Surrogacy cost in NY, how to save money?

Introducing the newborn into this world can be more challenging than expected. For some parents showcasing those tiny hands holding onto their thumbs on their Twitter & Instagram or announcing the birth of their first child and cheerfully reading the greeting cards, the path to parenthood was long, hard, and expensive, filled with anticipation, waiting, inspiration, frustration, new hopes, what ifs, and many other feelings and milestones while they have been waiting for being matched with their surrogate mother, signed the contract, hushed in anticipation of the moment when they heard the heartbeat for the first time, and counted weeks until the day the baby was born. In this article, we will delve into surrogacy costs in the vibrant state of New York and explore various options to save money for creating or expanding the surrogacy budget. Understanding cost–saving strategies can make the surrogacy journey more accessible and manageable for intended parents, ensuring a smoother path to parenthood.

Legal Aspects of NY Surrogacy.

In February 2021, the Child–Parent Security Act was passed in New York State, legalizing and protecting both compensated and altruistic gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the baby she carries. This legislation has made surrogacy in New York a legal, regulated, and enforceable process for intended parents and surrogate mothers, providing a secure and ethical path to parenthood. Regardless of marital status and sexual orientation, individuals and couples residing in the Empire State can now confidently pursue their surrogacy journey, supported by experienced professionals, compassionate surrogate mothers, and innovative fertility clinics. New York law allows intended parents and gestational surrogate mothers (gestational carriers) to enter into enforceable gestational surrogacy contracts on a commercial basis, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the law.

It’s important to note that New York’s surrogacy laws apply exclusively to lawful residents and citizens of the state. As a result, international intended parents seeking surrogacy options must explore alternative avenues beyond New York’s borders.

Continue on reading as we will embark on an enlightening exploration of surrogacy costs in New York, providing you with essential insights and tips to navigate this life–changing journey with financial ease and peace of mind.

Factors Influencing Surrogacy Costs: Customizing the Journey in New York.

Surrogacy costs in New York vary widely due to the personalized nature of each case. Intended parents (IPs) may have unique circumstances and preferences that necessitate tailoring the surrogacy program to meet their specific needs, leading to differences in the overall expenses. Several factors play a crucial role in determining the final cost of the surrogacy journey:

Embryo Status: Some IPs have embryos vitrified and stored at a fertility clinic, requiring transportation between states for the surrogate mother’s IVF procedure. Others may need the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process to create embryos using the intended mother’s or an egg donor’s eggs.
Egg Donation: For IPs requiring egg donation to complete the fertilization process, surrogacy costs can vary based on whether they choose frozen or fresh egg donation cycles. Premium egg donors and guaranteed blastocyst donation bundles may also impact the overall cost.
Traveling Egg Donor: A few IPs might opt for a traveling egg donor, introducing additional logistical factors and affecting the overall cost of the egg donation program.
International Considerations: Some IPs may choose to have fresh egg donation abroad and ship the vitrified eggs of the donor to New York, introducing potential legal and logistical complexities that can influence the total expenses.
Medical Requirements: Medical considerations, such as specific treatments, tests, or interventions required for either the intended parents or the surrogate mother, can also contribute to surrogacy costs.
Surrogate Mother Compensation: The compensation provided to the surrogate mother, including base compensation, allowances, and reimbursements for medical expenses, is another significant component of the overall cost.

To make the surrogacy journey more affordable, some surrogacy agencies or programs may offer cost–saving options or discounts for specific services. Intended parents can inquire about these possibilities to find a suitable option that meets both their emotional and financial needs.

Estimated Costs of NY Surrogacy Programs.

The price of NY surrogacy programs typically falls within the range of $100,000 (for surrogacy using frozen embryos) to $250,000 (for premium surrogacy with a live birth guarantee). The average cost usually falls between $160,000 and $225,000, depending on the specific features and inclusions of each program.

Some guaranteed programs may start at $169,000 to $190,000, covering surrogate mother’s fees and expenses for unlimited transfers and potential complications only, excluding medical expenses. On the other hand, other premium programs at a similar price point may include one or unlimited IVF, Tandem IVF, or Egg Donation cycles. It is essential for intended parents to inquire about the details of these packages and understand what medical fees, if any, are included in the total cost. Bundles with fixed prices can help eliminate hidden fees and cover most extra expenses that may arise during the process, offering greater financial transparency and predictability.

Although premium programs are generally more expensive, often exceeding $160,000, many intended parents prefer these comprehensive bundles over pay–per–attempt options. Premium programs often include backups, incidental costs, and other additional services that provide peace of mind and increase the likelihood of a successful surrogacy journey.

By carefully examining the options available and considering any potential cost–saving measures, intended parents can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and needs.

Factors Affecting Surrogacy Costs.

