You’re ready to be a parent – to experience the joy of holding your newborn for the very first time. Rocking him to sleep each night. Sending her off to the first day of kindergarten. Cherishing each milestone as only a proud parent can.
But your path to parenthood hasn’t been easy. In fact, it feels like the roadblocks just keep on coming.
Surrogacy feels like the answer to your prayers, except for one big detail.
How will you pay for it?
Many hopeful parents long to start their journey to surrogacy, but the thought of paying for it all is overwhelming. They Google surrogacy costs and immediately give up, assuming “I could never afford this.”
It’s true – surrogacy is expensive. We won’t sugar coat that reality. Costs can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But, please hear us! There are ways to make surrogacy a viable option for you! It will take sacrifices, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking, but your path to parenthood may be more attainable than you think.
How to pay for your surrogacy journey
Standard loans
One option is to consider a standard loan. These could include home equity loans, personal lines of credit, credit cards, or 401(k) loans. Each option comes with its own risk and potential drawbacks, so be sure to weigh your options carefully and seek financial advice from a professional.
Fertility financing loans
There are several organizations that specifically provide loans for fertility treatments and surrogacy. These companies work closely with prospective parents to help them ease the financial burden of surrogacy.
Grants and scholarships
While not as easy to secure, there are some grants and scholarships available to help finance surrogacy. Each program has specific requirements that must be met, and you have to be chosen from among many applicants. Still, this option is worth pursuing. Some grants and scholarships include:
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- Pay it Forward Fertility Grants
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood Grant
- The Life Foundation
Fundraising
Here’s where your creativity can really kick in! We’ve seen parents raise thousands of dollars with creative ideas such as:
- Hosting fundraising events, like dinners, raffles, car washes, or benefit concerts.
- Holding garage sales.
- Selling items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
- Crowdsourcing via websites like GoFundMe or YouCaring.
Some local restaurants will hold fundraising nights where a portion of their proceeds are donated to a worthy cause (you!), or some independent sales consultants will donate commissions if you host a party for your friends and family.
We suggest reaching out to parents who have walked this path before you – ask others how they raised money to finance their surrogacy journey. There are new ideas for fundraisers every day!
Work a side gig
Another option to finance your surrogacy is to work a side gig. You could open an Etsy shop, work a part-time job, drive for Uber or Lyft, or pick up odd jobs based on your skill set. Money from a regular side gig can add up quickly when you add it directly to your savings account.
Ask family and friends
Your loved ones’ generosity could be an excellent avenue to help boost your savings. If you feel comfortable sharing your journey, you can ask friends and family to contribute to your account in lieu of birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gifts. Some intended parents receive generous gifts or personal loans from family members to assist with the cost as well.
Your path to parenthood is within reach
Trust us when we say: where there’s a will, there’s a way. We’ve seen it time and time again. The desire to become a parent knows no bounds, and the reward is certainly worth the sacrifice.
For a comprehensive look at the entire surrogacy process, from building your budget and selecting your surrogate to experiencing pregnancy and the birth of your child, our Surrogacy Roadmap is a clear, step-by-step guide for prospective parents like you. Learn more now.
