How Much Do Surrogates Make?

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, naturally you will have many questions about the process, the benefits, and the compensation. Surrogacy is a generous and rewarding act that can help someone else achieve their dream of having a child. Surrogacy can also be a fulfilling and empowering experience for you, as you use your body and your heart to create a miracle.

​

However, surrogacy is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves physical, emotional, and legal aspects that require careful consideration and preparation. It also involves financial aspects that need to be understood and agreed upon before you start your journey.

​

One of the most common and important questions that potential surrogates have is: how much do surrogates make? The answer is not simple or straightforward, as it depends on many factors, such as the type of surrogacy, the location of the surrogacy, the agency or lawyer involved, the insurance coverage, the number of previous surrogacies, and the personal preferences of the surrogate and the intended parents.

​

In this article, we will try to give you an overview of the average compensation and benefits that surrogates receive in the United States, as well as some tips on how to negotiate and maximize your surrogacy pay.

​

Types of Surrogacy and Compensation

There are two main types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. The difference between them lies in the genetic origin of the egg used to create the embryo.

​

Gestational surrogacy is the most common and widely accepted type of surrogacy. It involves an embryo that is created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parent(s) or donor(s). The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier, who has no genetic or biological relation to the child. The gestational carrier carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the child to the intended parent(s).

Traditional surrogacy is a less common and more controversial type of surrogacy. It involves an embryo that is created by artificial insemination using the sperm of the intended father or a donor and the egg of the traditional surrogate. The traditional surrogate is therefore the genetic and biological mother of the child, as well as the person who carries the pregnancy and delivers the child. The intended parent (s) may need to go through an adoption process to have legal parental rights over the child.

The type of surrogacy affects the compensation that the surrogate receives, as gestational surrogacy is usually more expensive and complex than traditional surrogacy. According to a survey by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the average total cost of gestational surrogacy in the United States in 2019 was $149,800, while the average total cost of traditional surrogacy was $54,0001.

​

The surrogate’s compensation is only a part of the total cost of surrogacy, which also includes medical expenses, legal fees, agency fees, travel expenses, and other miscellaneous costs. The surrogate’s compensation is usually paid in installments throughout the pregnancy, and may vary depending on the number of embryos transferred, the number of fetuses carried, the occurrence of complications, and the delivery method.

​

According to the same survey by ASRM, the average base compensation for gestational surrogates in the United States in 2019 was $35,000, while the average base compensation for traditional surrogates was $25,0001. However, these are only averages, and the actual compensation may range from $25,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.

​

Location of Surrogacy and Compensation

The location of the surrogacy also affects the compensation that the surrogate receives, as different states have different laws and regulations regarding surrogacy. Some states are considered surrogacy-friendly, meaning that they have clear and favorable laws that protect the rights and interests of both the surrogate and the intended parents. These states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington2.

​

Other states are considered surrogacy-neutral, meaning that they have no specific laws or case law regarding surrogacy, or that they have ambiguous or inconsistent laws that may vary by county or judge. These states include Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming2.

​

Some states are considered surrogacy-unfriendly, meaning that they have laws that prohibit or restrict surrogacy, or that they have case law that is unfavorable or hostile to surrogacy. These states include Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Washington D.C.2.

​

The location of the surrogacy affects the compensation that the surrogate receives, as surrogacy-friendly states tend to have higher demand and higher pay for surrogates, while surrogacy-unfriendly states tend to have lower demand and lower pay for surrogates. For example, according to a report by ConceiveAbilities, a surrogacy agency, the average base compensation for surrogates in California in 2020 was $50,000, while the average base compensation for surrogates in Texas in 2020 was $35,0003.

​

The location of the surrogacy also affects the legal and ethical aspects of the surrogacy, as different states have different requirements and procedures for establishing the parental rights of the intended parents. For example, in some states, the intended parents can obtain a pre-birth order, which is a court order that grants them legal parentage of the child before the birth. In other states, the intended parents can obtain a post-birth order, which is a court order that grants them legal parentage of the child after the birth. In some states, the surrogate may need to terminate her parental rights and consent to the adoption of the child by the intended parents. In some states, the surrogate may need to be married and have her spouse’s consent to participate in surrogacy2.

​

Therefore, it is important for the surrogate and the intended parents to consult with a lawyer who specializes in surrogacy law in the state where the surrogacy will take place, and to have a clear and detailed surrogacy contract that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, as well as the compensation and benefits that the surrogate will receive.

​

Agency or Lawyer and Compensation

Another factor that affects the compensation that the surrogate receives is whether she works with an agency or a lawyer. An agency is an organization that matches surrogates with intended parents, and provides services such as screening, counseling, coordination, and support throughout the surrogacy process. A lawyer is a professional who provides legal advice and representation to surrogates and intended parents, and drafts and reviews the surrogacy contract and other legal documents.

