How Much Surrogacy Costs in California

What You Need to Know About Surrogacy Costs in California

Surrogacy is a choice that some families are interested in pursuing, but in order to do so, understanding its costs is crucial before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know about surrogacy costs in California.

While the circumstances of each surrogacy case differ, generally, the average cost of surrogacy can range between $90,000 to $130,000. This price encompasses a number of different expenses, and there are ways to make this number as small as possible.

What Exactly Does a Surrogate Do?

The most common type of surrogacy is gestational surrogacy, a method in which a child is conceived using the genetic material of one or both of the intended parents, or of donors, through an embryo created in vitro. This embryo is then transferred into the uterus of a woman, called a surrogate, who will carry the child throughout the pregnancy before delivering the child.

What Costs are Encompassed in the Price of a Surrogacy?

When paying upwards of $90,000 for a surrogacy, the costs cover many different expenses, including the following:

In vitro fertilization, which can cost between $8,000 to $30,000.
The surrogate (for her time and services, including her medical fees), approximately $30,000 to $50,000.
Legal fees, approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
Agency fees, as these agencies locate surrogates for potential families. Generally, the fees are between $15,000 to $30,000.
Insurance costs
Other expenses

How to Pay for a Surrogacy

In order to pay for a surrogacy, there are a number of places to look for funds, including the following:

Some employers offer a surrogacy benefit to their employees.
Health insurance may also cover surrogacy.
Personal savings and grants
Family and friends, or a fundraiser

FAQs About Surrogacy Costs in California

Why is surrogacy so expensive?

Surrogacy is expensive because essentially, you are paying a third party to carry a child for you. In vitro fertilization is quite expensive, but additionally, so is pregnancy. Pregnancy comes with many expenses, including medical fees, but also encompassing things like lost income and travel costs. Additionally, because of the need to establish the intended parents as legal parents, legal fees also come into play. There are other miscellaneous expenses, such as insurance fees, on top of these fees as well. You are not just paying the surrogate for her services, but for many other things on top of that.

How can I save money on surrogacy?

Although surrogacy can be extremely expensive, there are also ways in which to save money throughout the process. For example, finding a surrogate that’s nearby rather than farther away will save money on travel costs.

Would surrogacy be cheaper if my friend is the surrogate?

Yes, using a surrogate that you personally know, such as a friend or family member will probably be cheaper than utilizing an agency to find a surrogate for you. However, it is important to understand that this is not an option for all potential families, and surrogacy is a large favor to ask of a friend or family member.

I don’t have the money for surrogacy. Are there any other alternatives to starting a family?

Fostering or adopting a child are both ways in which one can expand their family in a more cost-effective way than surrogacy. Resources for fostering a child can be found on the California Department of Social Services website, and resources for adopting a child can be found on the California Courts website.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one would like to know more about surrogacy costs in California, get your free consultation with one of our experienced California Family Law Attorneys today! We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified and affordable lawyer for your needs and preferences.