One day I heard someone ask: ‘how much do surrogates get paid?’ I discovered that she was considering being a surrogate mother. Aside from the pay, surrogates get the satisfaction of giving someone the gift of a child.

Surrogacy gives you a lifetime chance to render selfless service to a family who needs it. But the story does not end with you. It marks the beginning of a new joy for intended parents. Surrogacy gives intended couples a chance to have kids and have a complete family.

Whatever your reason for searching for how much surrogates get paid, being a surrogate is a noble act. Whether you need the bucks or love the idea of making someone’s dream come through, this article is for you.

We have provided everything you need to know to get you started. This article covers how much surrogates get paid in some states in the US and countries abroad.

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Who is a Surrogate?

A surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry and give birth to a baby for another person. You will become pregnant by artificial insemination or by implantation of a fertilized egg.

Before you start your surrogacy journey, it is important you have a surrogacy contract with your intended parents. The contract will detail all the expenses you may incur. Similarly, the contract will state that the intended parents are responsible for covering the cost. It will also cover your obligation to relinquish the parental rights to the intended parent after the baby is born.

One of the reasons people around the world opt for surrogacy is the difficulty to conceive a child naturally. Some women also choose not to carry their own children. The reason being they want to focus on their career or maintain their physic.

Some intended parents also prefer surrogacy for adoption. This is because surrogacy is usually less lengthy than adoption. Others prefer a child that is blood-related to them. A lot of single men have also gone ahead to have their babies through surrogacy.

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What Are The Types of Surrogacy?

The two types of surrogacy are gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy refers to a type of surrogacy in which the surrogate carries a child she has no genetic ties. The child is conceived using eggs from another woman. It could be a sperm or eggs from an intended parent or a donor. It is important you go for a professional medical consultation for gestational surrogacy.

Traditional Surrogacy is when the surrogate is a genetic parent of the baby. In traditional surrogacy, you will contribute your eggs for the pregnancy. You would likely be inseminated by a doctor.

How Is It Like To Be a Surrogate?

Surrogates have different feelings and emotional reactions. While some are excited for their intended parents, others struggle emotionally.

It is, therefore, necessary for you to prepare for the time of transition. This requires getting along well with the intended parents. It will help you readjust to everyday life after childbirth.

Also, knowing that you’ve given an infertile couple or a single person the gift of a child should give you a sense of happiness.

The intended parents will also be eternally grateful to you. See what Anderson Cooper wrote about his surrogate mother:

"I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him. It is an extraordinary blessing - what she and all surrogates give to families who can't have children. My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives"

Is Surrogacy Legal?

There is no surrogacy law in the US Federal Law. So, the legality of surrogacy depends on the state where you live. The different states have different provisions. Some States have surrogacy-friendly laws, some don’t. Others are silent on it.

In countries like South Africa and Canada, it is illegal to pay for surrogacy services except for pregnancy-related expenses.

How Does Surrogacy Pay Work?

Generally, you will receive compensation and benefits from the very start of your surrogacy journey. Your surrogate compensation also lasts throughout the pregnancy and after the birth. The following is how a typical surrogacy pay works:

Base compensation

You will receive base pay as a surrogate. The specific amount varies from state to state. In addition, different agencies have different base pay rates. You will have to check the base compensation for each agency in your state to see how much you could earn as a surrogate.

Also, some agencies will pay you for lost wages. As a surrogate, some agencies will also pay your partner/primary support person lost wages for travel and the delivery.

Payments Before and During your Pregnancy

You will also be compensated early in your journey for completing tasks and milestones as a surrogate. For instance, some surrogate companies offer sign-up fees. You’ll receive financial support for necessities during the pregnancy.

These necessities cover maternity clothing, housekeeping, and medical bills. Other necessities are prenatal vitamins, transportation for appointments, lost wages due to time off work, and more.

After Birth Package

You will also receive some support after childbirth. It depends on the agency you work with. This support will help you overcome after-birth challenges.

Final thought: remember that surrogacy is not legally approved in all states of the US. In fact, there are no federal laws that govern surrogacy in the US.

Nevertheless, there are many surrogacy-friendly states in the United States. Also, some state laws are silent on surrogacy issues. Hence, you can contact a surrogacy attorney to guide you.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid?

Surrogates get paid between $40,000 and $50,000. The pay could be less or more. Surrogate agencies may pay different amounts even in the same state. Each agency in a state has a base pay. In addition, you’ll have additional payments given to you as a surrogate mother.

If you want to know more about how much surrogates get paid, we have provided answers that can guide you.

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How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in California?

The state of California is one of the surrogacy-friendly states. It is therefore one of the easiest places to become a surrogate.

