Surrogacy is expensive—often 100,000to200,000—but many intended parents find ways to make it work. Here’s how people afford surrogacy, from savings strategies to financial assistance programs.
More: How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Texas?
1. Common Ways to Pay for Surrogacy
**✅ Savings & Personal Funds**
- Many couples save for years before starting the process.
- Some use home equity, investments, or retirement funds (consult a financial advisor first).
**✅ Surrogacy Loans & Financing**
- Specialized fertility loans (e.g., from Future Family, Prosper Healthcare Lending).
- Personal loans (compare interest rates before borrowing).
**✅ Crowdfunding & Grants**
- GoFundMe, GiveSendGo: Share your story and raise donations.
- Grants for LGBTQ+ families:
- Men Having Babies (scholarships up to $20,000).
- Baby Quest Foundation (financial aid for fertility treatments).
**✅ Employer Benefits**
- Some companies (e.g., Starbucks, Google, Bank of America) offer fertility benefits covering IVF or surrogacy.
- Check if your insurance includes infertility coverage (even for same-sex couples).
**✅ Shared Surrogacy (Co-Journey)**
- Split costs with another couple using the same surrogate (reduces expenses by ~30%).
- Some agencies offer group surrogacy programs.
**✅ International Surrogacy (Lower-Cost Options)**
- Colombia, Mexico, Georgia: Surrogacy costs 50,000–80,000 (but research legal risks).
- India, Ukraine: Were once affordable but now restrict foreign surrogacy.
2. Cutting Costs Without Sacrificing Safety
✔ Choose an independent surrogate (no agency fees, but requires more legal work).
✔ Use a known egg donor (friend/family) instead of an expensive agency donor.
✔ Negotiate fees (some surrogates accept lower compensation for meaningful connections).
3. Financial Planning Tips
- Budget early: Break down costs (IVF, legal, surrogate compensation).
- Talk to a surrogacy financial advisor (some agencies offer free consultations).
- Tax deductions: Some medical expenses may qualify (if they exceed 7.5% of your income).
4. Real Stories: How Couples Afforded Surrogacy
- ”We took out a loan and used savings—totally worth it.” – Mark & James (California)
- ”A grant from Men Having Babies covered 30% of our costs.” – Alex & Ryan (New York)
- ”We did shared surrogacy and saved $40,000.” – Lisa & Sarah (Texas)
Final Answer
People afford surrogacy through:
- Savings, loans, and crowdfunding.
- Grants, employer benefits, and cost-sharing.
- International options (where legal).
Need help? Research fertility financing programs or consult a surrogacy agency for payment plans.
