Surrogate Compensation & Pay

In addition to base compensation, surrogates also receive a monthly expense allowance to cover surrogacy-related expenses, an allowance for maternity clothes, additional payments for various medical procedures, all health insurance premiums, travel-related expenses, and coverage for lost wages if necessary.

At Fertility Source Companies, we deeply value the time and commitment that surrogates give to help others achieve their family-building dreams, so we make every effort to ensure our surrogates are physically, emotionally, and financially cared for. As a founding agency of The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, we are strongly committed to maintaining the highest level of ethics every step of the way.

Yes, surrogates generally receive some compensation if they don’t carry to term, although the amount may vary based on the circumstances and the terms of the agreement. If the pregnancy ends in a miscarriage or stillbirth, surrogates are often paid for the work completed up to that point, including medical and legal expenses. The final payment or the full compensation is typically contingent on carrying the pregnancy to term, but some surrogates may still receive partial compensation or a predetermined amount as per the surrogacy agreement.

Surrogate mothers typically receive monthly payments starting after the fetal heartbeat is confirmed, with payments continuing throughout the pregnancy until delivery. The amount can vary, but generally, it’s a set amount that is part of the total agreed-upon compensation. For example, at The Surrogacy Source, a base compensation of $65,000 paid in 8 installments equals a monthly payment of $8,125.  Additionally, surrogates may receive other allowances, such as a monthly expense allowance of $350 to cover costs related to the pregnancy (e.g., transportation, meals, childcare, etc.).

Compensation for surrogacy varies by state, as state laws, living costs, and legal factors all come into play. States like California, Colorado, and Illinois are often known for offering higher compensation to surrogates, primarily due to the higher living costs and more established surrogacy programs in those areas. However, it’s important to note that compensation can also depend on the agency and the surrogate’s experience.

Some surrogacy programs do offer additional compensation for breast milk if the surrogate agrees to provide it after birth. This is typically a separate agreement, and compensation can vary depending on the agency. If this is important to the surrogate, it should be addressed in the surrogacy contract.

Insurance coverage for surrogacy can be complex. Many surrogates already have health insurance that covers the pregnancy itself, but not all policies include maternity coverage for a surrogacy pregnancy. In such cases, an intended parent may be responsible for obtaining a separate surrogacy insurance policy to cover medical expenses. It’s crucial for both the surrogate and the intended parents to ensure that the necessary insurance is in place before beginning the process.

Yes, most surrogacy programs offer additional compensation if a surrogate carries twins or multiples. This is because carrying multiples involves additional medical risks, time, and effort. The additional compensation is usually a fixed amount per additional baby (e.g., $10,000 per baby for twins or triplets). This helps account for the extra care and potential complications associated with multiple pregnancies.

Yes, surrogate income is generally considered taxable. Surrogates must report their compensation as income to the IRS, and it is subject to federal and state taxes. It’s recommended that surrogates consult with a tax professional to ensure they are compliant with tax laws and to understand the potential deductions or credits available to them.