000.
Surrogacy with frozen embryo transfer, including cryogenic shipping of an embryo to Mexico, has a pay–per–attempt cost fluctuating from $44,000 to $52,000.
Guaranteed surrogacy with egg donation using a local egg donor has fees ranging from $71,000 to $88,000. Programs under $82,000 cover all costs involved in the IVF and egg donation programs until the baby is born. More expensive programs starting at $82,000, also cover intensive care costs for the surrogate mother after delivery, intensive care costs for the egg donor in case of hyperstimulation, and some programs may cover expenses for the preemie baby’s short–term stay at the newborn intensive care unit. Certain surrogacy clinics offering guaranteed and premium surrogacy packages transfer two embryos for each trial. In the event of a twin pregnancy, embryo reduction is not performed. In such cases, intended parents are required to pay a multiples fee, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per baby.
The most expensive option, “Twins with Two Surrogate Mothers,” is available through premium programs with costs starting at $119,000. However, these programs allow intended parents to have two newborns for $59,500 per baby, guaranteeing a successful birth. Additionally, these programs offer the advantage of reducing the waiting time for the birth of a second child by at least one year for those who desire a larger family.

The Benefits & Hidden Expenses of Premium Surrogacy Programs in Mexico.

When considering surrogacy, it is crucial to assess the coverage provided by different programs, as not all of them include important aspects such as more than one Egg Donor IVF and embryo transfer, frozen embryo backup, gender selection, incidentals, multiple pregnancy fees, Cesarean delivery, and lost wages. For instance, a second attempt using a frozen embryo can burden your budget with an additional $6,000–$8,000.

If you opt for a Mexican Egg Donor on the second attempt, which covers egg donation (including travel expenses for medical screening and egg retrieval), legal fees, medication, clinical management and monitoring of the stimulation cycle, egg donor compensation, and the surrogate mother’s prepping, the total cost may increase by $16,000–$19,000.

Premium programs, which often involve elite egg donors, are more expensive but offer additional benefits. Their fees typically range between $13,000 and $19,000, covering higher donor compensation and miscellaneous costs like complications insurance, escrow account service fee, and contingencies fee. These programs may also include unlimited egg donation cycles with the same or different donors, encompassing new donor screening, medication, monitoring of the stimulation cycle, and egg retrieval procedures. Most premium programs even guarantee the exact number of oocytes obtained through egg donation and the resulting number of blastocysts.

Opting for a Traveling egg donor, such as an international egg donor, can further increase the price to $23,000 due to travel expenses and accommodation for medical screening and egg retrieval. If the egg donor travels with a companion, travel, and accommodation expenses may double.

Additional expenses may arise for intended parents who require preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) but do not have it included in their surrogacy program. The cost of PGT can range between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on the number of embryos undergoing testing and the technique used.

Preterm labor and delivery expenses may not be covered, resulting in an extra $2,000–$4,000 for a short stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. For preemies born at 24–33 weeks gestation, charges can exceed $1,000 per day for emergencies, invasive surgeries, and medications, while cases not requiring interventions and expensive medication may cost $200–$400 daily. The total cost depends on the duration of the stay, number of preemies, required medication, medical care, and interventions, ranging from under $2,000 to over $10,000.

Waiting for twins or triplets may increase the surrogacy price tag by $5,000–$10,000 (multiple pregnancy fee). If the multiples are born via Cesarean section or prematurely, the total cost may add an extra $2,000–$10,000 per baby, varying based on the maternity hospital, health status, medical procedures, medication, and care required. Lastly, lost wages can amount to $1,000–$10,000 or more, significantly increasing the total cost of surrogacy.

In summary, while a Basic bundle with a price tag of $49,000–$60,000 may initially seem affordable, the total cost of the surrogacy process can reach $100,000. On the other hand, Premium surrogacy programs that offer “everything in One Bundle” can help save up to $40,000 of the budget, despite a higher price tag ranging from $70,000 to $90,000.

