How much do surrogate mothers make?

How much do surrogate mothers make? Here’s a look at how much you get for being a surrogate, how surrogates get paid, and other important information.

If you are here, you have already asked yourself the first question: “Should I become a surrogate?” It is a rewarding calling that has so many benefits for everyone involved, and many of our surrogates report that it is one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives.

 

It is no secret, however, that many women choose to be surrogates because they are also intrigued by the financial benefit. So if the second question on your list is “How much can I make as a surrogate?”, we are happy to answer all of your questions.

 

At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we believe that every person involved in the surrogacy process should know as much as possible about how, when, and where their expenses are covered, from the initial interview to delivery day. We are up front and transparent with both potential parents and you, as the surrogate, about how much the process costs, how much money you will make, how (and how often) you can expect to be paid, and what happens when additional expenses occur. Here is an in-depth look at how the financial side of surrogacy works:

 

How are Surrogate Mothers Compensated?

Getting paid to be a surrogate mother involves a number of different expenses, including base pay, a monthly allowance for pregnancy-related needs, stipends for various medical procedures, maternity clothes, and travel, as well as any other expenses that may come up along the way. 

 

To avoid any unexpected financial surprises, we clearly outline all potential costs in a legally binding contract that is signed by both parties at the beginning of the process. Here is how our compensation plan breaks down, and what you can expect:

 

Fixed Costs

As a surrogate mother, you can earn $62,000 in comprehensive compensation plus expenses. It can be higher based on previous experience or your state’s cost of living. Our surrogates are covered with additional financial protections depending on their individual surrogacy experience. You will not use your compensation to cover medical complications or unexpected costs.

Before a pregnancy is ever confirmed, however, the intended parents also pay for all of the upfront screening costs and initial setup fees. This includes medical and psychological screenings for their potential surrogate, fertility clinic expenses, or travel, as well as any counseling or attorney fees. Medical insurance is also provided to the surrogate at no cost, including any co-pays and prescriptions, as well as life insurance. 

 

Variable Costs

Pregnancies have a lot of moving parts, so surrogate compensation also includes additional, supplementary items including but not limited to:

• Lost wages and/or child care required for pregnancy-related needs like doctor’s appointments
• Medical insurance and any associated co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles
• Life insurance
• Variable costs if surrogate is put on bed rest
• Travel fees (to and from the fertility clinic, for example)
• Surrogate counseling

 

Medical Needs

Just like non-medical needs, compensation for being a surrogate includes all medically related costs. These can be either fixed costs (those with dollar amounts below) or variable, depending on the unique situation. Here are a few examples of common medical expenses that come with paying for surrogacy, paid for by the intended parents:

• $1,000 for embryo transfer
• $3,000 for c-section
• $5,000 fee for multiples (per additional child)
• $1,000 per instance for invasive procedures
• $2,000 termination of pregnancy
• $5,000 loss of uterus
• $2,500 for loss of ovaries or fallopian tubes
• Up to $2,000 for a birth doula
• $375 a week plus supplies for pumping breast milk

 

This isn’t an exhaustive list, because every situation is unique and it’s impossible to predict how a pregnancy will progress. We set aside extra money for anything additional that comes up.

 

Surrogacy Payment Timeline

If in-vitro fertilization is successful on the first round, a surrogacy journey lasts around 15 months. One of the most common questions potential surrogates ask is how (and how often) do I get paid?

 

The first payment happens as soon as all qualifications are met and a match is made between you as the surrogate and intended parents. The money is paid up front and held in a secure account to ensure that your needs are met, regardless of the intended parents’ future financial situation.

 

From there, you are paid monthly for regular expenses, or on a per-item basis for singular procedures or other needs. The secure account also covers things like pumping breast milk if that is something you and your family decide to incorporate. 

 

Your Surrogacy Costs Are Completely Covered

At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we ensure that our surrogates are paid well for their service and completely financially covered for medical and related expenses. However, one of the requirements for our surrogates is proof of overall financial stability. If you choose to become a surrogate through our agency your regular expenses like monthly housing or grocery budgets should never be dependent on your surrogacy compensation, but rather used for the betterment of your own family. 

 

If you’d like to join our family of surrogates, start here to see if you qualify.  $3