The United States is a popular destination for international surrogacy, firstly, because it has the most advanced IVF clinic in the world, with the highest success rate in the world, and secondly, because babies born from U.S. surrogacy directly have U.S. citizenship. Although the U.S. is expensive, the high price brings a lot of convenience and protection at the same time. Today the webmaster will give you a detailed introductionDetailed Costs of Surrogacy in the United Statesas well asWhere is the cheapest surrogacy in the United StatesThe

Breakdown of the cost of surrogacy in the United States

The average surrogacy cost in the U.S. starts at $150,000, and usually $200,000 if things go well enough to sign up for a guaranteed surrogacy program, which means unlimited transplants until the surrogate mother successfully carries the baby. The most expensive surrogacy costs arePayment of surrogate mothers and service fees of surrogacy agencies, these are the ones that have to be spent, both of which have a direct impact on the success or failure of the surrogacy.

Here's a brief breakdown of the costs involved in the surrogacy process:

Surrogacy agency agency fees

questAmerican Surrogacy AgencyComing to the aid of a surrogacy agency is something that many families are more than eager to do, and the agency can help smooth the process of finding a surrogate mother, as well as coordinating the entire surrogacy process. The cost of different surrogacy agencies varies greatly, depending on the level of service they provide.

Below are some of the organizations and their corresponding fees:

• So-and-so Surrogacy Center $55,000
• So-and-So Surrogacy Network $30,000
• So-and-so surrogate $38,000
• So-and-so surrogate $34,000

Cost breakdown of surrogacy agency services:

Surrogate Mother Recruitment Service: Agencies spend a lot of time and money finding surrogate moms.

Screening Match for Potential Surrogate Mothers: Before deciding to work with a surrogate mother, the surrogacy agency conducts several interviews and a background check.

Legal services: Surrogacy agencies work with legal teams for legal support during the surrogacy process to ensure proper parental rights.

Payment management: When working with an agency.Usually not all at once. Usually a payment is not made until after a certain process and there will be a finance department that handles the funds and transfers them to the other party.

Compensation for surrogate motherhood

Once the surrogacy agency has selected a suitable surrogate, it is important that the intended parents provide a reasonable compensation fee to the surrogate so that the surrogate can be assured of a more assured service throughout the process. According to the 2023 Surrogacy Status SurveyThe new compensation for surrogate mothers rises from $50,000 in 2023 to $60,000 for future trips.

Surrogate medical expenses

The medical costs of surrogacy in the United States vary depending on a number of factors, including region, hospital, doctor, and surrogacy agency. In general, the medical costs of surrogacy will usually include the following:

In vitro fertilization (IVF) costs: This is one of the most expensive parts of the surrogacy process.The cost of a cycle of the IVF procedure usually ranges from $25,000 to $35,000., but it will also vary from case to case.

Cost of prenatal care: This includes the cost of regular prenatal visits, ultrasounds, blood tests, etc., for the surrogate mother. These costs usually range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Legal fees for surrogacy

legal fees are a necessary part of surrogacy.to ensure that child custody is recognized in a clear agreementThe

Drafting and reviewing surrogacy contracts: The surrogacy attorney will draft the surrogacy contract to ensure that it contains the rights and responsibilities of both parties and complies with local laws and regulations.

Legal advice: A surrogacy attorney will provide legal counseling to both parties, answering questions they may have about the surrogacy process, the terms of the contract, legal responsibilities, etc., as well as providing professional advice.

Representation of the parties in legal matters: The surrogacy attorney will represent the surrogate parents and the surrogate mother in all legal matters, including the signing of documents related to the contract, court proceedings (if any), handling of disputes, etc.

Coordination of other legal matters: A surrogacy attorney may also coordinate other related legal matters, such as health insurance issues, confirmation of the legal status of biological parents, etc.

There is a cost to the agencies as they work with legal experts who specialize in reproductive rights.Typically $8,000 to $10,000.The

Legal fees are usually paid in two parts, when the documents are initially drafted and when the attorney at the time of birth drafts the final parental rights documents.

premium

In addition to the basic costs of surrogacy, there are some additional costs that may be incurred during the process. For example:

living expense

A surrogate mother may need additional living expenses to meet her needs during her pregnancy, such as food, lodging, and transportation.

