How Much Does Embryo Adoption Cost?

When you are planning to grow your family, learning about embryo adoption costs can help you make the best decisions for your family.

This article will share the estimated costs of embryo adoption, give you a breakdown of your expected expenses, and give you a broad view of the cost of embryo adoption in relation to building your family through IVF and surrogacy.

When you have embryos ready, you can get connected to a surrogate in as little as 1 - 6 months. Find embryo adoption organizations here, or get personalized support from a surrogacy specialist when you fill out this simple form.

How Much Does Embryo Adoption Cost?

Adopting embryos costs typically range between $10,000 and $20,000, including all medical, agency, and legal expenses. Some estimates suggest it could go as high as $25,000 depending on the clinic and the specifics of the donation process.

Embryo Adoption Cost Breakdown

Embryo adoption costs can vary widely based on the agency, clinic, and the specific circumstances (e.g., medical, legal, and logistical factors). Based on data compiled from medical research, we can break it down into several components, although the specific cost figures will often depend on the region or fertility clinic involved.

• Fertility Clinic Fees: If embryo donation is facilitated through a fertility clinic, there are typically costs associated with the embryo transfer itself (about $4,000 to $10,000) depending on the clinic and location. Some of these fees also cover screening and preparation for the recipient (e.g., hormone treatments).
• Embryo Donation Agency Fees: Some agencies that manage embryo adoption and donation will charge additional agency fees. These might range from $4,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
• Legal Fees: Legal costs are another significant component, particularly if the embryos are being transferred across state lines or if parental rights need to be officially transferred. Legal fees can range from $2,000 to $5,000, or more.

Embryo Creation Cost vs. Donor Embryo Cost

The cost difference between created embryos (those created for a specific couple) and donated embryos (embryos that are donated for adoption) can be significant, primarily due to the process of creating the embryos:

• Created Embryos (IVF): The process of creating embryos through IVF can be costly. In vitro fertilization (IVF) itself typically ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle, and creating multiple embryos often requires several attempts. For couples who undergo IVF and need egg retrieval, sperm processing, and embryo creation, the cost can easily exceed $20,000 to $30,000 per cycle, especially if multiple attempts are required.
• Donated Embryos: Donated embryos are typically less expensive because the embryos have already been created, and the donor has given them up for adoption. Embryo donation (not IVF) typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000, as it primarily involves the medical procedure of transferring the embryos and legal/agency fees.

Sources:

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Surrogacy with Donor Embryos

Completing surrogacy with donor embryos may save you time and money, especially if you have low-quality embryos or low chances of conceiving through IVF.

If you have embryos, you can get connected to a surrogate in as little as 1 - 6 months. Get personalized support from a surrogacy specialist when you fill out this simple form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is embryo adoption cheaper than regular adoption?

Adoption can vary in cost, but in some cases embryo adoption can be less expensive than adopting a baby or child. You can view more information on adoption here.

Does insurance cover embryo adoption?

Unless you have fertility-specific insurance, in most cases your insurance plan will not cover embryo adoption. However, in some cases your insurance may cover the medical fees associated with embryo transfer or other medical procedures.

Can you adopt unused embryos?

Yes, you can adopt unused embryos when another couple donates them to you directly or donates them to an embryo bank or embryo adoption agency.

Is IVF or adoption cheaper?

Adoption and IVF both vary in cost, so in some cases adoption is less expensive, and in some cases IVF is less expensive.