California Surrogacy Center will pay you between $40,000 and $50,000 if you’re a first-time surrogate mother. A repeat surrogate mother typically gets between $53,000 and $83,000. This includes benefits.

West Coast Surrogacy Center will pay you a signing bonus of $3,000.00. In addition, you get monthly and other allowances of $300.00. This is paid in installments of $1,000 every 12 weeks.

Also, you’ll get multiple fees of $10,000 if it is a twin pregnancy. Similarly, you’ll get paid $20,000 if it is a triplet. If you want to become a surrogate in California, you can check out the California Surrogacy Center and West Coast Surrogacy.

However, you must be between the ages of 21 and 37 before you can become a surrogate mother.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Texas?

Gestational surrogacy is legal in Texas. You would need a surrogacy professional to guide you. The base pay for gestational surrogates in Texas ranges from $45,000 to $55,000. If you’re a first-time surrogate, you’ll earn a base compensation of about $45,000.

In addition, you’ll earn $350 per month for miscellaneous expenses. On the other hand, repeat surrogates can earn a base pay of $50,000 and an additional $350 per month.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Georgia?

Surrogacy laws haven’t been properly established in the state of Georgia. However, you can earn a base pay of $30,000 to $40,000. You’ll also receive additional compensation and benefits for the pregnancy journey.

Some surrogate agencies will pay you between $35,000 and $45,000 if you’re a first-time surrogate. However, experienced surrogates can earn between $45,000 and $55,000.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Florida?

Surrogacy is legal in the state of Florida. The base compensation for Surrogates in Florida is between $45,000 and $50,000. Also, you’ll receive additional payments for other necessities. However, different companies have different pay rates.

Creative Love, for instance, pays first-time surrogates a base pay of $45,000 plus additional compensations. ConceiveAbilities on the other hand pay a base fee of $57,000+.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Tennessee?

There is no law in Tennessee that prohibits gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogates can make up to $65,000 in Tennessee.

You’ll also receive additional monthly stipends and allowances throughout your surrogacy journey.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Arizona?

Surrogates in Arizona get paid a range from $ 25,000 to $ 60,000 on average. If you’re a first-time surrogate, you’ll receive a typical salary of above $25,000. The money will be paid in monthly payments throughout the surrogacy procedure.

You might want to know that Arizona State law prohibits Surrogacy. However, gestational surrogacy is still in practice across the state.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Illinois?

Illinois is another state where you can become a surrogate. Surrogates earn up to $50,000 and $60,000 in payments and benefits in Illinois. For instance, the Creative Family agency pays $46,000 base compensation if you have surrogacy-friendly insurance.

Otherwise, you’ll be paid a base pay of $41,000. In addition, your surrogate parents will pay insurance of between $5,000 and $25,000.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in NY?

Surrogacy is legal in NY. Hence you can work with a licensed surrogacy agency if you want to help intended parents to grow their families. You can earn between $50,000 and $60,000 as a surrogate in NY.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid In South Africa?

A surrogate in South Africa does not get paid an income. This is because South Africa permits only altruistic surrogacy. Altruistic surrogacy is a surrogacy agreement where the surrogate does not receive monetary compensation.

However, the surrogate parent can pay for your expenses. This can range between six and eight hundred rands. In addition, you would be paid for any loss of earnings. You will also receive insurance and other medical expenses.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid In Canada?

It is illegal to pay for surrogacy services in Canada. However, surrogate mothers in Canada are paid an average total compensation between $18,000 – and $33,000. This includes pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum.

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Conclusion

Surrogacy has become commercialized in the US. You can make quite some money from being a surrogate. However, it is still complex.

The federal law does not make any provisions for surrogacy. And each state’s law varies from the other. If you’ve decided to be a surrogate, it is good you seek legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions on How much do surrogates get paid

Is paid surrogacy legal in Texas?

Yes, gestational surrogacy is legal in TX. In addition, it is clearly defined in the TX Surrogacy laws. This can be found in the Tx Family Code. However, you may need the advice of a surrogacy attorney before you begin any action.

Do surrogates get paid monthly?

The average base pay for surrogates is $25,000 for first-time surrogates. The money is paid in installments throughout the surrogacy process. The payment usually starts after the pregnancy is confirmed.

How much do surrogates make per pregnancy?

Between $40 to $50,000

At California Surrogacy Center, surrogates earn an average compensation of $40,000 to $50,000.

Do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?

Surrogates usually get several different payment structures from which to choose. However, if the surrogate mother miscarries, she’s entitled to compensation up to the point when she loses the child.

Can a surrogate keep the baby in Texas?

Yes, but for only 48 hours after a baby is born. Traditional surrogacy is treated as an adoption. Hence, a surrogate must wait 48 hours after childbirth before relinquishing her legal parental rights to a child.