I have someone who will be a surrogate mother for me and my fiance.

by James Reinbold
(Murphysboro, IL, USA)

How much would it cost to have this done? The would be surrogate mother will not charge anything so I'm thinking it would be just the cost a doctor would charge. Any ideas?

Reply by Rayven
No, actually, it will cost much more than just the cost of a doctor.

First, you didn't say if your friend was going to be a traditional or gestational surrogate mother. The traditional route would be much less expensive, without the added fees of IVF.

You will also both need attorneys, even if she is not accepting a fee, especially if it is a traditional surrogacy. You need to be the legal parents of this child.

If her health insurance will not cover surrogacy you either need to purchase her a policy that will or pay out of pocket for all medical expenses pertaining to the pregnancy and delivery.

And just because she is not taking a fee doesn't mean that you will not need to reimburse her pregnancy related expenses, such as maternity clothing, possible lost wages from her or her husband if she needs to take off work for appointments, maybe travel to your clinic, child care during appointments, and miscellaneous fees along the way.

It is wonderful that you have a friend so loving that she is willing to do an altruistic surrogacy for you! You are truly lucky indeed!

As to exact figures, I cannot give you one; too many variables. Just remember, the fees a surrogate takes are only a small part of the big picture.

Best wishes!