The decision to become a surrogate is one of the greatest gifts you can give others. As you embark on your journey, it is important to consider all elements, one of which is surrogate compensation. The responsibility of carrying someone else’s child from conception to delivery is a rewarding yet selfless act. However, it is not uncommon to ask yourself, what is considered a reasonable amount for a surrogate to make?
What Do Surrogates Make?
On average, surrogate compensation in total ranges from $28,000 to $60,000, depending on various factors associated with the pregnancy. (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.) At times, surrogates may be entitled to more for certain expenses.
Allowances
After you have been matched with your intended parent(s), you should receive a monthly allowance that will commence upon contract signing and will be paid throughout the pregnancy. The monthly allowance ranges from $200.00-$300.00 per month and will cover the costs of prenatal vitamins, childcare expenses for doctors’ appointments, food items requested by the intended parent(s) for you to regularly consume during the pregnancy, mileage for any appointments, long-distance phone charges related to appointments or other communications incidental to the surrogacy, the cost of any parking and tolls when you must travel, along with any other out-of-pocket expenses not stated above.
In addition to a monthly allowance, often surrogates will receive a maternity clothing allowance ranging anywhere from $500.00-$750.00 for a singleton pregnancy. If a surrogate is confirmed pregnant with multiples, she may receive an additional $250.00 maternity clothing allowance on top of the $500.00-$750.00.
Any travel expenses associated with the testing appointment or embryo transfer are also compensated for (i.e. food stipend) All travel-related expenses such as flights or hotel and transportation are paid for in advance by your intended parent(s).
Base Compensation
In addition to allowances, surrogates are paid a base compensation that generally begins upon detection of a fetal heartbeat. Normally, a surrogate's pay is distributed monthly thereafter until the delivery. Often, women with more experience, meaning they have acted as a surrogate before, may receive more than a first-time surrogate. Generally speaking, experienced surrogates receive anywhere from $35,000-$50,000, whereas first-time surrogates may receive between $25,000-$30,000. As a surrogate, if you are carrying twins (or multiples), you should receive even more compensation (usually around $5,000.00 per multiple) in addition to your normal base compensation.
Additional Compensation
Depending on the agency, you may be entitled to life insurance or disability insurance. If circumstances arise during the pregnancy and your physician orders bedrest, you should be compensated for lost wages from your job and any housekeeping or childcare expenses that result from these circumstances. If your partner is required to take time off from work to provide assistance while you are on bed rest, their wages should be covered as well. You may receive additional payment if certain procedures are warranted, such as amniocentesis or if you are required to have a Cesarean section as determined by your physician. In addition, if you are capable and willing to provide breast milk after the birth of the baby, you may also be compensated on a weekly basis.
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…
Be wary of surrogacy agencies that offer what seems to be extraordinarily high surrogate pay. Make sure you have a lawyer to represent you who can explain the contract that you are asked to sign.
All in all, it takes a special person to be a surrogate. However, before beginning this journey, make sure that your surrogate compensation is adequate to take care of your needs and expenses related to the pregnancy. Not worrying about finances during your surrogacy journey is essential to making sure that the pregnancy is as stress-free and happy as possible.