Exploring Surrogacy in Cyprus: Flexibility and Opportunities.

Eligibility: everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and marital status
Egg Donation: legal option
Surrogacy cost: ranging from €50,000 to €140,000
Currency: € (Euro)

Cyprus offers an attractive option for intended parents, particularly LGBTQ couples, who are considering surrogacy. The island’s unique division between the Greek and Turkish experiences in the south and north, respectively, brings specific benefits for surrogacy arrangements. In North Cyprus, even though there are no specific surrogacy laws, clinics can freely transfer embryos to surrogate mothers without legal restrictions. Although the absence of a legal framework limits the enforceability of surrogacy contracts, Cypriot lawyers rely on guidelines outlined in the Cypriot Medically Assisted Reproduction Law to structure surrogacy agreements. In South Cyprus, surrogacy is permitted, and gestational surrogacy can be facilitated through relatives, friends, or agency–matched surrogate mothers, despite the lack of dedicated statutes regulating the process.

Breaking Down the Cost of Surrogacy in Cyprus: Factors Influencing the Price Tag.

The cost of surrogacy in Cyprus varies widely, typically ranging from €50,000 to €140,000 or more, depending on various factors. These factors include the choice of a surrogacy professional, whether it is a fertility clinic or an agency, the type of surrogacy program (Basic or Premium), and the surrogacy type itself, whether it is compassionate (altruistic) or compensated (commercial). Other factors that impact the cost include limited or unlimited trials and transfers, backup options, the number of surrogate mothers involved (one or two), and whether the couple has frozen embryos available or requires Egg Donation IVF to create embryos.

In Cyprus, both compassionate (altruistic) and compensated (commercial) surrogacy types are legal. Couples with a relative or close friend acting as the surrogate mother often opt for an altruistic arrangement, where the surrogate mother is reimbursed for medical procedures and pregnancy expenses. The intended parents are responsible for covering all legal expenses, counseling fees, medical screenings and tests for the surrogate mother, fertility injections and medication costs, appointments, ultrasound scans, lab tests, and the embryo transfer or artificial insemination, depending on the type of surrogacy (gestational or traditional). In the case of traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother also provides the egg, the couple can save an additional €4,500–€6,000 by not having to pay for egg donation fees and compensation.

For independent surrogacy using the donor’s eggs, the cost starts at €64,000 and can result in savings of up to €12,000 if the embryo implantation and pregnancy are successful. Altruistic surrogacy with egg donation can save couples from €15,000 to €30,000, which would otherwise be compensation for the surrogate mother’s dedication, time, and care during the pregnancy. Couples starting traditional altruistic surrogacy may save from €19,500 to €36,000, covering the costs associated with the surrogate mother’s baby–carrying services and egg donation.

Embarking on independent surrogacy and working closely with a fertility clinic, surrogacy attorney(s), and surrogate mother with a vitrified embryo ready for cryogenic shipping to Cyprus may result in savings of up to €26,000 for a singleton pregnancy when choosing a Basic surrogacy program with a frozen embryo starting at €50,000. The amount can be lower in the case of altruistic surrogacy. However, in the case of compensated surrogacy, which includes the surrogate mother’s compensation, known as surrogate base pay, the overall cost will be higher.

In Cyprus, a surrogate mother’s compensation ranges from €15,000 to €30,000 for a singleton pregnancy. In the case of twins, the additional compensation is typically around €5,000, but it can vary depending on the surrogacy arrangement. Working with an agency increases the total cost of surrogacy, with cryoshipping and frozen embryo transfer surrogacy costing around €50,000. Egg donation surrogacy, limited to one egg donation and one transfer trial, fluctuates between €57,000 and €60,000 for a singleton baby. Premium bundles with unlimited cycles and transfers range from €70,000 to €76,000 for a singleton baby and €79,000 to €89,000 for twins carried by one surrogate mother.

