Surrogacy cost in the USA, should you do it abroad?

The United States has established itself as an international hub for surrogacy, attracting thousands of hopeful intended parents from around the world each year who seek to fulfill their dreams of starting or expanding their families. Someone is flying to the U.S. to start their first surrogacy journey, the others are coming back to have their second or third small bundle of joy just because they feel they would like to welcome more children via surrogacy to make their families complete. The others appreciate privacy and don’t want to break the silence around their surrogacy arrangement, thus, choosing the United States as their destination and the U.S. surrogate mother to introduce the baby to this world. However, embarking on a surrogacy journey in the United States can be physically and emotionally exhausting, particularly for those who must travel back and forth between their home country and the U.S. Furthermore, the process presents various legal and logistical complexities that intended parents must navigate before they can even book their tickets and accommodations.

One of the major obstacles faced by intended parents is finding a reputable agency or surrogacy clinic to guide them through the process. Additionally, they must familiarize themselves with the legal intricacies and other nuances associated with surrogacy arrangements. Document preparation and other administrative tasks further add to the complexity of the journey.

Moreover, the financial aspect of surrogacy in the United States is a significant consideration. Most surrogacy programs in the country start at a staggering $100,000 and can exceed $200,000 to $300,000 by the end. Despite the high cost, many intended parents find that the investment is worthwhile. Virtual consultations with agencies and experts offer valuable insights into the surrogacy process, while the emotional roller–coaster of questions, meetings, trips, virtual calls, tears, and inspiration is ultimately outweighed by the assurance that the legal processes will be properly handled and their parental rights recognized.

In this article, we will delve into the details of surrogacy costs in the United States, exploring the factors that contribute to these expenses and shedding light on the value and peace of mind that can be gained from choosing surrogacy in this country.

What are the costs of surrogacy in the United States?

Every situation is unique, including personal preferences such as the desire to have twins or needing preimplantation genetic testing, applying for gender selection of a baby, looking for a premium traveling egg donor from abroad, and initiating a fresh egg donation cycle in the U.S., hiring one more surrogacy attorney in your country of state to help you manage the whole process and legalize everything according to your country or state’s laws, so the cost of growing your family using surrogacy depends on several factors. Generally, these factors include:

Surrogacy agency fees
Legal fees
Surrogate mother base compensation
Travel and accommodation expenses, if necessary (or if the basic surrogacy program does not cover such expenses)
Travel expenses of an egg or sperm donor, including accommodation in case of a fresh donation cycle
The use of egg or sperm donation (fresh or frozen, local or traveling donor, in case of egg/sperm transportation services needed, the fee structure may involve legal fees, customs, export and import fees, and other necessary fees required to ship the genetic material to the designated fertility clinic)
Whether vitrified and banked after the previous IVF cycle embryo(s) will be used and the state or country where they are deposited and if transportation services are needed, including legal support, customs,
Number of IVF cycles to achieve pregnancy
The use of additional techniques like micro–TESE, PGT, mock transfer, ERA test
Incidental fees
Insurance costs
Other expenses

Estimated U.S. Surrogacy Cost & Fees: the Breakdown of Expenses Involved.

Most surrogacy agencies and clinics recommend scheduling a consultation with surrogacy experts to price out your unique surrogacy journey or tailor the offered surrogacy bundle’s pricing to your unique case and preferences. Contact several agencies in the same state or different states to discuss surrogacy programs, surrogacy contracts, surrogacy costs, discounted options, surrogacy timeframe from matching to starting the process, IVF process and fees involved, insurance, financing options, and payment methods. You can meet the surrogacy experts of different agencies in person if you have already arrived at the destination, or book a virtual interview without having to travel there but at the same time have access to all information about the surrogacy process for more resources and information on journey expenses, surrogacy expenses, medical versus agency costs, surrogate mother base compensation and incidentals, etc.

It should be noted that the actual cost of working with an agency and a gestational surrogate mother can vary greatly depending on compensation, type of fertility treatments, medical expenses, travel, and accommodation. Working with a traditional surrogate mother may help you save $60,000 and up on the surrogate mother’s compensation and up to $40,000 on the donor’s eggs. However, the below fees are a general guideline as to what can be expected; actual fees will be negotiated in the Gestational Carrier Contract between the Intended Parent and the Gestational Carrier according to your case and your needs. Many fees listed below will only be involved if necessary.

Factors Affecting Surrogacy Costs.

Several factors contribute to the costs of surrogacy in the United States. These factors include:

Surrogacy agency fees: Reputable agencies guide intended parents through the surrogacy process, providing support and coordination. Agency fees can range from $15,000 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 $7,000 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 $60,000 to $100,000, depending on the experience and location of the surrogate.
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: $19,000 — $29,000.
Average out–of–pocket costs for childbirth: $1,000 — $3,000 and up.
Multiples fee for twin pregnancy: $10,000 and up.
Multiples fee for triplet pregnancy: $20,000 and up.
Other (travel, accommodation, monitoring, use of a 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.

