There are many factors that contribute to the wide range in compensation that a surrogate may receive throughout her journey. Once confirmed pregnant, a surrogate will receive her base compensation on a monthly basis, which can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Upon doing research, she will soon learn there are many factors that contribute to surrogacy compensation.
(At Worldwide Surrogacy, we offer base compensation from $35,000 to $55,000 based on Gestational Carrier’s insurance, experience, and requests. This figure doesn't include additional compensation.)
One factor for the variation in surrogacy pay is if a woman has been a surrogate before and is applying to do a second journey, her base compensation has the potential to be substantially higher given that she is familiar with the surrogacy process and procedures. Another factor that can contribute to additional compensation is whether a surrogate has a singleton pregnancy or a multiple pregnancy. If a surrogate is pregnant with twins (also known as a multiple pregnancy), she may be paid additional compensation given that a multiple pregnancy poses higher risks for the surrogate and could require more medical attention. In addition, any invasive procedures that a surrogate could undergo may also provide additional compensation. For example, if she has to undergo a cesarean section during the pregnancy, she will be paid additional compensation for the pain, suffering and recovery time involved in having a C-section.
Another factor that plays a role in a surrogate’s base compensation is the geographical location of the surrogate, i.e. the state in which she resides. Since WSS is located in Connecticut, many intended parent(s) prefer surrogates who are local to either our agency, or their home. This may influence intended parent(s) to pay a higher base compensation to the surrogate based on her proximity to them or their clinic. Intended parent(s) feel this may sometimes lead to a stronger connection with their surrogate, seeing as they can meet in person before or during the pregnancy. In addition, surrogates who have health insurance that provides maternity coverage and does not have a clear surrogacy exclusion will generally receive higher compensation. With that being said, these are only some of the many factors that can contribute to the wide range in surrogacy compensation.
A surrogate’s base compensation does not include any miscellaneous payments for legal, travel, and medical related expenses. In addition to the base compensation, the surrogate will also receive a monthly expense fee of approximately $200-$300 per month, which usually starts following the first month after contract signing. Not only will the intended parent(s) be responsible for paying these expenses, but will also be responsible for lost wages, maternity clothing, and childcare expenses which are negotiated and agreed upon with the intended parent(s) during the contract phase.
While some surrogacy matching agencies determine a specific base compensation for their surrogates, our agency encourages each woman to research surrogacy compensation (i.e. “how much do surrogates get paid?”) on her own in order to determine a base compensation she is comfortable with.
WSS also offers an opportunity for all potential surrogates to receive an additional monetary incentive of $500 due upon signing contracts with their intended parent(s). In order to be eligible to receive this bonus, surrogates must submit all of their application and paperwork within a two week period.
Although it may be difficult to agree upon compensation for both the surrogate and intended parent(s), it is important to trust the surrogacy agency on their recommendations, and to have open and honest communication between a surrogate and the intended parent(s).