Surrogacy costs: What you need to know
Introduction
Surrogacy is a life-changing decision for couples or individuals who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term. It is a process where a woman carries a baby for another individual or couple who cannot do so themselves. Surrogacy allows hopeful parents to fulfill their dream of having a child, and it comes with different costs. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about surrogacy costs.
Types of surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.
Traditional surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy is the process where the surrogate mother uses her egg to create the embryo. The surrogate mother is genetically related to the child, which makes the legal aspect of surrogacy complicated. Traditional surrogacy is not a popular choice these days due to the legal and emotional complexities posed by the surrogate mother.
Gestational surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is the process where the surrogate mother carries an embryo created using the intended parents' or donor's sperm and egg. The intended parents are biological parents to the child, and the surrogate mother has no genetic relationship to the child. Gestational surrogacy is the more popular and preferred type of surrogacy today due to its simplicity, predictability, and the ability to avoid legal hurdles.
Surrogacy costs
Surrogacy costs vary depending on the type of surrogacy, the agency you choose, and the country you are in.
Agency fees
Agencies that offer surrogacy services charge fees for their services, and the cost varies between agencies. The fees typically cover the cost of finding a surrogate mother, medical screening, legal and psychological counseling, and managing the surrogacy process. Agency fees can range from $20,000 to $30,000.
Surrogate mother fees
Surrogate mothers are paid for their services, and the cost varies depending on several factors. These factors include the cost of living in the surrogate mother's location, the surrogate mother's experience, and the level of involvement the surrogate mother has in the surrogacy journey. The surrogate mother's fees can range from $30,000 to $50,000, and in some rare cases, the cost can go up to $100,000.
Medical expenses
Medical expenses for surrogacy include the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF), prenatal care and delivery, and any other medical expenses related to the surrogacy journey. These medical expenses can range from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on the number of IVF cycles, complications, and the cost of medical care in the location where the surrogate mother resides.
Legal fees
Legal fees are also part of surrogacy costs and vary depending on the location and complexity of the surrogacy journey. Legal fees for surrogacy include drafting and reviewing contracts, representation in court, and any other legal services required during the process. Legal fees can range from $10,000 to $30,000.
Conclusion
Surrogacy costs vary depending on various factors and can be expensive. However, surrogacy has helped many individuals and couples achieve their dream of having a child. Before choosing surrogacy, it is essential to research and understand the costs involved to ensure you can afford the process. Additionally, it is crucial to work with reputable agencies and surrogacy professionals to ensure a safe and successful surrogacy journey.