Our surrogates are some of the most generous women we’ve ever met — they literally dedicated their physical bodies to an undertaking that is notoriously strenuous and challenging to help make the dreams of parenthood come true for those who may not otherwise be able to have children.
We appreciate how big of a ” give” it is to carry a pregnancy as a gestational surrogate; it’s a massive commitment of time and energy and it is an untaking not only of the gestational carrier herself but in many ways her family and support network as well. With an undertaking this large and this much at stake, you want the right partner guiding your way.
A reputable clinic-associated surrogacy program is the best option when looking for the most trustworthy partner to help guide you on your surrogacy journey. They will do everything possible to match suitable surrogates with the right intended parents while ensuring the highest care and fair compensation.
At KindEOS, we strive to provide our surrogates with the best possible experience, including generous, fair compensation. In addition, we recognize the importance of offering a surrogate remuneration that reflects her time and dedication to helping intended parents grow their families.
How Much Are Surrogates Paid?
Every surrogacy clinic, agency, and program offers compensation based on various factors. Generally speaking, the surrogacy program you work with will have a set compensation range, which includes a base rate and certain expenses related to the surrogacy process.
However, if you’re looking for a ballpark figure, most surrogates will be compensated around $30,000 to $50,000 for their base pay. This figure is essential to remember as you find the right surrogacy partner for you.
Payment Schedules
Different programs compensate their surrogates in different ways. Most of the time, the program will implement a payment schedule — although there are cases in which programs will pay the surrogate in one large lump sum.
That said, the following are the different types of payment schedules for compensating surrogates.
- Lump Sum Payment: It’s important to emphasize that surrogacy is not a get-rich-quick scheme. You won’t get a big check when signing the dotted line. If the program you’re working for offers lump sum payments (meaning, they compensate you all at once), they’ll likely only do this once the baby is born.
However, such a payment schedule is rare. More commonly, the program will provide small installments throughout the pregnancy, then pay the remaining amount owed in one lump sum once the surrogate gives birth.
- Installment Payments Throughout The Pregnancy: Most programs will make installment payments throughout the pregnancy.
For example, payments may begin immediately following the embryo transfer, with the final remuneration made after birth once the surrogate passes all their post-birth medical clearance tests. The number of payments made varies based on the terms of the agreement.
- Monthly Payments To Cover Medical Expenses: The compensation given to surrogates isn’t just for their time and effort but also to cover any medical expenses incurred throughout the pregnancy. Most programs will provide a monthly stipend for these costs during the pregnancy.
Factors Affecting Surrogate Pay
As previously noted, compensation for surrogates tends to be a range. The exact amount depends not just on the surrogacy partner you choose to work with but a variety of other factors that will affect the rate of pay and how payments will be structured.
These factors include the following:
The Surrogate’s Location
The location where you live and are planning to carry the baby will factor into how much you’re compensation will be. Why? Because the cost of living varies from one place to the next.
For example, living in a large city may result in higher surrogate compensation because expenses like rent, groceries, and other living expenses may be more expensive than living in a rural area.
The Experience And Qualifications Of The Surrogate
Your experience and qualifications as a surrogate can also impact your pay rate.
For example, women who have already completed a successful surrogacy journey often receive higher compensation than first-time surrogates. They receive higher pay because they’ve proven that they are reliable as a surrogacy partner, have the requisite knowledge, and are more likely to be able to provide a safe and healthy pregnancy.
The Medical Expenses
As a surrogate, there will be a lot of different medical expenses throughout the pregnancy. Such costs are typically factored into the overall compensation package and paid by the intended parents.
These expenses will usually include the following:
- Medical screenings and checkups
- Embryo transfer
- Medications
- Post-birth medical assistance
- Counseling and support
- Allowance for maternity clothing
- Travel expenses
- Childbirth expenses
- Lost income due to time off work
- And other surrogacy-related costs
It’s worth mentioning that if any unforeseen medical expenses arise during the pregnancy, the intended parents will typically be responsible for paying those expenses as well. The terms of your agreement will outline the compensation regarding medical costs.
Important Legal Considerations
The legality of surrogacy is complex and varies from state to state. Therefore, potential surrogates must be aware of the laws in their state before beginning the process. For example, there are three states where surrogacy contracts are considered unenforceable. These states include Louisiana, Michigan, and Nebraska.
Even if surrogacy is legal in your state, there may be certain restrictions or requirements that you need to take into consideration.
For example, surrogacy is technically legal in some states, but surrogacy contracts are void and unenforceable. As such, if you sign a surrogacy agreement with an intended parent or couple and go through the entire process, they could withhold the agreed-upon compensation from you despite your contract, and you would have no legal recourse.
Remember to check the laws in your state before agreeing to become a surrogate. Always ensure a binding legal agreement outlining the surrogacy journey’s terms and conditions, including payment and cost responsibility with the intended parents. Finding a reputable surrogacy program can help ensure everything is handled correctly and legally.
Get Compensated Through A Surrogate Agency
Different surrogacy programs offer various levels of compensation based on where you live and several other factors.
Here at KindEOS, we provide all of our surrogates with a base compensation of at least $50,000, which is considered at the high end of the spectrum regarding surrogate pay.
However, it is worth mentioning that surrogacy programs can get rather creative when presenting compensation, so it is always best to ask for a detailed breakdown once you begin speaking with the program.
Here at KindEOS, we are committed to providing our surrogates with the best possible experience. Our team of experienced professionals will protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
Are you ready to make parenthood possible for someone through surrogacy? Get prescreened today.
