A Simple Guide to Surrogacy Cost in Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Surrogacy is a way for people to have children when they can’t do so on their own. It’s an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be expensive. The cost of surrogacy comes from many factors, including medical treatments, legal work, and agency services. Knowing these costs ahead of time can help intended parents in Lee’s Summit, Missouri make a financial plan and feel more prepared.

For many people, surrogacy is one of the most rewarding ways to grow their family. However, the costs can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there are different resources available to help with financing. Keep reading to learn more about the costs of surrogacy, or contact us to connect with professionals who can guide you through the process.

Understanding the Cost of Surrogacy

On average, the cost of surrogacy falls between $100,000-$200,000+. This includes payments for the surrogate, medical procedures, agency fees, and legal services. Costs may vary depending on the surrogate’s insurance coverage, travel requirements, and any unexpected medical needs. Since every surrogacy journey is different, some people may pay more or less than this range.

Although this is a large expense, many intended parents find ways to make surrogacy affordable. Financial options like loans, grants, and employer benefits can help cover costs, making surrogacy possible for more families.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

Here is a general breakdown of where the money goes during the surrogacy process:

• Surrogate Compensation and Benefits (35%): Surrogate compensation and benefits, which make up about 35% of surrogacy costs, are essential for compensating the surrogate for her time, effort, and physical demands. This compensation includes a base payment, as well as benefits that cover medical expenses, travel, and any additional costs that may arise during the pregnancy.
• Medical Expenses (11%): Medical expenses, which account for about 11% of surrogacy costs, cover the health-related aspects of the process for both the surrogate and the baby. This includes fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), prenatal care, ultrasounds, lab work, and labor and delivery costs. The surrogate’s health insurance may cover some of these expenses, but intended parents often need to cover any gaps.
• Agency Fees (21%): Agency fees, which typically make up around 21% of surrogacy costs, cover the services provided by surrogacy agencies throughout the process. These services include matching intended parents with a suitable surrogate, offering guidance and support, managing the logistics of the surrogacy journey, and ensuring all legal and medical protocols are followed.
• Matching and Screening (27%): Matching and screening, which account for about 27% of surrogacy costs, involve selecting a surrogate who is physically and emotionally prepared for the process. This includes medical exams, psychological assessments, and background checks to ensure her suitability. Intended parents also undergo evaluations to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.
• Legal Fees (6%): Legal fees, typically around 6% of surrogacy costs, cover essential services like drafting contracts, ensuring compliance with state laws, and securing parental rights. These fees help protect both intended parents and surrogates, addressing medical, financial, and personal concerns. Though they can vary, legal support is crucial for a smooth, legally secure surrogacy process.

Surrogacy and Insurance

Insurance is an important part of surrogacy, as it can help pay for medical care for the surrogate. However, insurance policies differ, and some do not cover surrogacy-related costs. Because of this, many intended parents look into extra insurance policies to avoid unexpected expenses and gain peace of mind.

Why Surrogate Compensation Matters

Surrogates go through a long and challenging process to help intended parents have a child. Their compensation helps support them financially, covering medical costs, travel, and other pregnancy-related expenses. Paying surrogates fairly ensures they are taken care of and allows them to focus on having a healthy pregnancy.

A surrogate’s compensation usually includes a base payment, medical expenses, travel costs, and any additional payments for unexpected needs. This financial support makes sure the surrogate and her family is not negatively affected by the process.

Financial Strategies and Resources for Surrogacy

There are many ways to help make surrogacy more affordable. Here are some financial options intended parents can explore:

• Personal Savings: Some families use personal savings to cover surrogacy costs, avoiding debt and loans. This requires careful planning and budgeting, as surrogacy can be a significant financial commitment. By setting aside funds specifically for this purpose, families can ensure they have the necessary resources without impacting other financial needs.
• Grants and Scholarships: Grants and scholarships offer financial assistance to intended parents, helping to cover surrogacy costs like medical, legal, or agency fees. These resources can significantly reduce expenses but are often competitive and have specific eligibility requirements. Researching and applying early can help ensure timely access to these funds
• Employer Benefits: Some companies offer fertility and surrogacy benefits as part of their healthcare plans, covering costs like IVF or surrogacy-related expenses. These benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs, but employees should review their benefits package and consult HR to understand coverage and limitations.
• Loans: Loans, including personal and fertility-specific options, help intended parents spread surrogacy costs over time. Fertility-specific loans often offer lower interest rates and flexible terms tailored to surrogacy. While they provide immediate funding, it’s crucial to carefully review loan terms, interest rates, and repayment plans to ensure they align with long-term financial goals.
• Home Equity Financing: Home equity financing, such as a loan or line of credit, allows families to borrow against the value of their home to cover surrogacy costs. While it provides access to additional funds, it carries the risk of using the home as collateral, so careful consideration of repayment terms is essential.
• Fundraising and Crowdfunding: Fundraising and crowdfunding allow intended parents to raise money from family, friends, and the community to help cover surrogacy costs. Online platforms and events can engage supporters, creating a shared experience in the journey. While effective, this approach requires careful planning and transparency for success.

Mark and Cody’s Story

Mark and Cody always wanted to be parents, but the cost of surrogacy seemed out of reach. They researched different financial options and used a mix of grants, employer benefits, and a fertility loan to cover their expenses. They also started a crowdfunding campaign, which helped them reach their goal. Today, they are happy parents, showing that financial resources can make surrogacy possible.

Benefits of Working with a Surrogacy Agency

Surrogacy agencies offer essential services that make the process more efficient and secure for intended parents. One of the biggest advantages is faster matching times, which helps parents connect with a surrogate sooner rather than later. This can significantly reduce the waiting period, making the journey to parenthood feel more manageable.

Agencies also assist with legal and medical matters, providing professional guidance that ensures all requirements are met. With their expertise, intended parents can navigate surrogacy with greater confidence and less stress.

Beyond legal and medical support, agencies carefully screen and support surrogates to ensure they are fully prepared for the journey. This helps create a smooth and positive experience for both parties. Additionally, agencies handle the management of contracts, payments, and logistical details, reducing potential risks and confusion.

Local Missouri IVF Clinics near Lee’s Summit

For those interested in surrogacy, the following Missouri clinics offer IVF services:

• Midwest Reproductive Center
• Blue Sky Fertility
• Reproductive Resource Center

Missouri Surrogacy Agencies near Lee’s Summit

These agencies offer expert support and guidance, helping intended parents through every stage of the surrogacy process. Some of the agencies available include:

• American Surrogacy
• Growing Generations
• Creative Family Connections

Start Your Surrogacy Journey Today

Surrogacy is a wonderful way to grow a family, and understanding the costs involved is an important first step. With the right planning and financial resources, surrogacy is within reach for many intended parents.

If you’re ready to learn more about surrogacy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we can connect you with trusted professionals who can provide guidance and support. Contact us today to start your surrogacy journey.