Breaking Down the Numbers: 30 Affordable Surrogacy Options Explained

Breaking Down the Numbers: 30 Affordable Surrogacy Options Explained

Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular option for couples and individuals struggling with fertility issues, same-sex couples, and single individuals who dream of starting a family. However, the cost of surrogacy can be a major deterrent for many, with average prices ranging from $90,000 to $150,000 in the United States. In this blog post, we will break down the numbers and explore 30 affordable surrogacy options that are available to individuals and couples.

Before delving into the options, it is essential to understand the basics of surrogacy. Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries a child for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child as she uses her own egg to conceive the child. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother carries a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended mother’s egg or a donor’s egg, and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. The child is not genetically related to the surrogate mother in this type of surrogacy.

Now, let’s explore the 30 affordable surrogacy options that can make your dream of parenthood a reality.

1. Independent Surrogacy

Independent surrogacy, also known as private surrogacy, involves an agreement between the intended parents and the surrogate mother without the involvement of a surrogacy agency. This option can be more affordable as the intended parents can negotiate the terms and fees directly with the surrogate mother.

2. Surrogacy through Family or Friends

Another affordable surrogacy option is to use a family member or friend as a surrogate mother. This option eliminates the need to pay agency fees and can be a more comfortable and trustworthy arrangement for the intended parents.

3. Surrogacy through a Non-Profit Agency

Non-profit surrogacy agencies, such as Shared Conception and Surrogate Alternatives, offer their services at a lower cost than for-profit agencies. These agencies often have a smaller pool of surrogates, but they provide personalized support and guidance throughout the surrogacy journey.

4. Surrogacy through a For-Profit Agency

For-profit surrogacy agencies, such as Family Source Consultants and Creative Family Connections, have a larger pool of surrogates and offer a variety of services, including matching, legal support, and psychological screening. However, their fees can be higher compared to non-profit agencies.

5. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Consultant

Surrogacy consultants, also known as surrogacy facilitators, offer services similar to surrogacy agencies but at a lower cost. They can help with matching, legal arrangements, and medical procedures, but the intended parents are responsible for finding and compensating the surrogate mother.

6. Surrogacy through International Agencies

International surrogacy agencies, such as World Center of Baby and New Life Global Network, offer surrogacy services in countries where the cost is significantly lower, such as Ukraine and Georgia. However, there may be additional expenses, such as travel and legal fees, to consider.

7. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Lawyer

Surrogacy lawyers can help with legal arrangements and contracts between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. This option may be more affordable as the lawyer’s fees are typically lower than those of an agency.

8. Surrogacy through a Surrogate Mother Support Group

Surrogate mother support groups, such as Surrogate Mothers Online and Surrogate Mothers Inc., offer a platform for intended parents to connect with potential surrogate mothers. These groups do not charge a fee, but the intended parents are responsible for finding and compensating the surrogate mother.

9. Surrogacy through a Fertility Clinic

Fertility clinics, such as Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and Pacific Fertility Center, offer surrogacy services, including IVF, at a lower cost compared to using an agency. However, the intended parents will still need to find and compensate the surrogate mother.

10. Surrogacy through Egg or Sperm Donation

For intended parents who need both a surrogate mother and donor gametes, using an egg or sperm donation program can be a more affordable option. These programs, such as My Egg Bank and Fairfax Cryobank, offer frozen donor eggs and sperm at a lower cost than using fresh donor gametes.

11. Surrogacy through Embryo Donation

Embryo donation involves using embryos from a donor couple who have completed their own IVF journey. This option can be more affordable as the intended parents only need to pay for the transfer and legal fees.

12. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Grant Program

Surrogacy grant programs, such as BabyQuest Foundation and Giving Hope Foundation, provide financial assistance to intended parents who qualify based on their income, medical history, and other criteria.

13. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Fundraiser

Some intended parents turn to crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe and YouCaring, to raise funds for their surrogacy journey. This option requires promoting the fundraiser through social media and other channels to reach potential donors.

14. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Loan

Surrogacy loans, such as Prosper Healthcare Lending and CapexMD, offer financing options specifically for surrogacy and fertility treatments. These loans often have lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared to traditional loans.

Breaking Down the Numbers: 30 Affordable Surrogacy Options Explained

15. Surrogacy through Government Programs

Some countries, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, offer government-funded surrogacy programs for their citizens. These programs have strict eligibility criteria and may have long waiting lists, but they can significantly reduce the cost of surrogacy.

16. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mother Insurance

Some surrogate mothers may have their own insurance that covers surrogacy, eliminating the need for the intended parents to purchase a separate policy. This option can save thousands of dollars in insurance costs.

17. Surrogacy through a Surrogacy Scholarship Program

Surrogacy scholarship programs, such as The Surrogacy Grant and The Gift of Surrogacy, offer financial assistance to intended parents who have experienced financial hardships, such as job loss or medical expenses.

18. Surrogacy through Surrogacy Benefits from Employers

Some employers, such as Starbucks and Microsoft, offer surrogacy benefits as part of their employee benefits package. This option can significantly reduce the cost of surrogacy for employees.

19. Surrogacy through a Surrogate Mother’s Insurance Coverage

If the surrogate mother has insurance coverage that includes surrogacy, the intended parents may not need to purchase a separate policy. However, this option is only available in certain states, and the insurance company may not cover all surrogacy-related expenses.

20. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with IVF Coverage

Some surrogate mothers may have insurance coverage that includes IVF, which can significantly reduce the cost of surrogacy for the intended parents. This option is only available in certain states.

21. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Medical Insurance

If the surrogate mother has medical insurance, the intended parents may not need to purchase a separate policy. However, this option is only available in certain states, and the insurance company may not cover all surrogacy-related expenses.

22. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Life Insurance

Some surrogate mothers may have life insurance coverage, which can provide financial protection for the intended parents in case of any medical complications during the surrogacy journey.

23. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Disability Insurance

If the surrogate mother has disability insurance, it can provide financial protection for the intended parents in case of any medical complications during the surrogacy journey.

24. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Worker’s compensation insurance, which is required in some states, can provide financial protection for the intended parents in case of any medical complications during the surrogacy journey.

25. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Legal Insurance

Some surrogate mothers may have legal insurance that can cover the legal fees involved in surrogacy. This option can save thousands of dollars for the intended parents.

26. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Mental Health Insurance

Mental health insurance can cover any counseling or therapy expenses that may arise during the surrogacy journey. This option can provide emotional and financial support for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother.

27. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Maternity Insurance

If the surrogate mother has maternity insurance, it can cover the medical expenses related to the pregnancy and delivery, reducing the overall cost of surrogacy for the intended parents.

28. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Some surrogate mothers may have an HSA, which can be used to cover medical expenses related to surrogacy. This option can provide tax benefits for the intended parents.

29. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

FSAs can be used to cover medical expenses related to surrogacy, providing tax benefits for the intended parents. However, not all FSAs cover surrogacy-related expenses, so it is essential to check with the plan provider.

30. Surrogacy through Surrogate Mothers with a Payment Plan

Finally, some surrogate mothers may be open to a payment plan, allowing the intended parents to spread out the costs over a longer period, making it more manageable.

In conclusion, surrogacy can be an expensive journey, but there are various affordable options available to make it more accessible for individuals and couples. Whether it is through independent surrogacy, non-profit agencies, government programs, or insurance coverage, there is a surrogacy option that can suit the needs and budget of every intended parent.