The Unspoken Expenses: Delving into the Hidden Costs of Surrogacy

Embarking on the surrogacy journey can be both exciting and  stressful. While aspiring parents may be aware of the clear-cut expenses associated with the process, such as Agency fees, Surrogate Compensation and IVF Clinic fees, they may not have considered the additional costs that come with it. This guide aims to enlighten you on those less apparent aspects, so you can be better equipped for this beautiful journey.

1. Emotional Investments: More than Just Money

The surrogacy journey is more than a financial commitment; it can be an emotional roller-coaster. Prospective parents and surrogates both invest time, energy, and emotional resources. From navigating complex emotions to managing expectations, the psychological toll can be immense, but with the help of an experienced Agency, this toll can be lessened and even eliminated.

2. Medical Expenses: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

While most surrogacy  and egg donation procedures go smoothly, complications can arise that may increase costs. Additional transfers, treatments, medications, the need for a repeat egg donation, or medical complications or bed rest for the surrogate can inflate the bill beyond the initial estimates1.

3. Legal Landscapes: Navigating the Paper Trails

Surrogacy laws vary widely from state to state2. Hiring legal representation that are experts in the laws of the state your Surrogate will deliver in is critical. Your Agency should be able to guide you to the experts necessary in your case. You will have to plan for both the fees associated with the Gestational Surrogacy contract as well as the Parentage actions. In addition, many Intended Parents do not realize that the Surrogate’s legal expenses are paid for by the Intended Parents for all steps of the process.

4. The Price of Patience: Delays and Setbacks

The journey may experience unexpected delays. Whether it’s due to medical reasons, legal challenges, or matching delays, these delays can result in additional expenses. It’s important to make sure your budget can handle any unexpected issues or delays, and while waiting for a surrogate match, be saving to be able to easily handle any other additional expenses.

5. Travel Tales: Rising Expenses for travel

If your Egg Donor or Surrogate does not live within driving distance of your clinic, you will be paying for their travel. Many Intended Parents are not familiar with how much airfare, hotels and rental costs have risen since 2020. In addition, Intended Parents will need to plan for the related expenses for that travel- lost wages, childcare, and food expenses.

International surrogacy has its own set of hidden expenses3. From accommodation for Intended Parents while the baby is waiting to be born and afterward and food expenses, as well as potential lost wages of the Intended Parents while they are in the US, international journeys might have additional financial implications.

6. Miscellaneous Must-Haves: The Often Overlooked

When budgeting for a baby, don’t forget about additional expenses such as insurance, counseling, baby showers, and basic baby supplies like car seats, cribs, bottles and everything else that goes along with a newborn.

As you reach the end of the surrogacy journey, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be unforeseen costs to consider. With proper preparation and a clear understanding of these potential expenses, prospective parents can confidently navigate this path and enjoy the many rewards of surrogacy.

Sources:

1. “Complications of IVF and Egg Donation.” Fertility and Sterility. https://www.fertstert.org
2. “Legal Aspects of Third-Party Reproduction.” American Society for Reproductive Medicine. https://www.asrm.org