Scoring a huge bargain while shopping is fun in the moment, for sure.
Sometimes, though, a bargain price can signal that the quality isn’t what you hoped it would be. That feeling? Not so great.
Why are we talking about shopping, on a surrogacy website? Well, technically, gestational surrogacy is a service provided by the surrogate to the intended parents. The difference is that the service is forever life-transforming for all involved. And for the surrogate, it is also a whole-body and whole-life experience. One for which she deserves to be compensated fairly and completely.
So, how can you tell a difference between what is realistic pay and what is too-good-to-be-true, “today and today only” hyperbole?
One of the best pieces of advice we can give you when researching surrogacy agencies is to listen to your intuition. If the financial information is vague, or if you can see loopholes in what might be required of you as a surrogate, walk away. Similarly, if you are being offered millions and your own private island, that is not what surrogacy is about. When those alarm bells in your mind are going off, heed them.
How much and how exactly are surrogates paid?
There are 3 categories of payment that a surrogate may receive: base compensation, variable additional compensation, and additional benefits. As with other aspects of the surrogacy process, we recommend that you obtain a lawyer to represent you and your best interests as you enter into any and all legal agreements. You should understand exactly what you are signing up for.
Most reputable surrogacy agencies and surrogacy authorities agree that the national average base compensation for a first-time, singleton gestational carrier is about $30,000. Fairfax Surrogacy’s base compensation starts at $45,000 – much higher than average, but no islands named after you. The reason for our pay scale is simple: Our standards are high for both surrogates and intended parents. We don’t cut any corners when it comes to the application process and medical screenings. Typically, the surrogate begins receiving her base pay when there is a fetal heartbeat detected, and the base pay is given monthly or per trimester until delivery.
Being a gestational surrogate and the experiences associated with your surrogacy should not cost you money out-of-pocket. Surrogacy requires enough physical and emotional investment as it is – you shouldn’t have to worry about the costs along the way. That is where the additional compensation comes into play.
Depending on how far away you are from the intended parents and the agency, you may receive additional compensation for travel or mileage reimbursement, for medical testing and embryo transfers. Other invasive medical procedures and things like lost wages or childcare if your doctor orders bed rest also would be reimbursed. Believe us, with our experience, we have thought of all of the potential ways to make sure that you are compensated for your time and effort on the surrogacy journey. We want to be transparent about what is covered, and we want you to know that we understand the value of what you are doing.
Benefits provided to surrogates
With your overall welfare in mind, we also provide valuable benefits to you in your surrogacy journey. You will receive both term life insurance and short-term disability coverage. Optionally, you may choose to receive a health insurance policy and counseling services, as well. As you may know, each of those is both financially valuable and potentially emotionally redeeming.
Fair and square
We pride ourselves on being up-front and transparent about surrogacy compensation. Playing games always means that someone has to lose, and we only specialize in winning, so no games for us. Surrogacy may be the biggest win-win you ever experience, helping someone else grow or start a family.
TOTAL BASE COMPENSATION
$ 50,000 to 60,000
- $ 45,000 First-Time Surrogate
- + $5,000 Repeat Surrogate
- + $5,000 Multiple Pregnancy
- + $3,250 Personal Expenses
- + $1,000 Embryo Transfer Fee
- + 750 Maternity Clothing
VARIABLE ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
- Lost Wages for Surrogate and Partner
- Long-Distance Travel Expenses
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Housekeeping, lost wages, and childcare for physician-ordered bed rest
- Invasive Medical Procedures
Additional Benefits
- Term Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Policy
- Option of Health Insurance Policy
- Option of Counseling Services
