Surrogacy Costs for Intended Parents in the USA: And How to Reduce Them

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.

Contact us

    Best time to call back:


    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.

    Adoption vs. Surrogacy: The Complete Comparison for Intended Parents

    Those who cannot get pregnant, despite wishing to have a child, often seek medical help. This branch of medicine is called reproductive medicine. Reproductive medicine is a rapidly developing sphere that uses new technologies to solve issues regarding fertility. A common method used to treat infertility is surrogate motherhood. However, it is also possible to adopt a child born to a different set of parents.

    What are the pros and cons of each option? Below you’ll see some facts that will help decide which option is better suited for you.

    Main Differences Between Surrogacy and Adoption

    In each case, there are positive and negative aspects. Here we will analyze the main features of adoption vs. surrogacy:

    The issue of genetic relationships

    You won’t have any genetic connection to a child you adopt. This means that the child will not inherit any of your genetic abilities or inclinations.

    If it is vital for you to pass your genes on to the baby, consider surrogacy vs. adoption. With due regard for different factors, such as health condition, age, and certain surrogacy methodology, one or both partners can be the child’s biological parents.

    With the traditional surrogacy method, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the baby. However, with gestational surrogacy, this woman is simply a carrier, as the prospective mother’s egg is used. So, the intended mother can still have genetic ties to her child.

    Legal processing

    While considering surrogacy and adoption, legislation is commonly regarded as a “stumbling block”.

    With surrogacy, before fertilization starts, a contract is made between the surrogate mother and the prospective parents. At Startyoursurrogacy.com in Georgia, Europe, the intended parents will receive a birth record where they are certified as legal parents after the child is born.

    With the second option—adoption—you should be prepared to fill out a good deal of paperwork. In comparison to surrogacy, it is more complicated and time-consuming. Even then, you will only be able to adopt a child if the child’s biological parents have been deprived of their parental rights or have chosen to leave the child themselves.

    Cost

    Many people wonder about the cost of surrogacy vs. adoption. By default, surrogacy will cost more, as the price will include carrier compensation and payment to surrogacy agencies, as well as various screenings and medical care for the surrogate mother.

    Despite the expenses that parents pay to cover for the agency service, in the long run, adoption vs. surrogacy cost is lower.

    Matching

    For both programs, it is important to find a person who will best suit what your family is looking for. With a surrogacy program, prospective parents can choose a woman to carry and give birth to their child. But, in case of adoption, they may not know the child’s birth parents. If it’s possible, the intended parents can get to know the child’s birth parents in person, and choose them according to their needs.

    Reliability

    A surrogacy program includes a contract between the prospective parents and surrogate. This contract is signed at the very beginning of the process, after both parties have agreed to provide and receive services. According to this contract, the surrogate mother cannot claim to be the child’s parent.

    Comparing adoption vs. surrogacy is a bit more complicated.

    There are always social services agencies involved in the adoption process in the USA. These agencies conduct so-called adoption home studies. The first six months after an adoption, the child will live with the adoptive parents, but the formal guardian is the agency. The child’s life is monitored during these six months. The main risk here is that during this process, the biological parents can change their decision and take the child back.

    Screenings

    With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother and intended parents are screened for physical and mental health. This increases the chances of having a healthy baby.

    If you decide to adopt a child, you may not know the health condition of the biological parents. However, you and your partner are required to go through physical and mental health screening in order to provide long-term care to an adopted child. You may also choose to screen the health of the child itself.

    Pregnancy

    Any future surrogate mother signs a contract stating that she will not consume alcohol or smoke during pregnancy. Alongside this, she is also kept under constant medical supervision throughout the entire pregnancy.

    With adoption, the biological mother will receive recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, but she can follow them at her own discretion. There is also a risk that the prospective parents will never get any information as to the biological mother’s pregnancy.

    Medical services

    Different types of surrogacy involve different medical procedures—all of these are available at Startyoursurrogacy.com.

