Surrogate Pregnancy & Post Partum Expenses
*Generally paid monthly or as outlined in your legal surrogacy agreement. Surrogate mothers must provide receipts and/or an itemized list of expenses before reimbursement. Post Partum expenses are typically reimbursed for up to 6-10weeks post partum.
- Lost Wages/Appointments
As incurred for doctor appointments, bloodwork and ultrasounds (including invasive procedures such as a D&C, amniocentesis, selective reduction, etc.)
- Lost Wages/Unable to Work
If a surrogate mother is unable to continue at her place of employment because of the pregnancy, lost wages can be reimbursed. Under the law, a surrogate mother must have a doctor’s note certifying that due to the pregnancy she is unable to work. If a surrogate mother qualifies for EI or other benefits, the difference can be reimbursed. A surrogate mother must be able to show proof of income either through a copy of a paystub or monthly bank statements.
- Childcare
As incurred for appointments.
- Medications/Syringes/Pregnancy Tests/Vitamins/Medical
IVF cycling medications/syringes, pregnancy tests, anti-nausea/heartburn medications, prescriptions and vitamins etc. Some bloodwork/ultrasounds may possibly be billed as “third party medical” if the intended parents are international.
- Travel/Mileage/Parking Tolls
As incurred for legal/clinic/doctor appointments, picking up medications, including bloodwork, ultrasounds, and the embryo transfer etc. This includes the cost of airfare/bus/train/taxi/subway and hotel accommodations. If a surrogate has to travel more than 2 hours one way for any appointment, it’s customary to offer to put her (and her support person) in overnight accommodations so that she does not risk missing an early appointment due to travelling/traffic. Click Here for Mileage Rates.
- Life Insurance Policy
It is a standard of care to cover the cost of a life insurance policy for your surrogate mother in the event of death. This should be put in place BEFORE any attempts to become pregnant as there is risk of death with early pregnancy (or travelling to appointments). A policy for $500,000-$1,000,000 is recommended, please contact us for a referral to an experienced insurance agent that specializes in surrogacy insurance. If you use your own insurance provider, please make sure they do NOT have a surrogacy exclusion.
- Legal
Intended parents are responsible for covering the cost of a surrogate mother’s independent legal counsel.
- Groceries
It’s common practice to cover a portion of a surrogate mother's monthly groceries (personal consumption) as pregnant women need to consume up to an additional 500 calories/day. All costs related to organic/specialty diets (such as vegetarian/vegan/religious) if requested by the intended parents can also be reimbursed. Some surrogates may develop gestational diabetes which can result in diet changes and increased food costs they may not have anticipated. Typically intended parents cover 40% of the household grocery costs.
- Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothes as needed (including winter jackets/support for breasts/belly).
- Phone/Internet/Printing/Fax
A portion of a surrogate mother’s monthly phone/internet may be covered due to the cost of calling for appointments with the clinic/physicians and also printing/faxing paperwork.
- Health & Fitness
Massage/acupuncture/dental/chiropractor and/or water related activities (such as prenatal aquafit) for any pregnancy related discomfort or complications.
- Bedrest
If complications arise and a surrogate mother must go on bedrest, intended parents are responsible to reimburse for housekeeping/childcare and meal preparation (if needed).
- Snow Removal/Grass Cutting/Animal Care
If a surrogate mother (due to pregnancy complications or discomfort) is unable to take care of snow removal/grass cutting and/or pet/farm animals. *Generally reimbursed for single surrogate mothers or those with partners who work away from home for extended periods.
- Pregnancy Supplies/Feminine Hygeine
Pregnancy pillow to assist with sleeping (if needed). Feminie hygeine products, including products for incontinence due to complications.