Surrogate Compensation

    The main reason that most women choose to become a surrogate is to help intended parents have children. However, carrying a child requires a lot of work, time and sacrifice — mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s fair to ask, “How much does being a surrogate pay?”

    So much of surrogacy is a gift. The gift of a child to a family is priceless. The joy that you can bring to a family makes the surrogacy process “worth it.” But surrogate mother compensation is an important way to repay you for the time and effort that you’ve put into carrying a baby for a family.

    When one of our attorneys represents you as a surrogate, they advocate for you and your needs, including helping you receive the compensation that you’re due. The Family Formation Law Offices work hard to ensure that you’re properly compensated for all that you give.

    Contact us now to learn how to become a surrogate mother and get paid in MD, D.C. or VA, or read on for more general information about surrogate income:

    Surrogacy Compensation Laws in Virginia

    Compensation for surrogacy in Virginia is only allowed for reasonable and ancillary expenses related to the surrogacy. Additional surrogate mother pay in VA is prohibited. There are strict statutes regarding surrogacy in Virginia.  If you live in Virginia, contact us now to learn more about the surrogacy laws in your state and how they’ll affect you.

    Surrogacy Compensation Laws in Maryland

    Gestational surrogate mother pay in Maryland is permitted, but the Attorney General ruled in 2000 that traditional surrogacy violates Maryland adoption law, so traditional surrogates may only receive medical, legal and some counseling expenses.

    Traditional surrogacy in MD is legally risky, and because there are relatively few statutes that limit gestational carrier pay in Maryland, gestational surrogacy is the preferred method for most women considering becoming surrogates.  Contact us now to learn how to become a surrogate mother and get paid in Maryland.

    Surrogacy Compensation Laws in the District of Columbia

    As of April 7, 2017, a surrogacy statue in D.C. took effect that legalizes compensated gestational carrier arrangements and clarifies parentage for children born from gestational surrogacy as well as from donor egg, sperm and embryos.

    Gestational surrogate pay is permitted in Washington, D.C., as long as the requested expenses are considered “reasonable.” Call us to learn how much you get paid to be a surrogate in the District of Columbia.

    Base Pay for Surrogates

    In commercial or compensated surrogacy, you receive a base compensation. This surrogate mother pay can vary due to a number of factors, including:

    • The intended parents’ budget
    • Your experience with surrogacy
    • The surrogacy professional you work with (if applicable)
    • The commercial surrogacy compensation laws in your state
    • And more

    We’ll guide you through these variables to ensure you receive the best surrogate compensation possible in your situation.

    For first-time surrogates in Maryland and Washington, D.C., the average base pay is $30,000; that base pay increases if you’ve previously had a successful surrogate birth. Your base compensation should be held in escrow and is distributed to you in monthly installments throughout your surrogate pregnancy, starting from when pregnancy is confirmed by a physician. For many surrogates, this base compensation is an added incentive that can be used for things like paying off student loans, saving for their children’s college education, putting a down payment on a house, or financing other major expenses. Base compensation pay benefits not only surrogates, but their families, as well.

    Contact us to learn more about average surrogate pay for base fees and what you might expect to receive in your individual situation.

    Additional Payment for Surrogacy-Related Expenses

    Nobody expects you to cover the costs of your doctor’s appointments or maternity clothes. In addition to the base compensation you receive in Maryland and the District of Columbia, you’ll be compensated for surrogacy-related expenses. In Virginia, certain surrogacy-related expenses will be covered for you, as well.

    Again, the expenses that will be paid for you will vary depending on your state’s laws and your individual circumstances. In general, intend parents can cover the expenses of things like:

    • Your travel costs to and from doctor’s appointments
    • Childcare for your other children while you’re away for surrogacy-related appointments
    • Prenatal vitamins and healthcare
    • Insurance co-pays
    • Maternity clothes
    • Housekeeping if you’re on doctor-ordered bedrest
    • Lost wages for you and your spouse (if applicable) if you miss work for surrogacy-related appointments
    • And more

    Although compensation shouldn’t be the only motivation for women considering becoming surrogates, it is a nice bonus for those who want to find a way to give the gift of parenthood to a family. You deserve to be compensated for your time, effort, commitment and sacrifice in pursuit of providing families with this miracle. Still wondering how much money do surrogate mothers get?

    Contact us now to discuss the details of your individual circumstances, and we can help you better understand the average surrogate compensation that you may anticipate receiving and how we can help you achieve your surrogacy goals.

    “I believe in working with each of my clients—in support of their family dynamic—to make the dreams of parenthood a reality. Whether you are single or married; or gay; a step-parent, a surrogate or intended parent or a child of adoption, it is my mission to serve as your advocate. With a dedication to the ethical and sensitive nature of each situation, I will help you understand the laws within Maryland or Washington, DC for adoption or surrogacy, and pledge to be your partner throughout the journey.” - Jennifer Fairfax