    With adoption, parents don’t need any treatment related to fertility issues or achieving pregnancy.

    Relationship between parents

    After an adoption, the biological parents may want to maintain contact with the adoptive parents’ family. But this is a rare case, involving consent from both parties. This can also apply to surrogacy, in which parents and children remain in contact with a surrogate mother.

    Contact us

      Best time to call back:


      Surrogacy Programs with Startyoursurrogacy.com

      If you have carefully considered adoption or surrogacy and chose the latter, Startyoursurrogacy.com will be happy to help you through the entire process. Our clinic provides a full range of services related to surrogacy. We accompany you from start to finish, providing the following services:

      • Large database of donors and surrogate mothers;
      • Examination and testing;
      • Fertilization;
      • Freezing of eggs, sperm, and embryos;
      • Medical care for the surrogate mother during the prenatal period, as well as childbirth;
      • Settlement of any legal issues.

      Conclusion

      Any family can face an infertility problem, but that is no reason to deprive yourself of the joy of having a child. In this article, we have explained the IVF vs. adoption pros and cons.

      If it is vital for you to be legal parents and pass your genetics on, you can apply for reproductive services in our clinic. Contact us, and we can provide further detail of the possibilities and risks to help you decide IVF vs. surrogate.

      Advantages and Disadvantages of Surrogacy for Intended Parents

      The help of a surrogate mother may come in handy, not only for couples, but also for people wishing to embark on their journey towards parenthood on their own. As we’re all different, there are a variety of reasons why people might not be able to have a baby. There can be people who aren’t in a relationship, but can still make great single parents. There can be people of the same sex who love each other and want to start a family together. Heterosexual couples also fall into this category if they cannot become parents due to health risks or age.

      Below you’ll find some pros and cons of surrogacy.

      Pros of surrogacy for intended parents

      Choosing to become parents through a surrogacy program is a life-changing step. It takes a lot of time to plan and budget to help achieve this dream. It is crucial to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of surrogacy before making such a choice. We’ve decided to describe some benefits of this program first.

      With surrogate motherhood, you can have a full family

      Whether you have a partner or not, if you’ve turned to reproductive medicine, one thing is clear — you want to have a baby. Children make life more complete and rich. And one of the advantages of surrogacy is taking the necessary steps to creating a family of your own.

      Same-sex couples can become parents

      A couple that consists of men or women only is unable to conceive a baby. But is it worth giving up the dream of becoming parents? Thanks to reproductive medicine, everything is possible. They can consider all the pros and cons of having a surrogate mother in order to have a baby.

      One or both potential parents can be genetically associated with the prospective child

      Depending on whose sperm and egg are used, one or both spouses can be the birth parents of their baby. The gestational carrier is not considered to be the baby’s birth mother, and does not have any genetic connection with the child, as well as parental rights.

      Surrogate motherhood has a very high success level

      For surrogate motherhood, healthy young women aged up to 35 years old are chosen and artificially fertilized. There is almost no risk of miscarriage. We are situated in Georgia, Europe, where the ecology helps to encourage a healthy pregnancy.

      Parents are involved in the process of surrogate motherhood and their baby’s life from birth

      Unlike cases with adoptive children, with surrogate motherhood, you can observe the development of the fetus from the moment that the embryo is created. You immediately know the woman who will carry your baby and the stages she’ll go through during her pregnancy. And you can be there for the most exciting part of the entire process—the birth of your baby.

      Contact us

        Best time to call back:


        Cons of surrogacy for intended parents

        But there are disadvantages to this method of treatment. Is it worth giving up surrogate motherhood? Here we talk about some of the cons of surrogacy for parents:

        The surrogacy program might be costly, especially in the USA

        The cost is very high, but there are alternatives. For instance, you can go to a place where rates are more reasonable. The StartYourSurrogacy clinic is in Georgia, where we can offer you high-quality care for an affordable price.

