The cost of surrogacy

Contents

    The cost of surrogacy programs varies from 32,000€ in Eastern Europe to 150,000€ and higher in the United States and Canada. Intended parents pay compensation to the surrogate mother and cover medical, legal, counseling, and transportation expenses. However, to calculate the total cost of surrogacy, one must also consider a number of hidden and unforeseen payments.

    Mandatory expenses

    Clinics and agencies offer two types of programs. The first is package programs. The second is “à la carte” programs, where the client is offered a list of services from which they can choose the necessary options. In any case, there are services that the client must pay for mandatorily.

    Surrogate mother compensation

    Fee + regular (e.g., monthly) payments for food, maternity clothing, and vitamins. The cost of surrogate mother services in Europe starts at 14,000€, while in the United States and Canada, it starts at 45,000€.

    Egg donor compensation

    Approximately 1,000€ in Europe and around 3,000€ in other countries.

    Medical expenses

    For the surrogate’s medical examinations, preparation of biomaterial, IVF, preparation and performance of embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, delivery, postpartum check-ups.

    Legal fees

    For drafting contracts between the agency/clinic, surrogate mother, and intended parents; for assistance with document processing for the child.

    Agency staff services

    Payment for the work of managers, supervisors, translators, notaries, etc. On average, this amounts to 20% of the program cost.

    Agency fee

    Payment to the agency/clinic for organizing the process. Typically around 30% of the program cost.

    As a result, the total amount we mentioned earlier is obtained: starting from 32,000€ in Eastern Europe and from 150,000€ in the United States and Canada.

    Hidden fees in surrogacy programs

    Package programs are more common and usually more advantageous. They usually include medical, legal, and organizational expenses, but in practice, costs are never limited to purchasing a package program. Every company has a number of hidden fees. Please note that the following may not be included in the cost of surrogacy.

    Surcharge for foreigners

    Typically, program costs are lower for local residents and higher for foreigners.

    IVF

    In the United States, the cost of IVF is often not included in package programs.

    Sperm analysis

    Prior to IVF, it is recommended to perform a sperm analysis, DNA fragmentation test, FISH test, and other examinations to select high-quality sperm for fertilization. These services may not be included in the package.

    Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and gender selection

    Clarify which type of diagnosis is included, if any at all. It is possible that the program includes PGD 5 – screening for the most common chromosomal disorders, and additional fees may apply for more detailed testing (PGD 9, 23, or PGD with individual probes). Also, find out if it is possible to choose an embryo of the desired gender. Despite gender determination being part of PGD, there may be an additional fee for selecting a specific embryo.

    Multiple pregnancy

    Typically, 2-3 embryos are transferred to the surrogate mother if feasible. After a few weeks, a reduction is performed: one embryo with the best development is left, and the rest are removed. To maintain a multiple pregnancy, intended parents pay an additional 3,000€ in Europe and around 5,000€ in the United States or Canada. These additional costs are associated with more frequent and thorough examinations during a multiple pregnancy. In addition, the surrogate mother receives extra compensation for a multiple pregnancy.

    Updates on the surrogate mother’s condition

    Find out how often you will receive reports on the surrogate mother’s condition and the results of her examinations. Some clinics/agencies have a schedule (e.g., contact with intended parents once a week or three hours of consultations per month), and additional fees may apply for extra consultations.

    Cesarean section

    Natural childbirth is usually included in the surrogacy cost. If a cesarean section is recommended for medical reasons (the pregnant woman’s condition, fetal position/size), parents pay around 1,000€ in Europe and around 3,000€ in the United States and Canada.

    Guest services

    Accommodation, meals, concierge services are usually not included in the program or are included in a limited amount.

    Compensation for surrogate mother’s temporary loss of income

    This expense category is usually not found in European programs. All inconveniences related to pregnancy are covered by the surrogate mother’s compensation. However, in the United States, it may be necessary to reimburse the expenses the woman incurs due to missing work.

    Compensation for medical complications

    Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, organ loss, etc., are paid separately.

    Surrogate mother’s life insurance

    Clinics/agencies do not always insure the life of the surrogate mother. In some countries, insurance is not mandatory, but intended parents may purchase it for their peace of mind.

    What you don’t have to pay for

    Agencies and clinics may offer you additional services that may seem interesting at first glance, but it is actually more beneficial to decline them.

    For example, there is the service of “Meeting the Egg Donor” Firstly, in some European countries, egg donation is strictly anonymous, and it is illegal to disclose the identity of the egg donor to potential parents. Secondly, all donors are physically and mentally healthy women with good genetics and pleasant appearance. This means that any of them automatically becomes a good candidate. Potential parents only need to choose the one who resembles the prospective mother the most, usually based on external appearance. Photos and information about race, height, body type, hair color, eye color, etc., are provided in the donor’s profile.

    Another common service is the “Experienced Surrogate Mother” The idea behind this is that the price for a surrogate mother who has already carried pregnancies for infertile couples is higher. In the United States, the difference can reach 9,000€. However, this premium is not justified because ALL surrogate mothers can be considered experienced, as each of them has had at least one successful pregnancy and has at least one healthy biological child.

    Another nuance applies to the United States. The amount of money a surrogate mother receives varies from state to state. Even the same agency may offer different compensation. Typically, it is the most expensive in California. Sometimes it is more advantageous for potential parents to choose a woman from another state to reduce the program’s cost.

    How to get a discount from a clinic/agency

    Many clinics and agencies offer loyalty programs or special offers that can help parents save a few hundred or even thousands of dollars. It’s important to inquire about potential discounts, such as:

    • Signing the contract within the next week/month.
    • Making a larger initial payment.
    • Referring acquaintances to the program.
    • Leaving a review about the clinic/agency on your social media pages.

    By signing a contract through Family Pathway, you will also receive a discount.

    Can you save money by organizing the surrogacy process independently?

    Yes, but it only makes sense if prospective parents organize the process in their home country. This can save 30-50% that would otherwise be spent on agency/clinic fees. However, parents take on responsibilities typically handled by clinic/agency staff, such as selecting a surrogate, finding a lawyer, negotiating contracts with surrogates and clinics, accompanying the surrogate to all appointments and medical procedures, resolving compensation issues, organizing the delivery, and more.

    Conducting the program independently abroad is not cost-effective. Firstly, prospective parents would need to travel to the chosen country multiple times to undergo the aforementioned procedures. Secondly, they would have to stay abroad for at least one month before embryo transfer and approximately three weeks after to await pregnancy confirmation. Then, the parents would need to return home and remotely monitor the surrogate. Ultimately, they would have to return at least two weeks before delivery to find a birthing facility and sign an agreement. Furthermore, the independent process of obtaining documents for the child can be cumbersome. Taking into account transportation expenses, foreign accommodation rental, and the temporary loss of employment for both spouses, this approach is not cost-effective.