When enlisting the help of a surrogate, it is important to remember that she does get paid for her services. This often raises a reasonable question among couples: how much does it cost to have a surrogate?To calculate a surrogacy price, first you must understand the various services that surrogacy ties into. There are two types of surrogate processes: traditional and gestational. With the first type, the surrogate is also the baby’s birth mother, as her egg is used. Otherwise, she will only be a carrier, as donor sperm and an eggs are used. As a result, the traditional way is cheaper, but can come with legal problems that drive the cost back up.
What factors affect the surrogacy cost?
The surrogacy cost in the USA is a complex question. So what do clients pay for? The following factors affect the prices:
Agency services
Agencies can help with the surrogacy process. Their commission often covers the costs of various checks, screening, support/information, and others. As a rule, it is fixed with the agreement.
Advertising services
When using an agency’s assistance, you will be charged for advertising costs. They usually use online and offline ads to find women who can act as surrogates, further creating a base of potential carriers. You can also find a surrogate yourself, but it will often extend and complicate the process.
Matching services
After selecting a suitable candidate, various tests must be carried out. These aim to determine whether a woman can be a suitable carrier for this particular couple. The costs of these tests are also paid by the future parents.
Surrogate mother compensation
This fee is agreed upon and specified in the contract signed between a surrogate and the couple hiring her. This commission must cover all surrogate pregnancy costs and any childbirth expenses. The exact amount depends on:
- Insurance;
- The pregnancy as a whole;
- Clothing and any vitamins for pregnant women;
- Various procedures related to fertilization and pregnancy maintenance;
- Travel costs, if needed.
Legal expenses
Lawyers help sign contracts and eliminate any misunderstandings in the future. It should be noted that different legal processes refer to different variations of this method. With traditional surrogacy, it is necessary to take into account the termination of parental rights and adoption, effectively resulting in additional expenses.
Medical expenses
The issue regarding how much a surrogate costs also depends on the costs of various medical services. These costs account for most of the program. These include:
- IVF (occasionally requiring several attempts, all of which are paid for separately),
- Use of donor sperm, eggs, and embryos,
- Freezing, or using previously frozen embryos,
- Examination of the surrogate mother.
Calculation of average surrogacy cost in the USA
So, how much does a surrogate mother cost in the USA? The price range for each case is different. It is simply impossible to calculate and predict everything in advance. The average price for a surrogate mother alone varies between $60,000 and $150,000. There may be legal issues, which will additionally affect the cost. But the price is also affected by various medical complications, such as the number of IVF cycles, pregnancy issues, and miscarriages. If you use donated eggs and semen, these will be much higher. This is exactly why it is crucial to do thorough research before deciding which option is more suitable for you.
How to reduce the cost of surrogacy
Such a procedure is expensive, and not every couple can afford it. However, there are several options to lower the cost. For example, you can find a woman who agrees to participate in the program for free, or consider countries in which such services will cost less. One of these countries is Georgia.
Advantages of surrogacy program in Georgia
In Georgia, the cost of surrogacy is often two or three times lower than in the US and other parts of Europe. This is why many childless couples choose to come to us the they want to have a child. Georgia offers many advantages, such as excellent environmental conditions, absolute program lawfulness, and no visa requirement for US citizens. StartYourSurrogacy.com has a wide base of donors and women as well, effectively saving you both time and money.
The price of surrogacy in Georgia
How much does it cost to have a surrogate mother in Georgia? If you have chosen our country and our clinic for these treatment, bear in mind the average cost of surrogacy that commonly includes the following:
- Tests and screenings for both the surrogate mother and birth parents;
- IVF, embryos freezing, unfreezing, embryo transfer, PGD, PGS. If IVF is unsuccessful for the first time, it will need to be repeated, requiring you to pay separately for every IVF attempt;
- Transportation and placement of the mother for testing, impregnation, pregnancy observation, and childbirth;
- Medical care for the surrogate mother;
- Giving birth, which may be via a natural birth or a Cesarean section;
- Legal services. After the birth of the child, the couple will receive a birth certificate that indicates them as the child’s legal parents, preventing legal problems and additional adoption costs.
Final thoughts
Though parenthood is one of the greatest joys a person can experience, it requires an immense amount of strength and resilience. Parenthood can quickly become complex with the medical and legal processes that surrogacy entails. This can also drive up the costs. However, at StartYourSurrogacy.com, we make it our priority that our clients are being well-cared for, providing the highest quality services while keeping treatment cost-effective.