        The process requires medical assistance at all stages

        This could be classified not as a disadvantage, but rather merely as a feature of the method. To lower any chance of problems, be sure to choose a clinic with a good reputation and extensive experience.

        Surrogacy laws vary from place to place

        Surrogate motherhood is not legal in every state in America. In some states, various conditions limit the choice to use a surrogate. But in Georgia, the attitude is positive, and this method of fertility treatment is completely legal, allowing you to relax and focus on your family.

        Surrogacy requires full trust from the intended parents

        Despite the high success rate within the program, results are not always predictable. Therefore, patience and trust in the clinic and the surrogate mother are a necessity for future parents. StartYourSurrogacy will take into account all your special needs to help you only experience the benefits of surrogacy.

        It’s an emotionally complex process

        From this surrogacy pros and cons list, this point concerns a surrogate mother. She’ll have to give up the baby after the birth, which isn’t always easy. But this role is chosen by psychologically mature women who make conscious decisions, who understands the complexity of their roles.

        How to choose your perfect surrogacy option?

        Before making a decision regarding this important step, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of surrogate motherhood. Keep the following in mind:

        • Choose a lawyer who will consult you about all the legal rules governing this process and assist you with all the paperwork;
        • Check whether surrogate motherhood is legal in your state;
        • Study the prices of the program across different countries, clinics and surrogacy agencies;
        • Surrogacy pros and cons can also vary in different countries, so choose the clinic and the country best suited to you.

        Conclusion

        Hearing a child laugh in the house is probably the greatest joy. Above we’ve mentioned the pros and cons of surrogate parenthood. But the main thing that this type of treatment provides you with is the opportunity to give your love and take care of your child. Georgia is a country where family is held very highly. This is why you can trust the StartYourSurrogacy clinic to help you with issues regarding your future family.

        Is the Baby Related to the Surrogate Mother?

        Surrogacy is considered to be a popular and effective method for parenthood in the case of diseases and other difficulties involving fertility. But this raises the question: is a surrogate considered the biological mother? In this article, we discuss the issue of a child’s genetic affinity to the participants of this program. It is important for potential parents to ask this question before beginning the surrogacy process: is a surrogate mother genetically related to the child?

        Traditional or Gestational Surrogacy — What’s the Difference?

        There are two types of surrogacy in reproductive medicine today: gestational and traditional. It should be noted that the latter is no longer popular, and is even prohibited in certain countries. With traditional surrogacy methods, the woman is artificially inseminated. However, with gestational methodology for in vitro fertilization, the material of either a donor or the intended parents is used. Impregnation takes place in a laboratory, before the embryo is transferred to the uterus.

        Does the surrogate mother pass DNA to the carried fetus?

        With gestational surrogacy, the woman who gestates and gives birth to a child has no shared genes, as she is simply a carrier for the pregnancy. In this case, there are no questions about the genetic connection, as a child only has DNA from the man and woman whose genetic material was used. When gestational surrogacy is used, the child receives very few cells from the carrier, which cannot influence the formation of his/her DNA. With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the newborn.

        A couple that strives to have a child though the use of third-party services should weigh every pro and con of their available options.

        Can the baby be related to the surrogate due to the placenta or shared blood?

        During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a barrier between the mother’s and child’s DNA. The placenta simply provides the fetus necessary nutrients while it is in the womb. So the answer to the question “Does a surrogate mother share DNA with the baby?” is obvious: “No, she doesn’t”.

        Another common question people have is whether surrogate mothers share blood with the baby. Yes, but the amount of shared blood is far too little to have any influence on the child’s blood type.

        Will the Baby Look Like the Surrogate Mother?

        This issue is of interest to many parents who use donors to give birth. Regarding this, the future baby will get its appearance from its genetic parents. For example: do babies from egg donation share genes with birth mothers? No: babies from egg donation share genes with the donor. If both sperm and egg from the legal parents are used, then the baby will look like his/her legal parents. In other cases, the child will partially or entirely look like the donors.

