The Cost of Surrogacy in Massachusetts

Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries a baby for another person or couple who cannot conceive on their own. It has become a popular option for individuals and couples who want to start a family but cannot do so naturally. However, surrogacy is a complex and often expensive process. In this blog post, we will explore the cost of surrogacy in Massachusetts, one of the states in the United States where surrogacy is legal.


Factors Affecting the Surrogacy Costs in Massachusetts


The cost of surrogacy in MA can vary depending on a variety of factors. The type of surrogacy arrangement is one of the factors that can impact the cost. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother's own egg is used, is generally less expensive than gestational surrogacy, where the egg is fertilized outside of the body and then implanted into the surrogate's uterus. The latter is the more commonly used method and tends to be more expensive because of the additional medical procedures involved.


The agency you choose can also impact the cost of surrogacy. Some surrogacy agencies charge higher fees than others, and this can impact the overall cost of the surrogacy journey. Additionally, the surrogate's compensation package can vary depending on her experience, location, and other factors. These expenses can also add up, making the overall cost of surrogacy higher.


Breakdown of Costs


The cost of surrogacy in Massachusetts typically includes agency fees, surrogate psychological evaluation, surrogate legal consultation, escrow management fee, and surrogate compensation package. However, it's important to note that the cost of the IVF cycle at your fertility physician's office or the cost of an egg donor cycle are usually not included in the surrogacy journey package. These additional costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, making surrogacy a very expensive process.


Let's take a closer look at each of the expenses that are typically included in the surrogacy journey package:


  • Agency fees: Surrogacy agencies can charge anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 or more for their services. These fees cover the agency's screening process for potential surrogates, matching the intended parents with a surrogate, and providing support throughout the surrogacy journey.


  • Surrogate psychological evaluation: It is important to ensure that the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. This typically involves a psychological evaluation, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500.


  • Surrogate legal consultation: Surrogacy contracts can be complex and require legal expertise. The intended parents and surrogate will need to work with separate attorneys to draft and review the contract. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,500.


  • Escrow management fee: An escrow account is typically set up to manage the financial aspects of the surrogacy journey, including the surrogate's compensation package. This can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500.


  • Surrogate compensation package: The surrogate's compensation package can vary depending on her experience, location, and other factors. The package typically includes base compensation, additional expenses such as travel and medical expenses, and a monthly allowance. The total compensation package can range from $30,000 to $50,000 or more.


Average Cost of Surrogacy


Based on the above expenses, the cost of surrogacy in MA can range from $100,000 to $125,000 or more. However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate and that the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the aforementioned factors.


Financing Options and Resources


Surrogacy can be a significant financial burden for many intended parents. Fortunately, there are several financing options and resources available to help ease the financial burden.


One option is to take out a surrogacy loan. Many financial institutions offer loans specifically for surrogacy, and some surrogacy agencies also offer financing options. However, it's important to consider the interest rates and repayment terms before taking out a loan.


Intended parents can also explore grants and scholarships for surrogacy. Several organizations offer financial assistance for surrogacy, including the Baby Quest Foundation and the Nest Egg Foundation. These grants can help offset some of the costs of surrogacy and make it more accessible for intended parents.


Another resource for intended parents is crowdfunding. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe can be used to raise funds for surrogacy. However, it's important to note that crowdfunding may not be a reliable or sustainable source of financing.


Conclusion


Surrogacy is a complex and often expensive process, but it can be a life-changing option for individuals and couples who want to start a family. The cost of surrogacy can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surrogacy arrangement, the agency you choose, and the surrogate's compensation package. However, with financing options and resources available, intended parents can make surrogacy more accessible and affordable. It's important to do your research and consult with surrogacy professionals to determine the best path forward for your surrogacy journey.