Surrogacy compensation has many different options, and no two surrogate motherhood contracts are alike.
The easiest, but most uncommon surrogate mother compensation schedule is the all-inclusive compensation plan.
This is where a surrogate mother takes one surrogate fee, come what may.
There are three types of surrogacy compensation plans for surrogate motherhood.
The second type of fee schedule that some surrogates choose is an all-inclusive compensation plan.
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There are a relatively small amount of surrogates, overall, who choose the all inclusive surrogacy compensation plan.
How the Surrogate Fee Works
Basically, instead of itemizing each individual expense, a surrogate will do the entire journey for a flat surrogate fee.
This surrogate motherhood fee is higher than the base compensation for the itemized compensation plan.
Where an average base fee for surrogates using the itemized compensation plan usually starts around $18,000, a surrogate who uses the all-inclusive surrogacy compensation plan generally receives fees that range from $22,000-25,000 for a first time surrogate and $30,000-45,000 for an experienced surrogate.
Many surrogates who choose an all inclusive schedule ask for part of their fee to be paid as a retainer or deposit.
This fee would be taken out of the total surrogate mother compensation, and is usually around 10% of the total cost.
Surrogate mothers who choose the all-inclusive compensation do not receive additional money for any of the itemized expenses in the other plans. They do not receive any extra funds if a second or third transfer is necessary.
They do not get a larger fee if twins or triplets are carried. No amniocentesis fees, c-section fees, bed rest fees, or loss of reproductive organs fees.
An all-inclusive contract does not provide extras for small out of pocket expenses a surrogate might incur like prenatal vitamins, mileage to her doctor’s office, or childcare. It does not provide extra money for housecleaning, maternity clothing, or massage.
Now, it is important to note that other expenses, like the cost of the clinic, lawyers, and medical bills are still paid for by the intended parents. The all-inclusive fee simply covers the surrogacy compensation in a clear, no-nonsense fashion.
Why All-Inclusive Surrogacy Compensation is Uncommon
Surrogate mothers have become used to the itemized compensation plan.
They like to know that they will be protected, monetarily, if anything goes wrong with the surrogate pregnancy.
Many surrogate mothers feel that an all-inclusive compensation plan leaves too much to chance, and that they may be left with overwhelming expenses if a pregnancy related problem were to occur.
For example, if a surrogate mother using the all-inclusive contract were to become pregnant with triplets, and were to be placed on bed rest at 18 weeks into the pregnancy, she may be put into a position where she cannot afford to pay for the care of her home and children, despite the fact that she is receiving surrogacy fees.
If this mother worked outside the home and was losing that income as well, it could become a serious financial burden. Not every surrogate mother will be able to enter into an all-inclusive contract, but there are many who should consider the option. For instance, surrogate mothers who have family, friends, or even local intended parents who could assist if she were to be placed on bed rest might not see it as much of a problem.
Many intended parents prefer an all-inclusive schedule as it allows them to know how much the surrogate motherhood journey will cost them, without unexpected expenses happening at a later time. This allows them to plan easier.
