What Is Surrogate Compensation?

Surrogate compensation is the financial payment given to a woman who carries and delivers a child for intended parents. This compensation is not simply for carrying the pregnancy, but is meant to cover the time, effort, and physical and emotional toll of being a surrogate. The amount varies depending on a variety of factors, including the surrogate’s location, experience, and the surrogacy agency involved, but the compensation is typically structured into multiple components, such as base compensation and additional reimbursements.

Components of Surrogate Compensation

• Base Compensation
  A fixed amount that a surrogate receives for carrying the child. This amount is usually determined based on experience—first-time surrogates often receive less than experienced ones. The base compensation can range from $40,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on various factors, including location, experience, and insurance status.  Hawaii Surrogacy Center offers first time surrogates base compensation of $45,000.  Experienced surrogates in our program earn $50,000+.
  
  
• Reimbursement of Expenses
  Surrogates often incur many costs during the process of surrogacy, such as medical bills, travel expenses, or childcare. These costs are reimbursed in addition to the base compensation. Reimbursement for expenses is meant to ensure that the surrogate doesn’t have to pay out of pocket for these necessary elements of the journey.
  
  
• Insurance Coverage
  Most surrogates have insurance coverage provided either by their employer (or spouse’s employer) or by the intended parents. This insurance covers the medical expenses associated with the pregnancy, birth, and any complications that might arise.  Even if a surrogate is using her own insurance plan, her intended parents will cover any cost sharing or copayments after insurance covers most of the bill.
  
  
• Other Bonuses
  Surrogacy contracts include additional payments for certain milestones. For instance, a surrogate will receive additional compensation if they carry multiples or if they undergo specific medical procedures. These are designed to account for the additional complexities that may arise in the surrogacy journey.

  Hawaii Surrogacy Center offers surrogates bonuses for starting injectable medications, undergoing the embryo transfer procedure, a monthly wellness bonus for organic food and prenatal massages, and other circumstances.

Why Is Surrogate Compensation Necessary?

Surrogate compensation is a fair and ethical thing to do. 

• Surrogacy requires a significant time commitment, with journeys often spanning well over a year in duration. It involves regular medical appointments, taking care of one’s health, and undergoing fertility treatments. The compensation helps to fairly recognize the surrogate’s time, effort, and personal sacrifices.
  
  
• Pregnancy is physically demanding. Surrogates must cope with hormonal changes, potential discomfort, and the emotional investment of caring for another person’s child.
  
  
• Surrogates have a primarily altruistic motivation to help others, but compensation helps to make surrogacy a viable option for more women. It makes it possible for those who might not otherwise have the financial flexibility to commit to the process. By offering fair compensation, agencies and intended parents can attract women who are physically, emotionally, and financially prepared for the surrogacy journey.

Is Surrogate Compensation Legal?

Yes, surrogate compensation is legal in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and California (and many other states around the US), but it’s important to note that the laws governing surrogacy vary by location. In some countries, surrogacy is highly restricted, and limited payments are carefully outlined by law.  In other locations, the laws surrounding surrogate compensation are less clear, making it important for all parties to work with an experienced surrogacy agency like Hawaii Surrogacy Center and legal professionals to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the law.

Ethical Considerations of Surrogate Compensation

Surrogate compensation raises some ethical questions, especially concerning the balance between financial compensation and altruistic motivation. The idea of paying someone to carry a child can feel controversial to some, but it is a fair way to compensate a person for the time, effort, and emotional investment of this process.

It’s important for all involved to approach surrogacy with the understanding that the compensation is not just for the physical act of carrying the baby, but for the entire journey—including medical, emotional, and logistical elements. Clear and open communication is key to ensuring that all parties involved have a shared understanding and respect for the process.