Discussing The Financial Aspect Of Surrogacy

It’s hard to talk about money when you’re preparing to learn about surrogacy. It might seem strange to start off your consideration of using a surrogate, whether in the US or abroad, by thinking about money.

But the truth is that you cannot go into this process without some awareness of what’s involved in payments, because you might discover that you need time to save money or to consider all your options if you’re not prepared right away. Knowing this information up front is very helpful.

Growing Your Family Comes With A Financial Cost

Your decision to grow your family is a very emotional one, which makes it all the more difficult to discuss the legalities and financial compensation with an intended surrogate mother (that’s one of the reasons working with a reputable surrogacy program is so important—after all, you wouldn’t try to cure your own cancer; why would you try to negotiate the path of surrogacy without objective help?). However, failing to have these conversations can make for great difficulties with communication down the line. It is important to understand why a surrogate mother is choosing to serve in this role and to be clear about the typical kinds of compensation that a mother in this position makes.

Surrogate mothers, whether in the United States or abroad, are typically paid. However, a surrogate mother in the United States might earn a different amount than one abroad. This is to account for differences in the costs of medical care, cost of living and legal expenses.

U.S. Vs. Foreign Surrogate Payments

A surrogate mother in the United States might earn anywhere from $20,000 – $40,000 for the role that she plays. Surrogates might also need extra support, such as transportation, clothes, household expenses, lost wages and more.  Again, this is something that should be discussed with the agency director. Many agencies cap the amount a surrogate may receive to avoid the possibility of destitute women thinking surrogacy may provide a “way out.”

Surrogate compensation overseas is the US dollar equivalent of around $45,000. A surrogate mother overseas can also expect to receive transportation, expenses, medical care, food, a housing stipend and more as part of her agreement. In typical programs in the United States, these are additional expenses that are charged to the intended parents or the surrogate can choose to pay the cost themselves.  Working with a surrogate outside of the U.S.; however, raises all sorts of logistical difficulties, which is why most U.S. surrogate programs will only work with U.S. surrogates.

Someone who is thinking about using a surrogate should weigh this decision carefully, particularly when determining whether or not to use a surrogate in the United States versus one abroad.    

Hiring a Surrogacy Lawyer to Help

No matter where you’re at in the surrogate process, you should have guidance from a reputable surrogacy professional you can trust.