For intended parents wishing to have twins from two surrogate mothers using the same or different egg donors, the cost is expected to range from €119,000 to €140,000 for a premium program with a guaranteed baby result.

Here is a breakdown of the different surrogacy options and their associated costs in Cyprus:

Surrogacy with own gametes (intended mother’s eggs and intended father’s sperm used to create IVF embryos) has a pay–per–attempt cost ranging from €54,000 to €59,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using Cypriot donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to create IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from €56,000 to €60,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using a traveling donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to generate IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from €60,000 to €69,000.
Surrogacy with frozen embryo transfer, including cryogenic shipping of an embryo to Cyprus, has a pay–per–attempt cost fluctuating from €50,000 to €54,000.
Guaranteed surrogacy with egg donation using a local egg donor has fees ranging from €70,000 to €76,000 in case of singleton pregnancy and up to €89,000 in case one surrogate mother is pregnant with twins.
The most expensive option, “Twins with Two Surrogate Mothers,” is available through premium programs with costs starting at €119,000 and up to €140,000 or more. However, these programs allow intended parents to have two newborns at the cost of €59,500–€70,000 per baby, with a guarantee of a successful birth. Additionally, these programs offer the advantage of reducing the waiting time for the birth of a second child by at least one year for those who desire a larger family.

Exploring Premium Surrogacy Programs in Cyprus: Added Services and Comprehensive Support.

Despite the higher price tag, many intended parents are opting for premium surrogacy programs due to the comprehensive benefits and added services they offer. Basic programs often have limited trials and may not cover backups in case of failed embryo implantation or pregnancy loss, resulting in additional costs per trial. Moreover, the cost of a new round of IVF with egg donation can be significant, ranging from €4,500 to €6,000 for the egg donation alone. Traveling egg donor fees can reach up to €30,000 or more, as intended parents need to cover the expenses of an international egg donor, including accommodation, donor agreement attorney fees, and egg donor medical complications insurance. Insurance and miscellaneous fees, amounting to €5,000–€10,000, are crucial for ensuring coverage of medical expenses during pregnancy and childbirth. If the surrogate mother lives abroad, travel expenses can add another €4,000–€8,000 to the overall cost. Additionally, various miscellaneous fees accumulate to around €3,000–€6,000.

In contrast, premium surrogacy programs provide unlimited trials, comprehensive insurance coverage, incidental expenses, emergency Cesarean delivery, and even short–term stays at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for one or two babies. These programs prioritize the well–being of both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. For example, the Premium program includes high–quality prenatal care, protection in case of miscarriage or NICU care, and options for embryo storage. The Extra Care program offers premium donor selection, expedited surrogate matching without waiting lists, and essentials for the newborn. It also covers a surrogate mother’s health risks and NICU care. The premium program with a live birth guarantee allows for an unlimited number of embryo transfers, gender selection, and standard medical testing and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Finally, the Unlimited Double program offers the same features as the unlimited program but with two surrogate mothers.

Despite the higher cost, singles and couples find that these premium programs provide extensive support, reduce uncertainties, and offer peace of mind throughout the surrogacy journey. The additional benefits, specialized care, and comprehensive services outweigh the higher price tag, making them a preferred choice for many intended parents pursuing surrogacy.

Surrogacy in Georgia: Discovering a World of Possibilities for Intended Parents.

Eligibility: heterosexual couples only
Egg Donation: legal option
Surrogacy cost: ranging from $38,000 to $109,000
Currency: $ (US Dollar)

Georgia, a dazzling jewel nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has emerged as a popular destination for couples seeking to embark on the journey of surrogacy to realize their dreams of starting or expanding their families. Unlike Cyprus and Mexico, where surrogacy arrangements are available to singles and couples regardless of their marital status and sexual orientation, Georgian surrogate mothers are currently limited to heterosexual couples.

The Cost of Surrogacy in Georgia: Exploring Options for Every Journey.

