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It is difficult to be specific when discussing how much a surrogacy journey will cost but there is a  general outline of what to expect. Once you are matched with a surrogate, that is when you can get a more precise estimate of how much you will actually have to spend on the surrogacy arrangement.

I usually tell people to be prepared for a range from $90,000 to $130,000. The first question asked is why the range is so broad. Let's start off by discussing what this includes and then we can discuss the variables. The broad range includes the following: medical expenses including IVF, creation of embryos, egg donor, egg donation medical procedures, examinations and testing, and embryo transfers. If you do not need an egg donor, the cost will be reduced by about $15,000.

Fertility clinic costs for surrogacy may range from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the options necessary to create embryos, testing options such as PGD testing (genetic testing of embryos), etc.

The surrogate's base compensation will most likely range from $25,000 to $35,000. The surrogate will also request additional payments such as payments for invasive medical procedures, lost wages for bed rest, maternity clothing, and a monthly allowance for child care, local travel, co-pay insurance costs, vitamins, etc. Therefore the compensation to the surrogate can go up to as much as $45,000 depending on the contract terms.

The surrogacy agency will most likely charge a flat fee and you should inquire what this fee covers. Will the agency be on board with you throughout the journey? What will they do to help you?

Legal costs will range from $7,000 to $8,000 and this will cover your gestational surrogacy contract, the surrogate's lawyer to review the contract, and your pre-birth order to establish your legal parentage of the baby to be born to you.

There is also an issue of insurance coverage. Domestic couples must be concerned with maternity coverage for the pregnancy, and international couples must pay close attention to insurance coverage for both the maternity and their newborn baby. Insurance options vary but if a policy must be obtained, and if it is possible to obtain insurance through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), then that premium may be approximately $400 per month.

Surrogacy in the United States is safe and legal, and if the surrogacy matter is conducted with care and attention to detail, and by a team with expertise and competence, there are few risks. The major drawback is the cost. Therefore, if you are considering surrogacy, look at these numbers as an outline and meet with your professional team or go to consultations with surrogacy professionals, surrogacy lawyers, and reproductive physicians and obtain information and details about the costs you should be considering. Ask questions! No question is too mundane when it comes to surrogacy. It is a feasible way to have your children but it is complicated and requires a professional team to assist you.