The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, even when using a friend as a surrogate. While using a friend may reduce some costs, such as surrogate agency fees or professional surrogacy services, there are still many expenses involved. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:
1. Legal Fees: Even if the surrogate is a friend, it’s still essential to have a legally binding contract in place. Legal fees for drafting the contract can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and location.
2. Medical Costs: These are a significant part of any surrogacy arrangement, including IVF, fertility treatments, monitoring, and delivery. IVF treatments can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 per cycle. Medical insurance might cover some of the costs, but if your surrogate is not covered, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for her care.
3. Compensation for the Surrogate: While you may not be paying a commercial surrogate agency, it’s generally expected that a friend acting as a surrogate will receive some compensation for their time, effort, and risk. This could range from $15,000 to $30,000, or more, depending on the arrangement.
4. Insurance: If your friend isn’t covered under a health insurance policy that can cover the surrogacy, you may need to purchase special insurance. This could cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
5. Other Expenses: You may need to cover other costs, including maternity clothes, travel for medical appointments, and any additional expenses the surrogate incurs due to the pregnancy.
6. Miscellaneous Costs: There might be additional costs like psychological counseling for the surrogate or both parties, home monitoring equipment, or potential complications during pregnancy.
In general, even if you’re using a friend as a surrogate, the total cost of the surrogacy process can range from $40,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on your specific circumstances and location. Keep in mind that using a friend can complicate things emotionally and legally, so it’s crucial to have clear communication and professional legal guidance.