The cost of surrogacy in Georgia varies widely, ranging from $38,000 to $109,000. The total expenses depend on several factors, including the chosen surrogacy professional, the specific surrogacy program selected, the number of surrogate mothers involved (one or two), the type of genetic material utilized to create the embryo (IVF surrogacy with the intended mother’s eggs and intended father’s sperm or surrogacy involving local (Georgian) or international (traveling egg donor) egg donation with the intended father’s sperm), the number of trials, the inclusion of egg donations or vitrified embryo transfer backups, the types of genetic testing involved, insurance fees, incidental fees, and other expenses associated with the surrogacy process.

In Georgia, all surrogacies are gestational in nature. Most of gestational surrogacies are commercial, where the surrogate mother is compensated for her services. However, in exceptional cases, when a family member steps forward to act as the surrogate mother without any base compensation, the surrogacy arrangement can be considered altruistic. Rarely, when a couple desires a unique genetic link provided by a family member acting as the surrogate mother, a traditional surrogacy arrangement may take shape. In such cases, the surrogate mother donates her own eggs, which are then fertilized either through IUI or IVF procedures.

Surrogacy in Georgia presents an opportunity for couples to navigate the intricate path of assisted reproduction, guided by the country’s supportive legal framework and reputable surrogacy professionals. While restrictions exist regarding the eligibility of surrogate mothers and the types of surrogacy available, Georgia’s surrogacy programs offer a range of options to meet the diverse needs of intended parents. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Georgia provides a unique setting for couples embarking on this profound journey of hope and fulfillment.

Here is a breakdown of the different surrogacy options and their associated costs in Georgia:

Surrogacy with own gametes (intended mother’s eggs and intended father’s sperm used to create IVF embryos) has a pay–per–attempt cost ranging from $38,000 to $49,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using a Georgian donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to create IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from $42,000 to $49,000.
Surrogacy with egg donation using a traveling donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to generate IVF embryos has pay–per–attempt fees ranging from $50,000 to $59,000.
Surrogacy with frozen embryo transfer, including cryogenic shipping of an embryo to Georgia, has a pay–per–attempt cost fluctuating from $42,500 to $44,000.
Guaranteed surrogacy with egg donation using a local egg donor has fees ranging from $55,000 to $69,000 in case of singleton pregnancy and up to $71,000 in case if one surrogate mother is pregnant with twins.
The most expensive option, “Twins with Two Surrogate Mothers,” is available through premium programs with costs starting at $100,000 and up to $109,000.

Exploring Premium Surrogacy Programs in Georgia: What Is Included?

While pay–per–attempt programs for surrogacy with own gametes are generally more affordable, offering potential savings of up to $25,000 in the ideal scenario of successful embryo generation, surrogate mother’s pregnancy, and the birth of a healthy baby, unforeseen complications or additional expenses can significantly impact the final cost. The importance of considering backup options becomes apparent in such circumstances.

Many pay–per–attempt packages include a limited range of procedures and services, such as matching with one gestational surrogate mother for each embryo transfer within 12 to 18 months, surrogate mother screening, one IVF or Egg Donor IVF cycle (including egg collection, fertilization, embryo transfer to the surrogate mother, and storage of remaining embryos for up to 6 or 12 months). Specific programs may also incorporate genetic testing, gender selection, or even a cryotransfer backup using vitrified embryos. A few programs may offer up to three or five transfer trials with the same surrogate mother. However, programs without backups in case of failure, cancellation, or unforeseen circumstances may require additional fees for a new trial.

Subsequent attempts, such as frozen embryo transfer involving the surrogate mother’s preparation cycle and medication, legal expenses, devitrification of embryos, and transfer, can incur a minimum of $4,000 extra. A new attempt with egg donation, including the IVF procedure, egg donor expenses and compensation, surrogate mother’s preparation, and embryo creation and transfer, may range from $9,500 to $12,000 for cycles with a Georgian egg donor. In contrast, expenses for traveling egg donors can vary from $13,000 to $19,000 or more. A new IVF round using the intended parents’ own gametes (eggs and sperm), along with legal expenses and the surrogate mother’s preparation costs, starts at $6,000 and depends on the need for add–ons and backups.