Each surrogacy case is unique, and the total cost will depend on various medical considerations, such as:

Type and number of IVF cycles
Type of fertility screenings and genetic tests done before IVF
Type of stimulation protocol (SingleStim or DuoStim)
Medication used
Number of egg retrievals (one or multiple)
IVF laboratory fees
Egg donation/sperm donation (frozen or fresh; local or traveling egg donor; standard or premium donor; standard, extended, or premium bundle with guarantees or not)
Backups in case of a negative outcome
Genetic testing
Vitrification and storage of the remaining embryos
Devitrification of frozen embryos
Shipping of gametes or embryos

In addition to medical considerations, other factors contributing to the costs of surrogacy in the United States include:

Surrogacy agency fees: Reputable agencies guide intended parents through surrogacy, providing support and coordination. Agency fees can range from $30,000 to $50,000 and up.
Legal fees: Legal intricacies and contract preparation require the expertise of surrogacy attorneys, which can result in legal fees ranging from $7,500 to $19,000.
Surrogate mother base compensation: Surrogate mothers receive compensation for their dedication and commitment to the surrogacy journey. The base compensation can vary from $45,000 to $90,000, depending on the experience and location of the surrogate mother. Premium surrogate mothers may have a higher compensation, starting at $80,000 and up to $100,000, especially if the surrogate mother carries multiples.
Surrogate mother’s insurance: Health insurance broker fees, health insurance standard or premium program covering approximately 12 months, and surrogate life insurance average cost is $10,000. Depending on the case and needs, it may be under $10,000 and up to $30,000.
Medical screening fee: depends on the IVF clinic and the type of screenings performed.
Embryo Creation Fees, including monitoring, medications, egg retrieval, embryo creation, and embryo transfer with follow–up pregnancy confirmation tests and ultrasound scans: $20,000 — $50,000 and up (depending on the fertility clinic, the stimulation protocol, one or multiple egg retrievals, whether fresh or frozen donor’s eggs/sperm is needed, the type of genetic testing needed, and so on).
Surrogate Mother Prenatal and Delivery Care: $18,000 — $36,000.
Travel expenses: $2,000 — $6,000 and higher depending on the location, duration, accommodation, and other needs.
Average out–of–pocket costs for childbirth: $1,000 — $3,000 and up.
Multiples fee for twin pregnancy: $10,000 and up (additional fee for cases where the surrogate mother is carrying twins).
Multiples fee for triplet pregnancy: $20,000 and up (additional fee for cases where the surrogate mother is carrying triplets).
Other (travel, accommodation, monitoring, C–section, longer hospital stay for surrogate mother if she delivers multiple births, premature delivery, neonatal intensive care unit fees, micro–preemie or preemie care, baby’s hospital charges, newborn care, other insurance, etc.): $3,000 — $30,000 and up.

12 Expert Tips on How to Save Money for Surrogacy

When embarking on the journey of surrogacy, one of the foremost concerns for all intended parents is the financial aspect of the process. Surrogacy costs can be significant, but there are various strategies and benefits that can help save money and make the dream of parenthood more attainable. In this guide, we will explore twelve expert tips on how to save money for surrogacy, covering everything from leveraging employee benefits and utilizing savings accounts to navigating insurance coverage and choosing the right surrogacy program.

Unlock Employee Benefits: Check your workplace’s fertility coverage; some larger companies offer up to $39,000 for surrogacy.
Utilize FSA and HSA: Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover IVF expenses.
Decode Fertility Insurance: Understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t, as most plans won’t fully cover surrogacy.
Track Monthly Installments: Keep a record of your monthly payments to avoid late fees and interest.
Create a Monthly Budget: Write down all expenses to identify areas where you can save.
Reevaluate Expenses: Cut unnecessary expenses and renegotiate contracts for better deals.
Use Wallet Apps: Install a Wallet App to monitor your expenses and analyze spending patterns.
Enable Spending Notifications: Get real–time notifications to stay on top of your finances.
Choose a Local Agency: Opt for a local agency and surrogate mother to save on travel expenses.
Pick the Right IVF Clinic: Research and compare IVF clinic prices to find cost–effective options.
Consider Shared Risk Programs: Explore IVF Refund programs for multiple cycles and guaranteed results.
Premium Surrogacy Programs: Select a premium program with unlimited trials and live birth guarantees for potential cost savings.

By implementing these twelve expert tips, you can take control of your surrogacy journey and make significant strides in saving money for the process. From exploring employee benefits and using FSA/HSA accounts to reevaluating expenses and opting for cost–effective options like shared risk programs and premium surrogacy bundles, each strategy contributes to a more financially sound and successful surrogacy experience. With careful planning, budgeting, and consideration of various cost–saving options, the path to parenthood through surrogacy becomes more attainable, providing hope and joy to those eager to welcome a child into their lives.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the journey to parenthood through surrogacy can be filled with anticipation, challenges, and significant financial considerations. But surrogacy also presents a life–changing opportunity for intended parents, offering hope and joy as they welcome their child into the world. With a clear understanding of the costs and the implementation of cost–saving measures, the path to parenthood through surrogacy becomes more attainable, creating a smoother and more fulfilling journey for all involved.

In this deeply personal and transformative journey, intended parents embark on a path that is as unique as it is rewarding. The anticipation of holding their precious bundle of joy in their arms, a dream they nurtured through countless moments of waiting, inspiration, and what–ifs, becomes a reality as they witness their child’s first breath. Surrogacy may present challenges but also opens doors to parenthood that might otherwise remain closed. It is a testament to the strength of love and the unwavering commitment to building a family.