How Much Does Surrogacy Cost With a Friend?

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.

How Much Is Surrogacy Cost If You Use a Friend?

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:

• Medical expenses – IVF procedures, prenatal care, and delivery fees, which can range from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on complexity.
• Legal contracts – Establishing parental rights and protecting all parties, costing between $8,000 and $15,000.
• Insurance coverage – Ensuring the surrogate has appropriate medical insurance, potentially costing $10,000 to $20,000.
• Psychological evaluations – Required assessments to confirm emotional readiness, typically costing around $1,000 to $2,500.
• Embryo creation and storage – IVF clinics charge for egg retrieval, fertilization, and storage, adding another $5,000 to $10,000 to the overall cost.

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.

Cost of Using a Surrogate

Standard Surrogacy Costs

For intended parents using a traditional surrogate (not a friend), the breakdown of expenses typically includes:

• Agency Fees: $20,000 – $50,000
• Surrogate Compensation: $40,000 – $60,000
• IVF and Medical Procedures: $30,000 – $50,000
• Legal Fees: $8,000 – $15,000
• Insurance Costs: $10,000 – $20,000
• Additional Costs: Miscellaneous fees such as embryo storage, maternity clothes, travel expenses, and prenatal supplements, totaling an additional $5,000 – $10,000.

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.

Costs When Using a Friend as a Surrogate

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:

• Medical Fees: IVF procedures, embryo transfers, and prenatal care.
• Legal Costs: Contracts, parental rights establishment, and surrogate agreements.
• Insurance Considerations: Coverage for medical expenses and potential pregnancy complications.
• Compensation for Unforeseen Costs: Even if the friend waives compensation, intended parents may need to cover lost wages, maternity clothes, travel expenses, and any complications that arise.

To ensure financial preparedness, intended parents should discuss all costs with fertility clinics and attorneys before beginning the process.

Is It Cheaper To Have a Friend Be a Surrogate?

Using a friend as a surrogate can be more affordable, but not necessarily cheap. Several factors determine overall savings:

• Medical Requirements: If the friend requires additional medical treatments or has complications, costs may increase significantly.
• Insurance Coverage: If the surrogate’s existing insurance does not cover surrogacy, intended parents may need to purchase a specialized policy, which can be costly.
• Legal Fees: Even though a friend is involved, legal contracts remain essential to prevent future disputes and must be handled professionally.
• Compensation Considerations: While the friend may waive base compensation, reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and maternity costs is still necessary.

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.

How To Do Surrogacy With a Friend

Step 1: Have an Open Discussion

Before moving forward, both parties should discuss expectations, responsibilities, and financial aspects. Key topics include medical procedures, emotional readiness, and potential challenges.

Step 2: Undergo Medical Evaluations

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.

Step 3: Draft a Legal Agreement

Even with a trusted friend, a legal contract is crucial. This document should outline:

• Parental rights
• Financial responsibilities
• Medical decision-making authority
• Potential risks and dispute resolution

For more information on legal requirements, visit https://www.nlm.nih.gov/.

Step 4: Proceed with the IVF Process

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.

Step 5: Monitor the Pregnancy and Plan for Birth

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.

What Are the First Steps to Starting Surrogacy?

For intended parents considering surrogacy with a friend, the initial steps include:

• Research State Laws – Surrogacy laws vary by state. Some states require court approval before birth, while others provide clear parental rights. Check state laws at https://www.cdc.gov/.
• Consult a Fertility Clinic – Speak with a reproductive endocrinologist to discuss medical requirements, costs, and the viability of embryos.
• Find a Surrogacy Attorney – Even with a friend, legal contracts are essential to prevent future conflicts. Legal experts can ensure compliance with state laws. Learn more at https://www.uscis.gov/.
• Secure Financial Planning – Budget for medical procedures, insurance, and legal fees. Establish a financial plan to cover expected and unexpected costs.
• Emotional Readiness – Consider counseling for all parties involved. Surrogacy is an emotional journey, and professional guidance can help manage expectations and potential challenges.

Conclusion

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.