        Is the baby related to the gestational carrier? No. Moreover, regardless of whether the donor is familiar or anonymous, parents can roughly imagine what the child will look like. This is because when selecting a sperm or egg donor, parents have the chance to determine certain desired characteristics for their child. This can include appearance, personal habits, level of education, and propensity for various diseases.

        Contact us

          Best time to call back:


          Who Are Considered to Be Biological Parents?

          If a couple does not apply for donor services, then they are both the biological parents of the child. However, if this is not possible for a couple, then donor services are brought in. If a legal father’s sperm and a donor’s egg are used, then only the legal father will be genetically associated with the child.

          The surrogate mother transfers DNA to the baby only through traditional surrogacy. However, regardless of genetics, certain characteristics, habits, and values will be formed during the process of a child’s growing up. Therefore, the most significant influence on the child will be those who participated in his or her life the most actively.

          Besides biological aspects, there are also legal aspects to surrogacy. In the USA, different states have different laws regarding surrogacy. Before you make a decision, study the state of affairs where you live. Who will be recognized as the child’s parents? Would your family have to go through the adoption process? What does the chosen method of surrogacy have to do with the law? The answers to these questions vary from state to state, so potential parents should take their research very seriously.

          As an alternative, couples can choose a program in another country. For example, in Georgia, there is a very positive attitude towards this route to motherhood. The legislation on this issue is quite clear—after the baby is born, the couple will receive a birth certificate that lists them as the child’s legal parents. There is no need for extensive legal measures. The StartYourSurrogacy clinic promises to support parents in every way possible and help to solve any and all legal issues.

          Final Thoughts

          Parenting is one of the highlights in many peoples’ lives. At the same time, it is a life-changing step for a person to take. True parents are those who raise their child, love them, protect them, and pass on the things that they have learned.

          Many people encounter obstacles on their journey to parenthood. Fortunately, in today’s world, there is always an alternative. When choosing an optimal surrogate, take a look at countries like Georgia, Europe. The doors of the StartYourSurrogacy clinic are open to those who want to make their dreams come true. Our highly-trained professionals will support you throughout the entire emotionally involved process.

          Can Surrogate Mother Change Her Mind and Keep the Baby?

          A child is a joy for every family. Unfortunately, there are people who can’t share this happiness for various reasons. However, there is a chance for such couples. Reproductive medicine has moved forward in recent years. Now, people who dream about a child can use a surrogacy program. In this way, parents find a healthy woman who agrees to give birth. Such a woman is called a surrogate mother.

          So what happens next? A surrogate mother carries a baby and gives it to customers. But who is the legal parent of the baby? And can a surrogate mother keep the child? This question is of concern to all partners who want to participate in the program of surrogacy.

          Who Has the Parental Rights

          In America, surrogacy is not very well organized. The main issue remains the parental rights of the surrogate mother. Some states are very loyal to surrogacy, both traditional and gestational. As a rule, state law regulates this branch of medicine. Some states allow only gestational surrogacy, the others forbid surrogacy at all. Even though there are states loyal to surrogacy, there are some restrictions.

          Before deciding on the surrogacy procedure in the USA, you should carefully study the legislation. Pay particular attention to the laws that regulate the surrogate mother’s rights, rights of potential parents, and the process of transferring parentage.

          Some states define a surrogate mother as a legal mother. In this case, the surrogate mother must give up her rights to the child voluntarily, and the parents undergo the adoption process. This causes a lot of inconveniences, and parents are at great risk of not getting a child. Eventually, people who live in states with such laws often apply to Europe, Ukraine, or Georgia for a surrogacy program.

          Regulation of surrogacy rights for parents in the USA

          In the USA, in states where surrogacy is allowed, this process is strictly regulated by law. As a rule, a parent and a surrogate mother sign a surrogate parentage contract. The conclusion of the contract, conditions of its fulfillment, and some other specific features change depending on the state.