​

Working with an agency or a lawyer has its pros and cons, and the surrogate should weigh them carefully before deciding which option is best for her. Working with an agency may offer more guidance, convenience, and security, as the agency will handle most of the aspects of the surrogacy process, and will ensure that the surrogate meets the qualifications, follows the protocols, and receives the compensation and benefits that she deserves. However, working with an agency may also entail more fees, restrictions, and obligations, as the agency will charge a percentage of the surrogate’s compensation, will have its own policies and standards, and will have a say in the selection and relationship of the surrogate and the intended parents.

​

Working with a lawyer may offer more flexibility, autonomy, and control, as the lawyer will only provide legal services, and will leave the rest of the surrogacy process to the surrogate and the intended parents. The surrogate may be able to negotiate her own compensation and benefits, choose her own intended parents, and have more input in the surrogacy contract and other legal documents. However, working with a lawyer may also entail more risks, challenges, and responsibilities, as the lawyer will not provide any screening, counseling, coordination, or support services, and will not guarantee that the surrogate meets the requirements, follows the procedures, and receives the payments and reimbursements that she expects.

​

Surrogacy Compensation

 

Surrogacy compensation is the amount of money that a surrogate receives for her services and expenses during the surrogacy journey. Surrogacy compensation can vary widely depending on the type of surrogacy, the location of the surrogate and the intended parents, the surrogacy agency, the surrogate’s experience, and the surrogate’s insurance. However, according to some estimates, surrogates can make anywhere from $50,000 to $110,0001234.

Surrogacy compensation can be divided into two main categories: base pay and benefits.

​

• Base pay is the cash payment that a surrogate receives for carrying the pregnancy and delivering the child. Base pay can range from $35,000 to $50,000+ depending on the surrogate’s experience, location, and insurance. Some surrogacy agencies offer higher base pay for surrogates who live in surrogacy-friendly states, have supportive health insurance, or have completed previous surrogacy journeys successfully.]

​

• Benefits are additional cash payments and reimbursements that a surrogate receives to cover her medical and non-medical expenses during the surrogacy journey. Benefits can include monthly living allowance, wellness package, maternity clothes, health insurance premiums, travel expenses, lost wages, childcare, housekeeping, and more. Benefits can add up to $10,000 to $20,000+ to the surrogate’s compensation.

​

Surrogacy compensation is usually paid in installments throughout the surrogacy journey, rather than in a lump sum at the end. Surrogates typically receive their first payment when they sign the surrogacy contract, and then receive regular payments after each milestone, such as starting medications, undergoing embryo transfer, confirming pregnancy, reaching each trimester, and delivering the child. Surrogates may also receive bonuses for carrying multiples, having a cesarean section, or pumping breast milk for the baby.

​

Surrogacy Benefits

​

Surrogacy compensation is not the only benefit that surrogates receive from their journey. Surrogates also enjoy many non-financial benefits, such as:

​

• Emotional satisfaction. Surrogates often feel a sense of pride and joy for helping someone else become a parent. Surrogates may also form a lasting bond with the intended parents and the child, and feel part of a larger surrogacy community.

​

• Personal growth. Surrogates may learn new skills and gain new experiences from their surrogacy journey. Surrogates may also discover new aspects of themselves and their values, and develop a deeper appreciation for their own family and health.

​

• Gifts and perks. Surrogates may receive gifts and perks from the intended parents and the surrogacy agency throughout the journey, such as flowers, cards, spa treatments, massages, meals, vacations, and more. These gifts and perks are meant to show gratitude and support to the surrogates, and make their journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

​

Surrogacy Considerations: How much do Surrogates get paid?

​

Surrogacy compensation is not the only factor that surrogates should consider before deciding to become a surrogate. Surrogacy also involves many physical, emotional, and legal challenges, such as:

​

• Medical risks. Surrogates have to undergo various medical procedures and tests, such as hormone injections, embryo transfer, prenatal care, and delivery. Surrogates may experience side effects, complications, or health issues from these procedures, such as bleeding, infection, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. Surrogates should consult with their doctors and the surrogacy agency about the potential risks and how to minimize them.

​

• Emotional stress. Surrogates have to cope with the emotional ups and downs of the surrogacy journey, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, attachment, detachment, grief, or guilt. Surrogates may also face social stigma or criticism from their family, friends, or society for their decision to become a surrogate. Surrogates should seek professional counseling and peer support from the surrogacy agency and other surrogates to manage their emotions and expectations.

​

• Legal issues. Surrogates have to sign a surrogacy contract with the intended parents and the surrogacy agency, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party, the compensation and expenses, the medical and legal procedures, and the contingency plans. Surrogates should hire an independent attorney to review the contract and protect their interests. Surrogates should also be aware of the surrogacy laws in their state and the state of the intended parents, as they may affect the legal status and parental rights of the child.

​

Surrogacy Conclusion

​

Surrogacy is a noble and generous act that can change the lives of many people. Surrogates can make a significant amount of money from their journey, as well as enjoy many other benefits and rewards. However, surrogacy is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it also involves many challenges and risks. Surrogates should do their research, consult with their doctors, lawyers, and surrogacy agency, and weigh the pros and cons before embarking on this journey. Surrogacy is not for everyone, but for those who choose it, it can be a life-changing experience.