Travel costs

If the surrogate mother is not in the same area as her parents, travel expenses may be required, including transportation to and from the hospital or doctor's office.

Regional differences in surrogacy costs

Agencies in larger cities may charge higher fees because of the higher wages they require to provide surrogate mothers as the cost of living increases. In states with lower spending, there are usually fewer employees and surrogate mom options, but they may be slightly less expensive.

Personal advice, try to find the more perfect laws of the state, can ensure that the later smooth holding baby, even if some states living costs are cheaper, but if there is any dispute, then it may be all for naught, all the money down the drain.

For the time being.CaliforniaStates such as Oregon, Illinois, and Colorado are often considered surrogacy friendly!, have well-established surrogacy agencies and clinics, helping to reduce overall costs. These states also have laws that protect the rights of surrogates and intended parents, making the process more streamlined and less prone to legal disputes.

Recommended Reading:

American Surrogacy Prices (2024 Surrogacy Cost Breakdown)

How to choose the best surrogacy agency? A list of must-see questions for selecting a surrogacy agency

Surrogacy process in detail

Which US state has the cheapest surrogacy?

Below is a compilation of some surrogacy agency costs for you to understand the regional differences:

• xx Surrogacy Center New York $150,000
• xx Surrogacy Agency Texas $90,000 - $150,000
• xx Surrogacy Agency Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa $90,000 - $150,000
• xx Surrogacy Center California $150,000 - $200,000

Based on current data, California, Illinois, and Texas, among others, are known for their surrogacy-friendly legal environments and abundant medical resources, and thus may be more popular in the surrogacy arena. However, the legality and specific legal requirements of surrogacy may vary from state to state, so choosing the most popular state may depend on individual needs and priorities.

Hidden costs and unforeseen expenses

Surrogacy is a lengthy process and unexpected circumstances may occur. Some of these unforeseen events may result in additional costs, potential costs include:

Twins:

Pregnant women with twins usually require more frequent medical monitoring and examinations, which can lead to a significant increase in health-care costs. Twin pregnancies have a higher risk of preterm labor and other complications, which may require additional medical interventions, such as preterm infant monitoring.

Pregnancy complications:

Unanticipated medical costs: complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension require special medication and more intensive monitoring.

Prolonged hospitalization: Certain complications may require the surrogate mother to be hospitalized for an extended period of time, increasing medical and accommodation costs.

Insurance:

Coverage issues: Many insurance policies may not cover the costs of the surrogacy process or specific complications, which are the sole responsibility of the surrogates.

Additional Insurance Costs: Additional insurance may need to be purchased to cover specific risks during surrogacy, which can add to the overall cost.

Legal issues:

Contractual disputes: unclear terms in contracts can lead to legal disputes requiring additional legal advice and litigation costs.

Custody Issues: If a dispute arises regarding child custody, it may need to be resolved legally, which can incur significant legal fees.

Here, the webmaster advises parents choosing surrogacy that they need to be fully prepared for all contingencies in advance to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible while mitigating any risks and stress that may arise. Estimate a budget for the entire surrogacy process, including medical expenses, legal fees, and life support costs for the surrogate mother, and set up a contingency budget for possible additional costs. Consider purchasing specialized insurance products to cover special medical expenses and legal fees that may arise during the surrogacy process.

Is surrogacy legal in the United States?

Surrogacy in the United StatesThe law remains unregulated at the federal level, and each state has its own laws. Even states that are considered "surrogacy friendly" have laws that vary greatly from state to state. For example, some states only allow surrogacy for heterosexual couples, while others allow surrogacy for married couples but not for single people.

Prospective parents should only consider surrogacy programs in "surrogacy-friendly" states that have a supportive legal framework. Surrogacy-friendly legal frameworks include the following separate court processes:

Surrogacy agreement

This is a contract between the prospective parents and the surrogate mother, and the surrogacy agreement will detail the responsibilities and duties of both the prospective parents and the surrogate mother.

