Surrogate Compensation Plans
You have always wanted to help someone build their family and you keep having that tug at your heart so it’s time to do a little research. Off to the internet to search on becoming a surrogate! One of the first things that pops up is the compensation related to surrogacy. There is a wide range, some depending on where you live and some depending on the agency you are working with. It can be be difficult to untangle it all as some agencies are showing you the compensation number will all allowances included and others are showing the unbundled number. The surrogate fee is often the big number that you see at first, however as a surrogate there are other parts of your compensation plan. Yes, the big number you see is important, however having an agency that guides you, cares, and is honest about all of your compensation is also important. Depending on the Agency and their advertising, that big number you see online may include other parts of your compensation. [As a general rule of thumb, if the compensation shown says “up to” in it, it’s likely a bundled figure.] Here is a breakdown on generally what to expect as a surrogate for compensation.
Surrogate Fee or Living Expense Reimbursement: In recognition of the Intended Parent(s) obligations and in consideration of the Gestational Carrier’s discomfort, pain, suffering and reimbursement for living expenses (rent [or mortgage], food, utilities, etc.), $25,000-$70,000. This is divided up into monthly payments typically after the confirmation of heartbeat. The range for this is generally determined regionally but also on an agency by agency basis – and you as a gestational carrier should also have a say!
Monthly Expense Allowance: This is intended to pay for smaller related costs for the pregnancy such as vitamins, parking, tolls, phone calls, faxing and postage and child care while attending normal OB appointments.
Housekeeping Allowance: This may be included in your legal contract to be paid monthly or only if on bed rest to pay for house cleaning.
Injectable Medication Fee: Once the Gestational Carrier starts injectable medication a one time fee is paid to her.
Embryo Transfer Fee: After the embryo transfer the carrier will receive this compensation per transfer she must undergo.
Dropped Cycle Fee: This is received if the carrier has begun hormones and the transfer cycle is cancelled at no fault of the Gestational Carrier.
Attorney’s Fees: The attorney fees for the Gestational Carrier Agreement and Pre-Birth Order will be paid for.
Medical Expenses: All medical expenses related to surrogacy are paid, this includes screening, tests, transfer, and all appointments during the pregnancy and delivery.
Insurance – Life and Health: Typically, the IP’s purchase a life insurance policy that covers the duration of the surrogacy pregnancy. They may also need or choose to purchase a back-up policy for health insurance to ensure coverage for the surrogacy pregnancy.
Travel Expenses: Paid for any required travel pertaining to the surrogacy process and pregnancy.
Childcare while traveling: This is typically only if travel is required for the screening or embryo transfer.
Maternity Clothing Allowance: This is typically lump sum paid around the 12th week of the pregnancy, but can just be repayment for receipts provided up to a certain amount, to cover any maternity clothes needed.
Restriction of Activity/Bed Rest: This may include lost wages, housekeeping and childcare for the duration of the restriction.
Invasive procedure fee: This is a one time fee, if you experience an invasive procedure such as fetal reduction or Amniocentesis, your agency and lawyer should have a list of what is included.
Multiple Pregnancy: This is an additional monthly allowance if you are carrying more than one baby!
Cesarean Section Fee: A one time fee is paid if the carrier needs to have a Cesarean for delivery.
Breastmilk: This is an allowance given if you pump and supply milk to the IPs after the baby is born.
This list is in no way all-inclusive; it is possible for compensation for chiropractic care, acupuncture, massages, special food or cleaning supplies, birth doulas and so much more to be included! If it’s important to you as a gestational carrier let your agency know, your intended parents and especially make sure it is noted in the legal contract! We do hope this helps you know what to expect and plan for when looking at your compensation. In my experience Gestational Carriers do this because of their kindness and wanting to help someone have the family they dreamed of; the compensation portion is just a perk ☺! Thank you for even considering being a surrogate and showing that kindness – your generosity or heart is amazing! Contact us today for more information on how to become a Gestational Carrier.