Cost of Surrogacy vs. IVF vs. Adoption

Each family has unique dreams, goals and needs. For some families, surrogacy is the best option for growing their family, but the costs may seem daunting.

If you are hoping to grow your family, this article can help you understand the costs associated with common ways to build a family as well as other common considerations.

You can get help breaking down your options and the costs when you fill out this form. Learn more about the process of surrogacy, or learn about adoption or IVF here.

Comparing Costs: Surrogacy vs. IVF vs. Adoption When it comes to growing your family, three main options stand out: surrogacy, IVF and adoption. Each option comes with its own set of costs, timelines and considerations.

Below, we break down the costs associated with each process and highlight key differences to help you decide which option might be best for your family.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

Surrogacy offers a clear path to parenthood, but it comes with a high cost, this is because it requires help from a team of experienced professionals and a surrogate who gives her time and energy to help you fulfill your dreams.

Here’s a breakdown of typical surrogacy costs:

• Surrogate Compensation: The surrogate is compensated for her time, effort, and any inconvenience associated with carrying the child. This can range from $55,000 to $110,000 depending on her experience and location.
• Medical Costs: IVF treatments for the surrogate, prenatal care, delivery costs, and any medical complications can cost between $15,000 to $30,000 or more.
• Agency Fees: Surrogacy agencies typically charge fees that range from $15,000 to $30,000. These fees cover services such as matching you with a surrogate, legal assistance, and ongoing support during the surrogacy journey.
• Legal Fees: Legal costs for drafting contracts and establishing parental rights can add another $5,000 to $10,000.
• Insurance: Insurance premiums for both you and the surrogate may be necessary to cover any medical costs, and this can add anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.

Surrogacy can be a great option for families, who are unable to conceive or have made multiple attempts at conception.

Surrogacy provides you with more control over the process and you can work with someone who has had previous successful pregnancies.

With great agencies, you can find a surrogate in as little as 1 - 6 months.

However, it is one of the most expensive options due to the involvement of multiple parties, including a surrogate, agencies, legal experts, and doctors.

Find out more about how your family can afford surrogacy here .

Adoption Cost Breakdown

Adoption fees are typically less than the expenses necessary for surrogacy.

The cost of surrogacy vs adoption:

• Surrogacy: $150,000-300,000
• Adoption: $45,000-$60,000

While adoption can be less costly, it is still important to understand the costs and what you can expect for the process:

• Agency Fees: These can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on whether the adoption is domestic or international and their matching process. Fees cover the matching process, counseling, and legal paperwork.
• Legal Fees: Like surrogacy, adoption requires legal services to ensure the adoption is final and legally binding. Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
• Medical Costs: These costs are associated with the birth mother’s medical care and can vary significantly based on the type of adoption and insurance. $5,000 to $10,000 is typical.
• Birth Mother Expenses: It is typical for adoptive families to cover some of the birth mother’s expenses through the adoption agency, which can allow the birth mother to maintain self-care during pregnancy. These expenses depend on state laws and the birth mother’s needs.

One of the downsides of adoption is the lack of predictability. You might wait longer for a match, and you may not be able to predict the course of the adoption process as birth mothers have the freedom to choose a family. The cost can be lower than surrogacy, but the timeline can be much longer.

IVF Cost Breakdown

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is an essential part of surrogacy. However, IVF also stands as a standalone fertility treatment option.  

The cost of surrogacy vs IVF:

• Surrogacy: $150,000-300,000
• IVF: $12,000 and $30,000.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for:

• Medications: IVF medications can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per cycle.
• Egg Retrieval Procedure: Egg retrieval can cost $2,000-$5,000 per retrieval and plays an important role in creating embryos
• Clinic Fees: Additional clinic and lab fees, including sperm and egg freezing (if necessary), can add another $2,000 to $5,000.
• Egg/Sperm Donation: If you need donor eggs or sperm, the cost could be higher, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

For many families, multiple rounds of IVF may be required if there are complications like uterine issues, maternal age or hormonal imbalances. This unpredictability adds to the cost, and treatment may need to continue for months or even years.

Surrogacy vs. Adoption vs. IVF: Beyond Cost

Every family is unique and has their own set of dreams and goals for their future. When choosing between surrogacy, adoption or IVF, it’s important to go beyond just the financial implications.

Here are some other factors you should consider when choosing the best path for your family.

• Wait Times: Surrogacy wait times range between 1-6 months, while adoption wait times can be 12-24 months, and IVF can take up to 6 cycles, which can be every 1-3 months
• Biological Connection: If a biological connection to your child is important to you, IVF or surrogacy (using your own egg or sperm) would be the best option. Adoption, while offering the joy of parenting, does not provide a biological connection.
• Control: Surrogacy gives you more control over the process, from choosing your surrogate to deciding on the IVF protocol. Adoption, however, offers less control as you’ll be working with an agency and on a birth mother’s timeline as she chooses your family. IVF, though, can also offer a good amount of control in choosing your fertility clinic and treatment options.
• Predictability: IVF can be unpredictable, as multiple rounds may be needed, and the success rate depends on several factors like maternal age and egg quality. Surrogacy provides more predictability, as you are working with a known surrogate and have a clearer timeline. Adoption, while offering many benefits, is often the least predictable option.

Your choice depends on what matters most to you: cost, control, biological connection, or timeline.

Learn more about the process of surrogacy, or learn about adoption or IVF here. Find out more about how your family can afford surrogacy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to do IVF or surrogacy?

IVF is generally less expensive than surrogacy, costing anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000 per cycle. Surrogacy, however, can cost more due to additional surrogate compensation, medical, legal, and agency fees.

Which is cheaper, IVF or adoption?

Adoption can sometimes cost less than IVF, depending on factors such as agency fees and medical costs. IVF treatments alone, without any additional fees, typically cost between $12,000 to $30,000 per cycle, and many families require multiple cycles.

Is it cheaper to adopt or do surrogacy?

Adoption typically costs less than surrogacy. However, adoption can take longer, and the process is less predictable.

Is there a cheaper version of IVF?

While the basic cost of IVF can be reduced through certain cost-saving measures (e.g., using a lower-cost clinic, choosing a single cycle of IVF), there are few alternatives that will significantly reduce the cost. Some clinics offer payment plans or discount packages for multiple cycles, but these are often only available for those willing to undergo multiple attempts.