Asking for compensation

by juli
(texas)

I have agreed to become a gestational surrogate mother for my cousin, Im having a hard time asking for compensation even though they told me to think about what I want. My husband wants me to ask for 10-20,000. I just don't know if i can tell them any price. How do I go about this?

Reply by Rayven
Hi Juli,

In family situations, where one family member acts as a surrogate mother for another family member, sometimes compensation is received but often it is not. It is really up to the individual situation.

Do you feel uncomfortable asking for compensation because you do not feel right about taking compensation from your cousin, or do you feel uncomfortable about asking for compensation because its just odd talking about money, yet you wish to be compensated?

If you do not feel you should accept any compensation, then don't. Talk about it with your husband and tell him you just don't feel right about taking a fee from a family member.

If its just that you are uncomfortable talking with your cousin about the money, that happens to all us surrogates. Your cousin seems to understand that you should be compensated, so just set an appointment, get both couples in the room, and have this uncomfortable conversation. Write down what you decide, and submit it to your attorney (yes, you still need a lawyer even if its a family arrangement!)

As to how much you should accept, that depends on you and your husband, as well as what the parents can afford. $10-20K is a good range to start with; now get more specific.

Best wishes!