Surrogacy Costs in the United States.

In the United States, surrogacy costs vary widely depending on individual circumstances and preferences. The price of surrogacy programs typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, with an average cost falling between $175,000 and $225,000. These costs cover agency fees, legal fees, surrogate mother compensation and expenses, and medical costs at a fertility clinic. Some programs may include additional services such as airport pick–ups and drop–offs, short–stay accommodation, re–matching, baby screening, and baby care services.

Choosing a Surrogacy State.

Considering the state where you pursue surrogacy in the United States is essential, as it can influence the overall cost. For example, states like Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Utah, or California, where surrogate mothers are in high demand, may result in additional compensation costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Additionally, the choice of state can impact agency, legal, incidental, and medical fees. Researching and scheduling virtual interviews with agencies in different states is crucial to understand better the costs associated with each location.

Alternative Surrogacy Destinations: Exploring Budget–Friendly Options.

For single mothers–to–be, fathers–to–be, and couples with a limited surrogacy budget or those seeking to save money, several alternative destinations offer viable options. Countries such as Colombia, Cyprus, Mexico, Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine provide surrogacy programs at a lower cost. Aspiring intended parents with a budget ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 can explore these options, which present a significant contrast to the surrogacy expenses in the United States.

In comparison to U.S. surrogacy costs, which typically range from $170,000 to $250,000, the affordability of surrogacy programs starting at $70,000 in these alternative destinations can be incredibly appealing. By opting for these countries, intended parents can potentially save anywhere from $100,000 to $180,000 while still realizing their dream of bringing a baby home.

It is crucial to note that each country has its own legal regulations and processes surrounding surrogacy. Thorough research and understanding of the legal framework and requirements are essential when considering surrogacy in these alternative destinations. With proper guidance and support, aspiring parents can explore these budget–friendly options and find a path that aligns with their goals and financial capabilities.

Sarah and Emil’s Journey in the United States.

Sarah and Emil, a couple from the United Kingdom, embarked on their surrogacy journey in the United States. They carefully considered various factors such as agency selection, legal considerations, and the financial aspects of their journey. Sarah and Emil opted for a Guaranteed Birth program for their IVF, which added $10,000 to their total cost of $45,000. Additionally, they chose a surrogacy agency with a similar guarantee, which added an extra $10,000. Overall, their surrogacy journey cost approximately $225,000.

Sarah and Emil found that their total expenses fell within the range of what is commonly seen in surrogacy journeys. They didn’t choose a VIP package or an expensive egg donor, which contributed to keeping their costs within a reasonable range. They believe that individuals considering surrogacy with a reputable agency should expect to pay between $170,000 and $250,000, depending on their individual circumstances and choices.

Emilia and Jacob’s Journey in Ukraine.

Emilia and Jacob, a couple from Spain, decided to explore surrogacy options in Ukraine. They were attracted to Ukraine’s affordability and favorable legal framework for surrogacy. Throughout their decision–making process, Emilia and Jacob carefully evaluated various Ukrainian surrogacy agencies and considered the costs associated with the journey.

While Emilia and Jacob did not provide specific cost details for their journey, they found that surrogacy in Ukraine offered them a more cost–effective option compared to other destinations. They spent under $70,000 and were thrilled welcome back twins into their family. They were able to find a reputable surrogacy agency that provided comprehensive services at a more affordable price point. By opting for Ukraine as their surrogacy destination, Emilia and Jacob were able to save a significant amount of money while still receiving quality care and support.

It’s important to note that individual surrogacy journeys can vary in costs, depending on factors such as the choice of agency, legal requirements, medical treatments, and other personal preferences. Emilia and Jacob’s experience highlights that exploring alternative surrogacy destinations like Ukraine can offer more affordable options for intended parents while maintaining high standards of care.

Legal Considerations of Surrogacy Process.

The legal landscape surrounding surrogacy varies from country to country and even within different states or regions. In the United States, intended parents need to carefully navigate the legal requirements, rights, and obligations associated with surrogacy. It’s essential to consult with experienced surrogacy attorneys who can guide you through the process, ensure all necessary legal documents are in place, and protect your parental rights. This includes drafting a comprehensive surrogacy agreement, addressing issues such as surrogate compensation, medical decision–making, and the intended parents’ rights to the child.

Conclusive Words

Fulfilling the dream of parenthood through surrogacy in the United States is an incredible journey, albeit one that requires careful financial planning. The costs involved in surrogacy programs across the country can vary significantly, encompassing agency fees, legal expenses, surrogate mother compensation, medical bills, and even the choice of location. However, for those seeking alternative surrogacy destinations, there may be opportunities for cost savings without compromising the quality of care. It’s crucial to approach these options with thorough research, considering the legal, logistical, and cultural aspects of each country. Drawing on the wisdom of experienced professionals and finding solace within the supportive surrogacy communities can empower intended parents to make well–informed decisions and pave the way for the most beautiful chapter of their lives — building their cherished families.