For many individuals and couples facing infertility, medical conditions, or same-sex partnerships, surrogacy offers a hopeful path to parenthood. However, one of the most pressing questions for intended parents is: How much does surrogacy cost? The answer is not straightforward, as surrogacy expenses vary significantly based on location, medical needs, legal requirements, and agency services. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the average cost of surrogacy in 2025, explore the key factors that influence pricing, and provide insights to help prospective parents make informed decisions.
Understanding the Surrogacy Process and Its Components
Before diving into costs, it’s essential to understand what surrogacy entails. Surrogacy involves a woman (the surrogate) carrying and giving birth to a child for another person or couple (the intended parents). There are two main types:
- Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother.
- Gestational Surrogacy: The most common form today, where an embryo created via IVF (in vitro fertilization) using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material is implanted into the surrogate.
Gestational surrogacy is more widely accepted legally and ethically, and thus forms the basis of our cost analysis.
Average Cost of Surrogacy in 2025: A Global Overview
The total cost of surrogacy can range from 90,000 to 180,000+, depending on the country and specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown by region:
United States: 130,000–180,000
The U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations for international intended parents due to its advanced medical infrastructure, legal clarity in certain states (like California), and well-established surrogacy agencies. However, it’s also the most expensive.
Canada: 80,000–120,000
Canada allows altruistic surrogacy (surrogates can be reimbursed for expenses but not paid a fee), which significantly reduces costs. However, finding a surrogate can take longer, and the process is more complex for foreign intended parents.
Ukraine: 50,000–70,000 (Prior to 2022 Restrictions)
Once a top destination, Ukraine’s surrogacy program has been suspended due to the ongoing conflict. It may reopen in the future, but current costs and availability are uncertain.
Georgia: 45,000–65,000
Georgia has emerged as a popular alternative for international clients, offering relatively low costs and clear legal frameworks for heterosexual married couples.
Mexico (Specific States): 60,000–90,000
Only certain Mexican states (e.g., Sinaloa) permit commercial surrogacy, and regulations are evolving. Costs vary widely based on legal support and clinic reputation.
Thailand and Cambodia: Restricted or Closed
These countries previously attracted medical tourists but have since tightened or banned commercial surrogacy for foreigners.
Detailed Breakdown of Surrogacy Expenses
To better understand the total investment, let’s dissect the major cost components involved in a typical gestational surrogacy journey in the United States—the benchmark for global pricing.
1. Agency Fees: 20,000–30,000
Reputable surrogacy agencies coordinate the entire process, including surrogate screening, matching, counseling, and logistical support. Fees vary based on services offered (full-service vs. partial support).
2. Medical and IVF Costs: 25,000–40,000
This includes:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures
- Embryo creation and genetic testing (PGT)
- Medications for egg stimulation and uterine preparation
- Multiple embryo transfer attempts (if needed)
- Prenatal care and delivery hospitalization
Advanced genetic screening (e.g., PGT-A for aneuploidy) adds 3,000–5,000 but improves success rates.
3. Surrogate Compensation and Expenses: 50,000–70,000
This is often the largest expense and includes:
- Base compensation for the surrogate (30,000–50,000)
- Monthly allowances for maternity clothes, lost wages, and childcare
- Travel and lodging (if required)
- Life and health insurance for the surrogate
- Cesarean section or bed rest bonuses
Ethical agencies ensure surrogates are fairly compensated and medically supported throughout the pregnancy.
4. Legal Fees: 10,000–15,000
Surrogacy laws vary by state and country. Legal costs cover:
- Drafting and reviewing surrogacy contracts
- Pre-birth parentage orders (to establish legal parentage before birth)
- Immigration and citizenship documentation for international clients
- Post-birth legal formalities
Working with experienced reproductive lawyers is crucial to avoid custody disputes.
5. Psychological Counseling and Screening: 3,000–5,000
Both intended parents and surrogates undergo psychological evaluations to ensure emotional readiness. Ongoing counseling is often included to support the relationship throughout the journey.
6. Miscellaneous and Contingency Costs: 5,000–10,000
These may include:
- Embryo storage fees
- Additional IVF cycles
- Unexpected medical complications
- Travel for intended parents during delivery
- Translation and notarization services (for international cases)
Factors That Influence Surrogacy Pricing
Not all surrogacy journeys are the same. Several variables can significantly impact the final cost:
Geographic Location
As shown earlier, where you pursue surrogacy affects nearly every cost component. Legal environments, medical standards, and surrogate availability all play a role.
Type of Surrogacy Program
- Full-service agencies offer end-to-end support at a premium.
- Independent surrogacy (matching directly) can reduce agency fees but increases legal and coordination risks.
Medical Complexity
Intended parents requiring donor eggs or sperm, or those with underlying fertility issues, will face higher IVF and medication costs. Multiple IVF cycles may be necessary.
Surrogate Experience
First-time surrogates typically receive lower compensation than experienced ones. Some agencies offer bonuses for carrying multiples or undergoing a C-section.
Insurance Coverage
If the intended parents or surrogate have insurance that partially covers pregnancy-related care, costs can be reduced. However, most surrogacy-specific policies must be purchased separately.
Is Surrogacy Worth the Investment?
While the financial burden is substantial, many intended parents describe surrogacy as a life-changing investment. Unlike adoption, surrogacy allows genetic connection to one or both parents. For LGBTQ+ couples, it may be the only way to have a biological child.
Moreover, the emotional and psychological benefits—carrying a legacy, experiencing pregnancy through a trusted surrogate, and building a family—often outweigh the monetary cost.
Financing Surrogacy: Options and Strategies
Given the high costs, many families explore financing options:
- Surrogacy Loans: Specialized lenders like Olive Branch Fertility or ARC Fertility offer loans with competitive rates.
- Insurance Reimbursement: Some employer health plans now cover fertility treatments, including IVF.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe have helped many families raise funds transparently.
- Grants and Scholarships: Organizations such as Nightlight Christian Adoptions and CMDA offer surrogacy grants for qualifying applicants.
Planning early and budgeting conservatively (adding a 10–15% buffer) can prevent financial strain.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
As surrogacy becomes more commercialized, ethical concerns arise about the exploitation of surrogates, especially in lower-income countries. Reputable agencies adhere to international guidelines (e.g., from the International Federation of Fertility Societies) to ensure fair treatment, informed consent, and medical safety.
Legal parentage is another critical issue. In some countries, intended parents must go through adoption even after birth. In others, pre-birth orders allow immediate recognition. Always consult a reproductive lawyer before starting the process.
Emerging Trends in 2025
The surrogacy landscape is evolving:
- Telemedicine Integration: Virtual consultations reduce travel costs and improve access.
- AI in Matching: Some agencies now use AI algorithms to better match surrogates and intended parents based on values and preferences.
- Increased Regulation: Countries like the UK and Australia are reviewing laws to allow limited compensation, potentially expanding access.
- Focus on Mental Health: Enhanced psychological support is becoming standard, recognizing the emotional complexity of surrogacy.
Conclusion: Planning Your Surrogacy Journey Wisely
Surrogacy is a profound journey that blends science, law, emotion, and finance. While the average cost ranges from 90,000 to 180,000, transparency, careful planning, and choosing ethical providers can make the process smoother and more predictable.
For intended parents, the key is education. Research agencies, compare international options, understand legal implications, and prepare financially. With the right support, surrogacy can fulfill the dream of parenthood in the most meaningful way.
