Can surrogacy be free?

Surrogacy is never completely free, even in altruistic arrangements. While altruistic surrogacy eliminates surrogate compensation, intended parents still face significant costs. IVF cycles and embryo transfers alone cost $15,000 to $25,000. Add legal services, reproductive center fees, insurance premiums, and pregnancy-related expenses. Even in Canada's altruistic-only system, families typically spend $60,000 to $100,000 CAD.

Is surrogacy cheaper than IVF?

No, surrogacy is significantly more expensive than IVF alone. A single IVF cycle costs $15,000 to $25,000, while gestational surrogacy ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 in the U.S. Surrogacy includes IVF as just one component. Additional expenses include surrogate compensation ($35,000 to $55,000), agency fees ($15,000 to $45,000), and legal services ($10,000 to $25,000). Families typically pursue surrogacy when IVF alone cannot help them achieve pregnancy.

Is surrogacy cheaper than adoption?

Adoption costs vary enormously depending on the type. Domestic infant, international, and foster care adoption all have different cost structures. Both surrogacy and adoption represent significant financial investments with different timelines and processes. Families should research current costs for both options in their specific situation to make informed comparisons.

Does insurance ever pay for surrogacy?

Insurance coverage for surrogacy is limited but growing. Traditional insurance typically excludes surrogate compensation and agency fees. However, some coverage may include IVF procedures for intended parents and pregnancy care for gestational carriers. Major tech companies now offer $20,000 to $150,000 in surrogacy coverage. Fifteen states require some fertility coverage, though most still exclude surrogacy specifically.

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Affordable Surrogacy Options: Cut Costs Without Risk

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