Why Is Surrogacy So Expensive?
The surrogacy process is a life-changing event that requires planning and organizing well in advance of getting started on the journey. Two major areas that influence the surrogacy process are how long it will take, and how much it will cost. The following information will outline the range of costs for the surrogacy process, and hopefully help you understand why it is so (unfortunately) expensive!
There are many factors that influence the overall cost of working with a surrogate to build your family. There are multiple professionals that are a part of the surrogacy process, all with associated fees for services provided. The costs outlined here are what you can expect if you work with a surrogacy agency to build your family through surrogacy. There may be ways to save money if you choose to work independently, and not work with a surrogacy agency. One word of caution however is that what can be a cost-saving strategy can ultimately cost you more money in the long run if the process does not go as expected. And/or it can cost you in other ways, such as added stress, longer time to complete the process (baby!), and the psychological/emotional costs of working independently.
The range of cost to build your family through surrogacy, working with a surrogacy agency, typically falls between $75,000-$150,000+. This does not include the cost of using an egg donor or sperm donor, or donated embryos. If that is part of your family building plan, there will be additional costs specific to that process.
The range of costs related to the surrogacy process are greatly influenced by a few very important factors that will benefit you to give consideration to before moving forward. One major factor that you have control over is which surrogacy agency you work with. Surrogacy agencies have fees for the services that they provide. All agencies structure their services and fees differently, so make sure you understand these well if trying to decide which agency is a better fit for you. The right fit may be influenced by other factors other than agency fees, so give some thought to what else is important to you when working with a surrogate and a surrogacy agency to build your family.
Another factor that can greatly influence your overall cost, and is not completely in your control, is whether your surrogate’s insurance will cover her pregnancy as a surrogate. If you do work with a surrogacy agency, you can let them know that you cannot afford to work with a surrogate that does not have insurance coverage. However, you may have to wait much longer to match with a surrogate. If your surrogate has an exclusion in her insurance policy, then you will have the cost of providing an alternate insurance option.
Other services that you will need when using a surrogate to build your family include the medical treatment provided by a fertility clinic. There is some variance in costs between fertility clinics, so it is important to get cost estimates for the treatment plan for working with a surrogate.
You will also have legal expenses to cover the legal agreements and legal processes that are a part of the surrogacy journey. These fees can vary somewhat between attorneys, however most work within a similar range. One major factor that influences he cost is the state which your attorney practices in, and where your baby will be born.
Another expense is the compensation package for your surrogate. This can vary greatly depending on the surrogacy agency you work with, where they are located, and where your surrogate lives. There are many great surrogates that are willing to accept lesser compensations at smaller agencies. This is definitely a category of cost where more money does not translate into a better experience.
There are other potential surrogate related expenses such as travel, incidentals, co-pays, deductibles, child-care, and lost wages. Your surrogacy agency can help you understand better how much these expenses will be as they vary depending on where your surrogate lives, and where your fertility clinic is located. Pathways To Parenthood: An Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency can provide the information you are looking for about surrogacy costs and much more! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at 913-469-5500, or kerry@pathwaystoparenthood.com.
The Surrogacy Journey Continues……
By: Markay Mason
In my previous blog post, I shared the beginning of my surrogacy process and how I found my surrogacy agency, Pathways To Parenthood. Their expertise ensured that I was matched with the best intended parents ever! It was very important to me that I shared the amazing surrogacy journey with the right match. It was important to Pathways To Parenthood also, and they made sure it was the best match for all parties.
After the matching process, all the remaining steps in the surrogacy process went very smoothly. From the medical evaluation at the fertility clinic, to navigating the legal process, to preparing for embryo transfer, Pathways To Parenthood was there every step of the way.
And then there was the embryo transfer! It was a success-we were pregnant! Because my intended parents had experienced so much loss, they did not want to know the outcome until I was really, really pregnant! Soooo I kept my exciting news secret. I felt like I was going to burst with excitement and joy! But I kept it secret from them until the 6-week ultrasound. I will never forget the look on my intended mom’s face when she saw her little bitty baby on the screen! It was the best surprise ever!
Each passing day, week, and doctor’s appointment, I am feeling more and more joy anticipating the birth of this very special baby boy. My heart is so full, and I am so anxious and excited to give my amazing intended parents the best gift. He is going to be such a light in so many lives-including my own. As we get closer to my due date, I am fully understanding why they call surrogacy a journey. It has taken me to places I could have never imagined. It has been such a humbling beautiful experience. I can’t wait for this little boy to be born. Stay tuned….
Before I go, if you are considering becoming a surrogate, especially if you live in Kansas or Missouri, Pathways To Parenthood is your go to for expertise in surrogacy. They will provide reliable information about all aspects of surrogacy. Plus, they care about their surrogates and it shows! Give Kerry a call at 913-469-5500 or email her at kerry@pathwaystoparenthood.com.
Surrogacy Close To Home
If you live in Kansas or Missouri and have considered becoming a surrogate or working with a surrogate, contact Pathways To Parenthood today! We are located in the Kansas City area and offer you not only surrogacy expertise, but a safe surrogacy process with short-distance travel, or travel by car. With all of the risks in today’s world with coronavirus, our location is ideal to ensure safety during your surrogacy process that does not require flying or long-distance travel.
The majority of our surrogates and families live in the Midwest in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. We have also helped surrogates and families with the surrogacy process that live in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. If you prefer to work with a surrogacy agency that offers matching with a surrogate or families that live in the Midwest, Pathways To Parenthood is the surrogacy agency for you!
We understand that location is not the only consideration that is important to consider when choosing your surrogacy agency. We also offer unparalleled service and experience. We value our surrogates and our families that trust us to join them in one of the most important events in their lives. We offer free consultations so contact us today to learn more! You can reach us at 913-469-5500, or
kerry@pathwaystoparenthood.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Surrogacy Facts You Need To Know
Surrogacy Laws Vary By State
Since there are not federal surrogacy laws, each state creates their own surrogacy laws. Although the United States is one of the most surrogacy friendly countries, there is variance state by state. Some states do not enforce legal agreements between surrogates and intended parents, and/or don’t have a clear and legally sound process to establish parentage after the birth of your baby. Pathways To Parenthood only works with surrogates that live in states where surrogates and intended parents are legally protected. Legal considerations are of the utmost importance for everyone.
Working With A Surrogacy Agency Can Save Time, Money & Stress
If you are fortunate enough to have a family member or close friend who is willing and able to be your surrogate, you are lucky and should go for it! If not, a surrogacy agency in the long run will be the most convenient, timesaving, cost-effective, and stress free way to build your family through surrogacy. With 50-100 potential steps in the process, there are many places along the way where trouble or problems can arise. An experienced and reputable agency will eliminate many of the problems before they even happen. For problems that are unexpected or unavoidable, a qualified and experienced agency will be best suited to manage them in the process.
The best overall and safest way to find a surrogate? Contact Pathways To Parenthood. We are the Surrogacy Experts.
Surrogates Are Motivated By More Than Just The Money
Surrogates are paid compensation for the time, effort and health risks involved in being a surrogate. But most surrogates are caring and compassionate women who love being pregnant and love helping others. One amazing statement that many Pathways To Parenthood surrogates state as part of their motivation is “to teach and show their children how wonderful it is to help others”
Surrogates Do Not Want To Keep Your Baby
Pathways To Parenthood’s screening process, which includes a psychological evaluation, ensures our surrogate’s motivation to help you have YOUR baby is at the very top of the list of motivating factors. Most surrogates have completed their families and want to help you complete yours.
To learn more about building your family through surrogacy, contact Pathways To Parenthood today at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com.