Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate Compensation. Everything you need to know. Nothing hidden.
At Avenir Fertility, we believe the conversation about compensation should happen early, openly, and without any awkwardness. You are making a significant physical and personal commitment. Understanding what that looks like financially, in full, before you sign anything, is not just reasonable. It is your right.
This page covers every component of your compensation package. If you have questions about anything here, your coordinator will answer them directly.
BASE COMPENSATION
Compensation varies based on your location, experience, and program, USA or Mexico. First-time surrogates and experienced surrogates who have completed a prior journey are compensated differently, with experience recognized and reflected in your package.
Your exact base compensation is discussed openly and agreed upon during your application process, before you commit to anything.
ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES The Full Picture.
In addition to base compensation, surrogates receive allowances that cover the real costs of carrying for someone else. These are addition to your total compensation package and are agreed upon in your contract before the journey begins, not after.
Monthly Allowance — Paid throughout the active journey beginning at the start of your medication cycle.
Maternity Clothing — A one-time allowance to cover clothing needs as your body changes throughout the pregnancy.
Travel & Transportation — All travel required for medical appointments and procedures is covered. Mileage reimbursement for local travel. Flights, hotels, and meals for any travel requiring an overnight stay.
Lost Wages — If surrogacy-related appointments or recovery require you to miss work, lost wages are reimbursed. This applies to your partner or support person when their presence is required.
Childcare & Housekeeping — Provided when surrogacy-related appointments or recovery require additional support at home.
Invasive Procedures — Additional compensation for any invasive medical procedures required during the journey beyond a standard transfer.
Mock Cycle — If a mock cycle is required prior to your transfer, you are compensated for that cycle separately.
MULTIPLES COMPENSATION
In the event that you carry multiples, additional compensation is provided to reflect the increased physical demands. This amount is specified in your Gestational Carrier Agreement before the journey begins, no surprises.
MEDICAL SPECIFIC COMPENSATION
When the Journey Requires More. Certain medical circumstances warrant additional compensation:
C-Section — Additional compensation if a cesarean delivery is required, reflecting the increased recovery time and physical demands involved.
Bed Rest — Compensation to cover lost wages and additional household support if your physician places you on bed rest.
Hysterectomy — In the rare and unlikely event that a hysterectomy becomes medically necessary as a result of the pregnancy, significant additional compensation is provided and outlined clearly in your contract.
Termination or Selective Reduction — In the event that a termination or selective reduction is medically indicated and agreed upon by all parties, compensation guidelines are outlined clearly in your contract. You will never be asked to make a medical decision that conflicts with your personal values without your full and informed consent.
LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE
You Are Protected.
Health Insurance — All surrogates are required to have health insurance that covers surrogacy-related medical care. If your current insurance does not provide adequate coverage, we work with you to obtain a policy that does — the cost of which is covered by the intended parents.
Life Insurance — A life insurance policy is obtained for every surrogate prior to the start of the medical process. The cost is covered by the intended parents. This is non-negotiable.
Short Term Disability — Where applicable, short term disability insurance is obtained to protect your income in the event that a pregnancy-related complication affects your ability to work.
HOW & WHEN YOU GET PAID
Clear. Consistent. On Time.
All surrogate compensation is managed through a secure, independent escrow account established before your journey begins. Funds are deposited by the intended parents and disbursed to you on a clear, agreed-upon schedule, so you always know when your next payment is coming and why.
Monthly Base Payments — Divided into monthly payments beginning at confirmed pregnancy and continuing through delivery.
Allowances — Paid as expenses are incurred or on a pre-agreed schedule outlined in your contract.
Procedure-Specific Compensation — Paid within a defined timeframe following the relevant procedure.
Final Payment — Your final base compensation payment is made following delivery.
You will never be left chasing a payment. You will never be asked to cover a journey-related expense out of pocket without reimbursement. And if there is ever a question about your compensation, your coordinator answers it directly and honestly.
WHAT COMPENSATION IS NOT Because This Matters.
Surrogate compensation is considered payment for your time, commitment, and the physical demands of the journey, not payment for the child. This distinction is legally and ethically important and is reflected in how every Gestational Carrier Agreement is written.
We say this not to minimize what you are giving, but to be transparent about how compensation is structured legally so you are never surprised by how it is characterized in your contract.
Questions about compensation?
Your coordinator will walk you through every number, before you commit to anything.