Pre-Birth Parent-Child Order

Sometimes referred to as a declaration of paternity, this order is enforced late in the pregnancy. It requires hospitals to put the names of the intended parents on the baby's birth certificate. States that support pre-birth paternity orders will never put the surrogate mother's name on the birth certificate (unless the intended parents request it).

Post-Birth Parent-Child Orders

In states that do not support pre-birth paternity orders, this court order establishes a baby's parentage based on the surrogacy agreement, but the order is only issued after the baby is born. A post-birth paternity order may give the surrogate a brief opportunity to challenge the agreement, although in most states, a regular and valid surrogacy contract will make such a challenge nearly impossible.

Related reading:

What are the states where surrogacy is legal in the US? Is surrogacy legal in the United States?

Where can I get a surrogate in the United States?

"Surrogate-friendly" states in the US

California:

Very favorable. Several court cases have upheld surrogacy agreements and pre-birth paternity orders.

Connecticut:

Connecticut is "surrogacy friendly". Whether single or married, straight or gay, or even unrelated to the child, surrogate parents-to-be can obtain a pre-birth paternity order.

Delaware:

Clear legislation supports surrogacy agreements and pre-birth paternity orders.

District of Columbia:

Since 2017, commercial surrogacy agreements have been legally supported. The law also defines paternity under the terms of various ART programs.

Maine:

Since 2016, pre-birth paternity orders have been supported by law, with some limitations.

New Hampshire:

Surrogacy agreements will be upheld and pre-birth paternity orders will be upheld if the intended parents and surrogate mother follow specific guidelines.

New Jersey:

New Jersey is "very surrogacy friendly" and makes it easy to obtain pre-birth orders whether the surrogate uses her own genetic material or donated eggs and sperm.

Nevada:

Very favorable.

Clear legislation supports surrogacy agreements and pre-birth paternity orders.

Washington:

Washington state is "very friendly" to gestational surrogates.

The state allows married or unmarried couples, same-sex or heterosexual, to obtain a prenatal paternity order even if both parents are not expected to be genetically related to the child.

More Surrogate-Friendly States in the U.S.

Alabama:

Pre-birth paternity order supported for married couples only

Alaska:

There is no statutory provision, but the courts have generally upheld it. There is no explicit support for pre-birth paternity orders.

Arkansas:

Surrogacy agreements have been declared valid by local law, and a 2017 court ruling applied the law to both heterosexual and same-sex married couples. Same-sex couples need to be married.

Colorado:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Florida:

Gestational surrogacy agreements are only allowed between legally married couples and can only be signed after the birth of the baby.

Georgia:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Hawaii:

No supporting legislation and no pre-birth paternity order issued

Illinois:

Illinois is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the United States. Specific legislation allows prospective parents to obtain pre-birth and post-birth paternity orders as long as one parent is genetically related to the baby.

Kansas:

There is no legal requirement, but the courts have generally upheld it. Pre-birth orders may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Kentucky:

There is no legal requirement, but the courts generally support it. Married couples can obtain pre-birth paternity orders.

Maryland:

While prospective parents can obtain pre-birth and post-birth paternity orders, there is no statute or case law that governs the enforcement of surrogacy contracts, meaning that the issuance of a paternity order is dependent on the court. Nonetheless, in most cases, prospective parents can obtain pre-birth orders without legal trouble.

Massachusetts:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Minnesota:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Missouri:

Although Missouri has not enacted pre-birth paternity orders, it has an effective system of post-birth orders. The state allows individuals, married or unmarried couples (same-sex or heterosexual) to obtain a post-birth paternity order even if both parents are not expected to be genetically related to the child.

Mississippi:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

North Carolina:

North Carolina does not have specific laws regarding gestational surrogacy, which means that procedures and legal outcomes vary by county and judge. Married prospective parents receive pre-birth paternity orders, but unmarried couples may face some legal trouble given the uncertainty of the state's legal framework.

North Dakota:

Local law states that if one of the surrogate parents is genetically related to the baby, then the child born to the surrogate is the child of the intended parent.

