You want to have a family of your own at any cost; but like it or not, cost is definitely a huge factor when considering gestational surrogacy. Most intended parents aren’t wealthy and have to work hard, plan carefully, and sacrifice a few things to afford it. It’s well worth the effort, of course; but knowing the fees and expenses before you start the process is a wise move.
How Much Does Gestational Surrogacy Cost?
Some say that the baseline cost for surrogacy is $60,000, but you are more likely to spend between $98,000 and $150,000 depending on the number of IVF cycles needed. Part of that money goes to the surrogate to reimburse her for her vital role in the process. Other expenses may include an agency fee (to locate your surrogate), legal fees (for drafting your agreement, legal representation of each party and determining parentage), fees for social workers and counselors, the costs of various medical procedures and drugs, travel expenses, and other incidentals. The total price tag differs for each surrogacy journey, since no pregnancy is predictable and no two surrogacy arrangements are the same.
How Do I Cover the Cost of Surrogacy?
You have a couple of options when it comes to gathering the money to pay for surrogacy. You can take on extra work or a second job, cut back on expenses, and save up most or all of the money that way. You can take out a loan based on home equity, obtain financing through a surrogacy agency, or borrow against your 401K. Do some research to find out about your eligibility for grants, as well.
Consider creating a page on a crowd-funding or fundraising website. Tell your story, explain your hopes for starting or expanding your family, and ask your friends, coworkers, and family members to donate if they feel moved to do so. Crowd-funding requires revealing very personal information about yourself and your journey. So, prepared for friends and acquaintances asking very personal questions about your family-building journey. However, it may be worthwhile if you can raise a portion of the money to cover surrogacy expenses.
Where Should I Start?
Before you begin raising money, getting loans, or taking other steps to finance your journey, talk to a local attorney experienced in assisted reproductive law. A surrogacy lawyer in Maryland or your state of residence can alert you to any legal issues, and your attorney may also be able to recommend reputable surrogacy agencies and other reliable resources. Call an attorney today to begin your journey to parenthood.
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The Cost of Surrogacy: What Intended Parents Need to Know
About Attorney Nicole K. White
As a mother by gestational surrogacy and as a surrogacy lawyer, my goal is to help you experience the joy and fulfillment of starting or growing a family of your own through third party reproduction. Because I am a mother by gestational surrogacy, I know firsthand what you will need – answers to your questions, support and guidance – and, I know what you will go through when starting your family. My experience as a surrogacy lawyer helps me guide you through the financial, emotional and legal aspects of surrogacy. I can say with confidence that few (if any) attorneys deliver the unique insight I can bring to your surrogacy journey.