          Pre- and post-birth orders

          To confirm your rights as your child’s parent, you can choose one of two agreements (both take effect only after the child is born):

          • Pre-birth order is an agreement between potential parents and a surrogate mother. It states that parental rights are fully owned by the couple, and the surrogate mother doesn’t claim the child in any case. When using the gestational surrogate method, the surrogate mother has no genetic connection with the child. This is the document that answers the question Does a surrogate mother have rights? Such a contract is concluded before the birth of the child and allows excluding any concerns in the future.
          • It is also possible to conclude a post-birth order. It has the same goal as the previous one. But it is concluded after the childbirth. In this case, the rights to the child are fully transferred to the parents. However, with this order, potential parents risk more. After all, there is a chance that the woman will change her mind, refuse to sign an agreement, and keep the baby.

          Can a Surrogate Change Her Mind After the Birth?

          Carrying and giving birth to a child is a complex process for a woman, both emotionally and physically. It may happen that the surrogate mother will refuse to leave the child. To resolve this problem in the USA, you can go to court. The question arises, Can a gestational surrogate keep the baby? No, she can’t, for she is not the genetic mother of the child. If you’ve used traditional surrogate motherhood, there may be problems. So it is better not to apply to such a program or choose another country for it.

          Contact us

            Best time to call back:


            Why Choose a Surrogate Mother from Georgia instead of the US?

            Can a surrogate mother keep the baby in Georgia? In this country, surrogacy is legal. While deciding on choosing surrogacy in Georgia, please study the following sections of the Georgian law—141, 143, 144.

            Advantages of the surrogate program in Georgia

            Many couples from the US and other European countries, who dream about a happy family with children, choose Georgia for the surrogacy program. The conditions for this kind of procedure are favorable for couples. Here is the list of advantages of applying for the surrogacy program in Georgia:

            It’s legal

            Surrogate maternity programs in Georgia are supported at the governmental level. This is why you will not have any problems with laws.

            It’s safe

            A surrogate mother can’t keep the baby under any circumstances. Parental rights are fully owned by the couple who decided to have a child.

            It’s versatile

            If you used donor material, don’t worry. This case is also covered by Georgian legislation. The rights are granted to people who have applied for the program.

            It’s fast

            Within one day after the baby is born, the parents receive a birth certificate.

            Final Thoughts

            Are you dreaming of becoming parents and dedicate your life to raising your child, who will inherit the best qualities from you? Georgia is a friendly country that helps people become happy parents avoiding legal problems.

            Georgia has one of the lowest COVID-19 rates in all of Europe

            Concerned about traveling once the stay-at-home order is lifted?

            The country of Georgia promises a place of refuge during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to several sources, including The Washington Post and Forbes, Georgia has one of the lowest COVID-19 rates in all of Europe.

            As of May 30, 2020, Georgia has had 746 confirmed cases, 576 who have made a full recovery, and 12 COVID-19 related deaths.

            These impressively low rates are attributed to the Georgian government’s aggressive approach towards disease-prevention, between closing schools immediately, and installing health screenings at airports and borders.

            Pandemic or not, Georgia continues to be one of the safest travel destinations in Europe, and is considered by many to be a “hidden gem”. Tbilisi, the country’s capital, is considered to be five times safer (in regard to crime rate) than London or Paris. This vibrant city allows for the combination of old and new cultural elements, and is a “must-visit” for those who seek gastronomy, culture, architecture, and diversity.

            Contact us

              Best time to call back:


              There is also an abundance of places to stay, whether it be apartments, boutique hotels, or guesthouses—all of which cost nearly a quarter of those in another European capital.

              As Georgia prepares to reopen its border on July 1st, the Georgian government plans to take as many precautions as possible in order to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

              The current plan includes a “phased” reopening, in which “peer countries” such as Israel, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic will be the first to establish direct flights to Georgia. Then, as COVID-19 rates begin to lower in other countries, Georgia will be able to fully reopen and allow visitors from all over the world.