In the case of a twin pregnancy, an additional payment of $2,000 to $5,000 is usually required for the surrogate mother (the amount varies based on the gestational age at delivery, with lower costs if delivery occurs earlier than 34 weeks). Basic pay–per–attempt bundles might not cover the costs of premature delivery unless the intended parents have invested in premature delivery insurance, which typically starts at $5,000.

Expenses related to preterm labor and delivery may not be covered, resulting in additional costs of $2,500 to $4,000 for a short stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. For preemies born between 24 and 33 weeks gestation, charges can exceed $900 per day, covering emergencies, invasive surgeries, and medications, while cases not requiring interventions and expensive medication may cost $350 to $500 daily. The total cost depends on the duration of the stay, the number of preemies, required medication, medical care, and interventions, ranging from under $2,500 to over $10,000.

Intended parents seeking preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) but lacking it in their surrogacy program should anticipate additional expenses. The cost of PGT varies between $4,000 and $7,000, depending on the number of embryos undergoing testing and the type of testing performed.

Most Georgian surrogacy clinics and agencies may require an incidental deposit that will be refunded if not utilized. Some surrogacy professionals suggest purchasing specific insurance to cover expenses in the unfortunate event of the baby’s death after premature delivery, between 20 and 40 weeks, which can add an extra $3,000 to the surrogacy cost.

Unlike standard pay–per–attempt surrogacy programs, premium guaranteed surrogacy programs offer comprehensive coverage for most surrogacy–related expenses. Within the framework of a guaranteed surrogacy/egg donation package, these programs include unlimited IVF/ICSI procedures, coverage of all involved medical services fees without limitations, and an unlimited number of new egg donors if necessary. In the event of a miscarriage, regardless of the stage at which it occurs, the surrogacy clinic or agency covers the surrogate mother’s compensation and other expenses. They also arrange for a new IVF program using either the remaining frozen embryos or, if no frozen embryos are available, fresh IVF until the baby is born.

Intended parents who wish to use their own genetic materials for IVF can enter the guaranteed program, provided the intended mother has an AMH level above 1 and at least 7–8 astral follicles. If no pregnancy is achieved after the first IVF cycle and there are no frozen embryos to utilize, parents are required to transition directly to an egg donor cycle. It is important for parents to be prepared for this possibility. To ensure an adequate supply of sperm samples, intended parents have to deposit frozen samples in the clinic, sufficient for five or more attempts. If additional attempts are needed and no sperm is available, the intended father will have to travel to Georgia again to bank his genetic material.

Premium guaranteed surrogacy programs may include a 10–day intensive care period for singleton babies. However, in the case of twins, some surrogacy agencies cover the cost of one baby’s intensive care, while parents are responsible for the expenses of the other preemie baby. Therefore, it is advisable to consider purchasing full coverage premature baby delivery insurance, available at the cost of $4,000 to $6,000 within the guaranteed programs, which can be more cost–effective compared to paying for intensive care fees starting at $350 to $500 per night for a preemie without emergency surgeries, emergency care, or expensive medication.

Disclaimer: The prices and information provided are based on a specific timeframe (as of 2023) and may be subject to change.

Conclusive Words:

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including legal regulations, costs, and program options. In this article, we have delved into the surrogacy programs available in Cyprus, Georgia, and Mexico, providing you with insights into their eligibility criteria, legal frameworks, and associated expenses. By understanding the options and costs involved, intended parents can make informed choices that align with their preferences, budget, and dreams of building a family. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to surrogacy, and each destination offers unique advantages. Whether you choose Cyprus, Georgia, or Mexico, may your surrogacy journey be filled with hope, joy, and the fulfillment of your dreams of parenthood.