If you are considering hiring a gestational surrogate, it is natural to wonder what costs are involved. California agencies set their own fees but there are certain costs that you can expect during the process.
Fertility tests and treatment
Most clinics run complete background health screenings on surrogates before allowing them to serve in this role. These tests include a pap smear, uterine check, STD testing and drug screens. Couples can expect to pay about $5,500 for tests and treatments.
In vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination
Prospective parents must decide between in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination in consultation with their doctors. They can expect to pay about $15,000 for in vitro fertilization while the costs can be as much as $4,000 for intrauterine insemination. If the first round does not succeed, this cost may need to be paid numerous times.
Egg collection
Perspective parents often must pay for eggs to be collected. This cost varies widely across the United States, depending on the egg donor’s location, ethnicity, education and experience. Graduates of Ivy League schools can usually get the highest fees. Expect to pay an average of about $7,000, but you may need to pay for egg storage.
Surrogate fees
California has some of the highest surrogate fees in the nation, with first-time surrogates getting about $33,000 and experienced surrogates earning approximately $50,000. Some couples may have a friend or family member willing to do it for free.
Agency fees
Agency fees cover the logistics of a surrogate pregnancy, including background checks, offering a matching service and coordinating everyone’s schedule. In California, agency fees run about $20,000.
Other costs
Other costs may include getting a legal document drawn up and notarized. Therefore, prospective parents should allocate about $28,000 for these costs, including labor and delivery costs.
There are many costs associated with becoming a surrogate parent. Understanding what they are can help you budget as you. build your family.