Surrogacy in Maryland

Surrogacy in Maryland follows a structured process to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all parties are legally protected. The process involves multiple stages, ensuring that both intended parents and surrogates have a clear understanding of their roles, obligations, and rights. The general steps include:

Initial Consultation

Intended parents (IPs) consult with a surrogacy agency or attorney to understand the legal and medical processes. This step provides clarity on financial expectations, legal requirements, and the emotional journey ahead.

Screening and Matching

Surrogates undergo rigorous medical and psychological evaluations before being matched with intended parents. This process ensures that the surrogate is physically and emotionally fit for the journey.

Legal Agreements

Both parties sign a surrogacy contract, which defines rights, responsibilities, compensation, and contingency plans. This contract ensures that expectations are legally binding and protects both parties.

Medical Preparations and IVF Process

The surrogate undergoes medical treatments, including hormone therapy and embryo transfer. This stage is crucial for a successful pregnancy and involves close monitoring by medical professionals.

Pregnancy and Monitoring

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives comprehensive prenatal care, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and psychological support.

Birth and Legal Parentage

Maryland law provides a legal framework for intended parents to establish parentage either before or immediately after birth. Pre-birth orders ensure that intended parents' names are on the birth certificate, eliminating the need for adoption processes.

This structured process minimizes legal and medical risks while ensuring a smooth surrogacy journey for all parties involved.

Who Can Work with a Surrogacy Agency in Maryland?

Maryland is one of the most inclusive states for surrogacy, allowing a diverse range of individuals and couples to pursue surrogacy. Those eligible to work with surrogacy agencies include:

• Heterosexual married couples who may struggle with infertility.
• Same-sex married couples who wish to start a family through surrogacy.
• Unmarried couples who meet the necessary legal and financial requirements.
• Single individuals (both male and female) looking to become parents.
• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who need a surrogate to build their family.
• International intended parents (subject to specific legal and visa requirements).

Agencies carefully vet intended parents, ensuring they are financially, emotionally, and legally prepared for the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy Laws in Maryland

Maryland is a surrogacy-friendly state with clear legal guidelines for intended parents and surrogates. Some key aspects of Maryland's surrogacy laws include:

• Enforceable surrogacy contracts – Maryland courts generally recognize and enforce gestational surrogacy agreements.
• Pre-birth and post-birth orders – Intended parents can establish legal parentage before birth or finalize it immediately after birth, simplifying legal processes.
• No genetic relation requirement – Intended parents do not need to be genetically related to the child, making surrogacy accessible for those using donor eggs or sperm.
• Compensated surrogacy is permitted – Surrogates in Maryland can be financially compensated for their services, ensuring fair remuneration for their commitment.
• Health insurance coverage – Maryland provides legal clarity on whether surrogates' medical expenses will be covered by insurance.

For more details on Maryland surrogacy laws, visit: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov

Surrogacy in Maryland for Intended Parents

Intended parents benefit significantly from Maryland’s surrogacy-friendly legal framework. The advantages include:

• Clear legal protections ensuring that the parental rights of intended parents are secured.
• A diverse pool of surrogates who meet stringent medical and psychological screening criteria.
• High-quality fertility clinics with advanced reproductive technologies and high success rates.
• Relatively straightforward legal proceedings compared to states with restrictive surrogacy laws.
• Pre-birth orders that allow parents' names to be placed on the birth certificate before birth.
• Guidance from surrogacy agencies providing resources and legal support to navigate the process smoothly.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Maryland?

The total cost of surrogacy in Maryland varies based on multiple factors but typically ranges from $100,000 to $170,000. The breakdown includes:

• Surrogate compensation ($45,000–$65,000+ depending on experience and pregnancy history).
• Medical costs (IVF treatments, screenings, pregnancy care, delivery expenses).
• Legal fees (contract negotiation, court proceedings, parental rights establishment).
• Agency fees (matchmaking, case management, counseling, legal guidance).
• Insurance and contingency expenses (health insurance, life insurance, medical incidentals).
• Multiples pregnancy costs (additional compensation for carrying twins or triplets).
• Postpartum care and support to ensure a healthy recovery for the surrogate.

For details on health insurance coverage in Maryland, visit: https://insurance.maryland.gov

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Maryland?

Surrogates in Maryland receive one of the highest compensations in the country, with total earnings often exceeding $70,000 to $100,000+. The compensation breakdown includes:

• Base compensation ($45,000–$65,000+ based on experience and pregnancy history).
• Monthly allowances ($250–$400 for incidental expenses like prenatal vitamins and transportation).
• Embryo transfer compensation ($750–$1,500 per transfer cycle).
• Maternity clothing stipend ($500–$1,000 for necessary clothing during pregnancy).
• Lost wages reimbursement (for surrogates who need to take time off work).
• Medical co-pays and insurance coverage (ensuring all pregnancy-related expenses are covered).
• Multiples bonus ($5,000–$10,000 for carrying twins or triplets).
• C-section compensation ($3,000–$6,000 for unplanned surgical deliveries).
• Postpartum recovery bonus ($1,000–$3,000 to assist with recovery).

For more details on health regulations regarding surrogacy, visit: https://health.maryland.gov

How to Become a Surrogate in Maryland

Becoming a surrogate in Maryland involves several steps:

• Verify eligibility – Ensure compliance with age, health, and lifestyle requirements.
• Apply through an agency – Complete an application process and medical history review.
• Undergo screenings – Psychological and medical evaluations confirm readiness for surrogacy.
• Match with intended parents – Compatibility assessments ensure a positive surrogacy experience.
• Sign legal contracts – Establish compensation, expectations, and medical responsibilities.
• Start medical treatments – Take fertility medications to prepare for embryo transfer.
• Carry and deliver the baby – Receive medical care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

For additional legal and health-related resources on surrogacy, visit: https://msa.maryland.gov

Conclusion

Maryland is one of the most favorable states for surrogacy due to its well-defined legal protections, structured medical processes, and high-quality medical support. Whether you are an intended parent looking for a surrogate or a woman interested in becoming one, Maryland offers a safe and legally secure surrogacy process.

For official state legal and health guidelines, visit: https://maryland.gov