The United States allows for what is known as “commercial surrogacy“. While that term may conjure up thoughts about buying babies and “wombs for rent”, it simply means that surrogates in the US can be compensated for their efforts. The alternative is “altruistic surrogacy“, where a surrogate is only reimbursed for expenses but doesn’t get additional payments. There are a lot of misconceptions about surrogacy, and this extends to how surrogates are paid. Be careful because not understanding how this process works can open you up to costly scams. Here’s what you need to know about surrogate compensation.
What are surrogates paid for?
Surrogates are paid compensation, reimbursements, and allowances.
Compensation
You will compensate your surrogate for helping to build your dream family. Payment is not just for the discomforts of pregnancy, but also for their time, rearranging schedules, efforts of taking injections and medications, being away from family, and all of the other sacrifices and risks involved.
Generally, surrogates are paid a base compensation that typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, although it can be higher or lower in some cases. You may also pay your surrogate for other procedures or milestones such as for embryo transfer, amniocentesis, carrying twins or having a c-section.
Reimbursement
Compensation is different from reimbursement. You will also reimburse your surrogate, or pay upfront, for things like the cost of traveling to the fertility office, needed medication, or lost wages since these are not covered in base compensation.
Allowance
You may also choose to give your surrogate an allowance to cover more minor expenses like buying maternity clothes, prenatal vitamins, paying for parking, etc. The alternative to an allowance would be to reimburse the actual cost of each item.
How is surrogacy compensation decided?
Surrogates get to decide what compensation package they’re comfortable with, while you, as the intended parent, set your own budget. Because there is no set standard and both of you have a say, it’s best to match with a surrogate whose ask is within your budget range. From there, it’s a negotiation.
If you choose to work with an agency, you may find that some have specific fee structures. Your attorney will also be able to advise you on reasonable amounts for the different compensations. What you ultimately agree to will be spelled out in your legal contract and set for your journey.
When are surrogates paid?
Compensation payments begin early in the first trimester, according to your contract. Common start times are pregnancy confirmation, heartbeat confirmation, and second viability ultrasound. Base compensation is generally paid in 8 to 10 equal monthly installments.
Be cautious about sending a surrogate money before embryo transfer and definitely not before contracts are signed. Most contracts have a fee paid to your surrogate for mock cycles, starting medications, or canceling cycles. However, a lot of people have fallen prey to scams that involve paying a “surrogate” inappropriately only to have the person vanish.
How are surrogates paid?
Surrogates are paid by you, the intended parents. There are different ways to transfer money, such as personal checks, Zelle, Venmo, etc. The most common way, however, is with a third-party escrow company. You fund the escrow account with a certain amount of money. The manager then sends money to your surrogate when specific conditions are met, such as the embryo transfer, or confirmation of pregnancy.
Surrogacy involves different types of payments, including monthly compensation payments, milestone payments, and reimbursement for expenses. The specific payment arrangements for fees and compensation are typically negotiated and agreed upon in the surrogacy contract between you and your surrogate. Ultimately, the compensation arrangements should be fair and agreeable for you both.