New Mexico:

There is no law on this, but the courts have generally upheld it. Each birth order may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Ohio:

Intended parents can apply for a pre-birth order in Ohio without going through the legal hassle. The state allows individuals, married or unmarried couples (same-sex or straight), to obtain pre-birth paternity orders even if the intended parents are not genetically related to the child.

Oklahoma:

Surrogacy in Oklahoma is rated as "relatively friendly." Although the law allows married expectant parents (whether straight or gay) to engage in gestational surrogacy in Oklahoma, unmarried couples are not permitted to obtain a prenatal paternity order with both of their names on it. Single prospective parents can obtain a prenatal paternity order even if they are not related to the child.

Oregon:

There is no law, but the courts do allow pre-birth paternity orders if at least one parent is genetically related to the child.

Rhode Island:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Pennsylvania:

Despite the absence of clear case law or legislation, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania has overturned lower court decisions denying surrogacy contracts and intended parental rights. However, due to the lack of legislation, the availability of parental orders continues to vary throughout the state.

South Carolina:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

South Dakota:

There is no law, but the courts have generally upheld it.

Texas:

Gestational surrogacy agreements are supported, but only between legally married heterosexual couples.

Utah:

Gestational surrogacy agreements are only permitted between legally married heterosexual couples and only if a court review after the birth of the child confirms the validity of the agreement.

Wisconsin:

A court may uphold a pre-birth paternity order, but a post-birth order is always needed to establish legal paternity after birth.

West Virginia:

Pre-birth orders are supported, but only between legally married heterosexual couples.

States friendly to the United States under certain conditions

Iowa:

There is no law, but local statutes do recognize that "surrogacy arrangements" do not constitute human trafficking.

Idaho:

Although there is no supporting legislation, a pre-birth paternity order can only be granted if a couple uses their own eggs/sperm in an IVF cycle.

Montana:

There is no law and very little legal precedent.

Nebraska:

Commercial surrogacy agreements are prohibited by law and there is no clear law supporting altruistic surrogacy agreements.

New York:

Surrogacy agreements are legal, and if the intended surrogate parent is a resident of the state, a pre-birth paternity order can be issued beginning in 2021. The surrogate or at least one parent must reside in the state for six months to qualify for a pre-birth paternity order.

Tennessee:

Local law regulates and supports surrogacy agreements, provided that the surrogate parties are genetically related to the baby. If the surrogate party uses an egg donor, then the surrogate must relinquish her parental rights.

Vermont:

There is no law regulating surrogacy. The courts do not uphold pre-birth orders, but can issue post-birth paternity orders.

Virginia:

Gestational surrogacy agreements are permitted, subject to a complex set of restrictions. Typically, surrogate mothers are granted a postnatal paternity order.

States in the U.S. that do not accept surrogacy

Arizona:

Local laws prohibit surrogacy agreements and surrogates are legally legal mothers.

Indiana:

Surrogacy in Indiana violates local public policy by prohibiting surrogacy contracts. This makes Indiana one of the few states in the United States that is "unfriendly" to surrogacy. Nonetheless, some courts will grant parental orders even if the surrogacy contract is invalid.

Louisiana:

Legally, surrogacy is limited to married heterosexual couples using their own eggs/sperm.

Michigan:

Commercial surrogacy agreements are prohibited. Individuals who engage in commercial surrogacy agreements may face severe criminal penalties.

U.S. states without surrogacy legislation

Wyoming:

There is no law and very little legal precedent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Surrogacy in the United States

How much does it cost to be a surrogate in the United States?

In the United States, surrogacy agencies cost between $150,000 and $200,000. "Independent surrogates" cost as little as US$ 100,000, but can be more difficult to manage.

What are the lower cost options?

Low-cost surrogacy options can save anywhere from $10,000 to about $30,000 with an "independent surrogate". Independent surrogacy does not require a surrogacy agency, but rather requires the intended parents to work directly with a surrogate.

How much does a surrogate mom make?

The total cost of surrogate motherhood will be about half of the surrogacy budget. In the United States, a surrogacy reimbursement costs between $60,000 and $80,000.