Participants in surrogacy can find it to be a fulfilling experience, providing both emotional fulfillment and financial benefits.
In exchange for commitment, time, and sacrifice, surrogates are generously compensated.
According to surrogate.com the average compensation for a first-time single embryo surrogacy is “ $45,000 + all pregnancy expenses paid.” This leads many potential surrogates to wonder…
How much do surrogates make for twins?
Base compensation for a first-time single embryo surrogacy is $45,000. Surrogates receive $10,000 more per embryo, making the base compensation for a first-time twin embryo surrogacy $55,000. For each successful surrogacy pregnancy, an additional $5,000 is added to the base compensation.
The compensation varies based on first-time surrogacy fees or multiple embryos. Base pay is broken down into pregnancy stages, and the compensation is paid in phases accordingly.
Some phases of the pregnancy pay more than others, and stipends or other financial support may be provided. Additional compensation and benefits are listed below and vary among surrogate companies.
Overview Of Compensation Paid To Surrogates For Twins
With the base pay for a first-time dual embryo surrogacy averaging $55,000, it is important to know that the surrogate will not incur any expenses related to the surrogacy process or the pregnancy.
Compensation can be unique based on the parents and the surrogacy company; however, base compensation and no expenses are consistent and true.
With the variances in pay and expenses, let us break down the average compensation and stipends for a twin surrogate pregnancy.
Total Fees Paid For Twin Surrogate Pregnancy
The chart below breaks down a total of $68,000 not including all expenses paid for insurance, travel, postpartum care, and after-birthing services. The potential to make even more is possible depending on the surrogate contract.
| Procedure/Allowances | Fee |
| Base Compensation | $55,000 |
| Embryo Transfer for Twins | $5,000 |
| Canceled Cycle | $500 |
| Diagnostics | $2,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $250 – 350 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 for twins |
| Medications | $1,500 |
| Travel Expenses | All Expenses Paid |
| Expenses Accrued During Bed Rest | All Expenses Paid |
| Insurance (Health & Life, depending on the situation) | 1 Year – $250,000 Life Insurance Policy Health Insurance + Reimbursement if insurance is Surrogate Friendly |
| C-section | $3,000 |
| After-Birth Services (pumping and equipment) | $250/Week + supply expenses |
| Postpartum Care | Expenses paid + $100 Month Support |
Do Surrogates Get More for Twins?
Yes! Surrogates are paid an additional $10,000 per embryo as well as larger stipends for maternity wear, postpartum care, and expenses paid.
Factors that Affect the Total Cost
Each surrogacy journey is unique and depends greatly on where you live and the parents with whom you are working. Some states and countries pay significantly more while some parents you might encounter are on a tighter budget.
Other factors that can affect the total cost are the health of the surrogate and baby, testing, medication, travel, and surrogacy success.
Risks Associated With Surrogate Twin Pregnancy
Surrogate compensation is well deserved. There are risks with every pregnancy; however, twin births increase the risks. Premature birth is the most common risk associated with twin pregnancy, and some premature births result in NICU care.
In addition to a 65% chance of premature birth, there is a 57% chance the babies will have a low birth weight.
Many twin pregnancies result in cesarean sections. In addition, the surrogate mother will have a heightened risk for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Also like with any pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage.
Do Surrogates Get Paid if They Miscarry?
Most surrogates are paid per trimester or milestone; the surrogate will be paid up to the point of the miscarriage or failed transfer.
If the pregnancy comes to a devastating end and the child is born stillborn, the surrogate mother is still entitled to the full amount of the contract.
Do Surrogates Get Paid Monthly?
Generally, surrogates are paid by trimester or milestone in lump sums. The last sum is given after birth. The surrogate is entitled to additional compensation after procedures or medications.
Do Surrogates Have Parental Rights?
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg, but in many places, this type of surrogacy is illegal. In this case, the surrogate could have parental rights if not specified otherwise in the contract.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no parental rights.
Disqualifications for Surrogacy
The most common disqualifiers for surrogacy include age, location, lifestyle/weight, having never birthed a child, and being HIV positive. These are some of the biggest disqualifications for surrogacy universally.
Related Questions:
Can a Surrogate Have Triplets?
Yes! A surrogate can have triplets. As a matter of fact, multiples using surrogacy are becoming more popular. There is a smaller upfront cost of starting a family when opting for twins/triplets surrogacy. Another benefit is being able to use each partner’s genetic material for same-sex partners.
Does a Surrogate Mother Share Blood With the Baby?
No, a surrogate mother does not share blood with the baby. All nutrients and oxygen are passed through the placenta to the fetus. Gestational mothers also do not share DNA.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is a journey of sacrifice, commitment, and joy. The compensation and care surrogate mothers receive are well deserved and only increase with twin surrogacy.
The gift of surrogacy is the gift of family. Surrogacy changes the lives of everyone involved and prompts financial freedom and emotional well-being.
What Others Say About Being A Surrogate
IGottaSnake on Reddit shared how much she made and her experience being a surrogate:
“20-30k. The process requires a lot, though…and usually takes over a year and a half from start to finish. You have to give yourself shots every day for almost 4 months and IVF doesn’t always work every time, so you could end up doing the shots for way more than that. My first surrogacy took a little over 2 years from the beginning to the end.“
In a twin support group, Emily shares how much surrogates in Florida can make and some helpful tips:
“It’s so much more in Florida, you can make 50-60 grand. Make sure you use an agency for legal protection. We were looking into it and then I found out our fertility treatment worked….”
Mom of three (including identical twin boys), wife, and owner of Parents Wonder. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way.