While you’ve been researching surrogacy, you may have learned that you have a right to receive base compensation as a surrogate. But, there are plenty of pregnancy- and surrogacy-related costs that arise throughout your surrogacy process. Will you be responsible for those? The answer is no.

If you’re confused about what this entails, then you can contact us today to get free surrogacy information now. In the meantime, though, we have put together this expansive guide on the costs of surrogacy. In addition to having all your expenses reimbursed, being a surrogate costs pretty much nothing.

We’ll explain everything you need to know and answer that lingering question: How much is it to be a surrogate?

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Surrogate Mother? [Surrogacy Is Free for You]

If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, then you may be asking, “How much does being a surrogate cost?” You can rest assured knowing that the intended parents and your surrogacy professional will always take care of the financials. In other words, surrogacy is 100% free for prospective surrogates like you.

When you become a surrogate, you are dedicating plenty of time and energy toward helping others realize their parenting dreams. Because of this selfless, heroic and loving choice that you’re making, you shouldn’t have to fret about finances. You should be able to focus on your pregnancy and health during this time, so there isn’t a cost of being a surrogate mother.

Surrogacy professionals and intended parents cover these costs to ensure that you don’t have to worry about them. Although you’ll need to make sure that you qualify as a surrogate first, money should not have to prevent you from pursuing a certain path.

To give you a better idea of the costs of being a surrogate that you’ll have covered, here is what the intended parents and your surrogacy professional can pay for:

• Maternity clothes
• Lost wages from maternity leave
• Travel costs
• Hospital visits
• Medical procedures
• Childcare
• And more

Your surrogacy professional will outline the standard fees for being a surrogate in your surrogacy contract. This is why you will need to work with a reputable surrogacy attorney to ensure that all your costs are covered and that everything is handled in a fair, ethical and legal fashion.

So, is there a cost of being a surrogate? No, there isn’t a cost because surrogacy is free for prospective surrogates. Money shouldn’t have to be an issue when you are choosing this heroic path.

What Are the Standard Fees for Being a Surrogate?

Not only is surrogacy free for prospective surrogates, but you will also receive surrogate base compensation. This means that you won’t have to pay for any surrogacy- or pregnancy-related expenses, and you will receive a financial boost on top of this. You can put this money toward a long-term goal, such as purchasing a car or paying off student loans.

But, what are the costs of being a surrogate, exactly? There isn’t a definitive answer to that question because no two surrogacy journeys are the same. For instance, your state’s surrogacy laws and your experience with surrogacy will determine how much compensation you receive. In other words, a first-time surrogate will receive less money than someone who has repeatedly proven their ability to carry many surrogate pregnancies to term. Be sure to speak with your surrogacy professional to see how much compensation you are eligible for.

From a general standpoint, though, most surrogates in the U.S. receive around $30,000. Be wary of surrogacy agencies that offer rates that seem too good to be true. More often than not, those rates drop exponentially when you actually begin working with them. That’s why it’s important to work with an agency that offers a compensation rate that seems realistic. The best surrogacy professionals are honest about their compensation packages. This allows you to make the best choice for your situation.

The Physical and Emotional Cost of Being a Surrogate Mother

When many prospective surrogates think about the cost of being a surrogate mother, they typically think about the finances. But, you should also account for the physical and emotional costs of being a surrogate. Though surrogacy is a beautiful journey, it can also be difficult. There are plenty of doctor’s appointments, meetings with intended parents and other time-consuming aspects.

Surrogacy is not a light decision by any means, so you will need to consider the non-financial components, too. To help you get started, here are a few things to think about:

• The physical toll of childbirth and pregnancy: If you have been pregnant before, then you will know that pregnancy is not easy on the body. But, every pregnancy is unique, so it could be easier or harder this time around.
• Your support system of friends and family: No one should pursue surrogacy alone. You will need to have a solid support system of friends, family or other loved ones to help you through this journey. For example, your spouse will need to take care of the household, and you may need to look into childcare if it applies to your situation. Make sure your family is supportive before you commit to this path.
• Surrogacy can be an emotional experience: Even when you’re carrying a child who is not your own, pregnancy can still have an emotional effect on you. There is pre- and post-partum depression to consider, so be prepared for any emotional difficulties that arise throughout the journey.

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When you ask, “Do you have to pay to be a surrogate mother,” the answer is always no. But, there are several non-financial aspects of being a surrogate that you will need to consider, too. Surrogacy is not a simple journey, but it is rewarding. You are making this selfless decision to help give the gift of parenthood to other people, and they will be forever thankful for that.

If you have any more questions about surrogacy, then don’t hesitate to fill out our online contact form to get more surrogacy information now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!