Surrogacy can be an expensive journey, but some intended parents consider using a friend as a surrogate to reduce costs. While this can eliminate certain expenses, the overall cost still involves medical, legal, and agency fees. Understanding the financial implications of surrogacy with a friend is crucial before starting the process. Below, we break down the costs and steps involved in greater detail, covering all potential expenses and considerations.
The cost of surrogacy varies widely, but using a friend as a surrogate can reduce some expenses. In a traditional surrogacy arrangement, costs range from $100,000 to $150,000, with significant portions allocated to agency fees and surrogate compensation. When a friend agrees to carry the pregnancy, intended parents may save on compensation but still incur costs related to:
Even with a friend acting as a surrogate, these costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of the process and the medical and legal requirements in your state.
For intended parents using a traditional surrogate (not a friend), the breakdown of expenses typically includes:
These costs can vary based on state laws, insurance policies, and medical requirements, with some intended parents paying over $200,000 for the full process.
If a friend serves as a surrogate, intended parents can save between $40,000 and $60,000 by eliminating the surrogate’s base compensation. However, the remaining costs still apply:
To ensure financial preparedness, intended parents should discuss all costs with fertility clinics and attorneys before beginning the process.
Using a friend as a surrogate can be more affordable, but not necessarily cheap. Several factors determine overall savings:
Overall, while a friend acting as a surrogate can reduce costs, intended parents should anticipate spending at least $50,000 – $80,000, depending on medical and legal factors, and should budget for unexpected expenses.
Before moving forward, both parties should discuss expectations, responsibilities, and financial aspects. Key topics include medical procedures, emotional readiness, and potential challenges.
Both the surrogate and intended parents must complete medical screenings to ensure the surrogate is physically fit for pregnancy and that the intended parents have viable embryos for transfer.
Even with a trusted friend, a legal contract is crucial. This document should outline:
For more information on legal requirements, visit https://www.nlm.nih.gov/.
Once the legal framework is in place, the surrogate undergoes medical treatments, including fertility medications and embryo transfer. The IVF clinic will oversee this process.
Regular medical checkups are necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Intended parents and the surrogate should also discuss birth plans and legal processes for establishing parental rights after delivery.
For intended parents considering surrogacy with a friend, the initial steps include:
Surrogacy with a friend can be a more affordable and emotionally fulfilling journey for intended parents. However, it still involves significant medical, legal, and financial considerations. While eliminating surrogate compensation reduces costs, expenses such as IVF, legal contracts, and insurance remain. To ensure a smooth process, intended parents should work closely with fertility clinics, legal professionals, and medical experts. By planning ahead and understanding all financial obligations, surrogacy with a friend can be a viable and rewarding option.