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Using A Gestational Surrogate in Kansas City: Why is it so expensive?

Anyone that has looked into using a gestational surrogate, also referred to as a gestational carrier, knows that the associated expenses are very high. If you are just starting to investigate this option, you are probably taken back by what the total cost can be.  Using a gestational carrier to build and grow your family involves several teams of professionals and trained personnel.  These professionals offer risk management to assure that building and growing your family through surrogacy is a positive and successful experience.

One variable that greatly influences the total cost is the use of a family member or close friend as your gestational surrogate that is willing to carry for you without compensation.  Since the typical range for compensation for gestational surrogates is between $54,000-$70,000+, it saves intended parents a lot of money!

Here is a breakdown of potential costs if you decide to work with a surrogacy agency.  The ranges are wide because there are many variables that are specific to each family that will influence the total cost.

Agency Fees – Some agencies charge a flat fee that includes many services while others break out additional costs for services that are not included in their agency fee.  Clarification of pricing structure is important!

          Typical Range – $12,000-$18,000

Medical Related Fees – Vary based on geographic location of clinic and insurance coverage, as well as types of procedures to be done.

          Typical Range – $12,000-$25,000

Legal Fees- Typical Range – $3,500-$10,000

Gestational Surrogate Compensation Package:  Typical Range-$20,000-$35,000

Medical Insurance For Pregnancy/Delivery: Varies greatly depending on the gestational surrogate’s plan and deductibles if she does have coverage.  Multiples increases these costs.

          Typical Range – $2,000-$40,000

Miscellaneous Expenses – This category will include travel related expenses among other things.

          Typical Range – $3,000-$8,000

Using an Egg Donor or Surrogate in KC: Key Considerations

Using an egg donor, sperm donor, or gestational surrogate can be can effective option for those struggling with fertility.  With appropriate medical, legal, and psychological preparation, egg donation and gestational surrogacy can help build families and provide a rewarding experience for all involved.

The American Society For Reproductive Medicine is an excellent resource for reproductive health topics.  The list of key considerations listed below is taken form their Fact Sheet about Gamete (egg and sperm) and embryo donation.

Click here to access the full article.

These key considerations can help you to avoid unmet expectations or disappointments in the future.

Key considerations:

• Consult with specialists in reproductive medicine who are qualified and experienced.
• Use legal counsel that is well-versed in reproductive law in locations where both the donor and recipients reside.
• Work with a mental health professional who is experienced and familiar with the issues of third-party family-building.
• Consider if, when, what, and how to tell the child and others.
• Understand that:
• Laws regarding reproductive rights are constantly changing.
• Files regarding donation identities may be opened at any time (if they are challenged in court or if current laws change).
• Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
• Secrets are difficult to keep, and information can be unintentionally shared or discovered with science and technology that are advanced and more widely accessible.
• Making peace with your personal feelings about donation must be done before sharing this information.

For information about using an egg donor or gestational surrogate to build and grow your family, contact us today.

Finding A Surrogate In Kansas City: What Are My Options?

If you are considering using a gestational surrogate to build and grow your family, you are likely trying to decide where to start.  The first place most people start is considering if they have a family member or close friend that would be a good candidate.  If that is an option for you, and the candidate is healthy physically and mentally, then that is most likely going to be the best option from a financial standpoint.  Most people that utilize a family member or close friend do not pay any compensation and therefore save $20,000-$40,000.

If a family member or close friend is not an option for you, then you are left with trying to find someone on your own, or working with an agency.  There are not many benefits of finding your own surrogate rather than working with an agency.  Although you will save money (maybe) by not working with any agency since you will not pay an agency fee, many people that do try to find a surrogate on their own spend thousands of dollars on candidates that ultimately do now work out to be a viable candidate.  In addition the emotional burden of the process can be very difficult to manage.

For more information about working with an agency to find your gestational surrogate, contact us today at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com.

Kansas City’s Only Egg Donor and Surrogacy Agency Is One Year Old!

Happy Anniversary Pathways To Parenthood!

One year ago, in May 2013 Pathways To Parenthood started the amazing journey of serving families, egg donors, and surrogates.  The journey actually started long before with a dream of providing intended parents, egg donors, and gestational surrogates with a local agency that was professional, compassionate, and hands-on.  It was important to me that all people we would work with felt valued and important.

My passion for helping others build and grow their family continues to grow when I see the joy that others feel when realizing their dream come true.  It is also amazing to see how our egg donors and gestational surrogates feel after helping others in such a special and unique way.

I look forward to continuing to provide top-notch service and compassion to our clients, egg donors, and surrogates in the years to come!

Kerry Christifano

M.A., LCPC

Founder of Pathways To Parenthood