Category: Intended Parents

Whether you are thinking about adding to your family through surrogacy or have already started this amazing family-building journey, these articles are for you.

Are Surrogacy Expenses Tax Deductible in 2026?

Direct surrogacy costs aren’t deductible, but IVF costs often are. Use these tax savings to help fund your surrogacy process.

Direct surrogacy tax deductions are restricted, but intended parents can often deduct IVF costs.

You can use these IVF tax write-offs to reduce your taxable income and redirect those recovered savings to help fund your surrogacy journey.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to receive a cost estimate and discover how tax savings can help fund your surrogacy.

In this guide, we’ll explore the recent IRS rulings, identify which fertility expenses qualify for deductions, and show you how to maximize your budget while building your family.

Understanding the IRS Ruling: Are Surrogacy Expenses Tax Deductible?

No, direct surrogacy costs like agency fees and surrogate compensation are not tax deductible.

A recent IRS Letter Ruling has clarified the boundaries of the surrogacy tax deduction for intended parents.

While the IRS approves medical deductions for fertility procedures performed on the tax payer (in this case, the intended parents), it continues to deny deductions for costs tied directly to the surrogate’s medical care.

The legal distinction relies on the requirement that deductible medical expenses must “affect the structure or function” of the taxpayer’s own body.

Because a gestational carrier is a third party, her medical insurance, legal fees, and pregnancy-related care are currently considered non-deductible by the IRS, even if the surrogacy is medically necessary.

Learn more about IVF tax write-offs.

What IVF Costs Count as Tax Deductible?

To be deductible, costs must be incurred for treatments performed on the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent.

The following IVF-related costs generally qualify as tax-deductible medical expenses

  • Fertility medications and laboratory fees.
  • Procurement of donor eggs and sperm.
  • Medical procedures for egg retrieval and embryo creation.
  • Storage fees for embryos, when tied to immediate medical necessity.

How to Use IVF Deductions to Offset Surrogacy Costs

A tax deduction saves you money by lowering your taxable income, which indirectly reduces the total amount of tax you owe to the government.

Although surrogacy is ineligible for a direct tax deduction, the IVF portion of your journey remains a viable medical expense.

By strategically applying these deductible costs, you can reduce your overall taxable income and reallocate those saved funds toward other areas of your surrogacy journey.

Learn more about surrogacy costs.

Calculating Your IVF Tax Deduction

You can only subtract medical costs from your taxes after they exceed 7.5% of your total yearly income (your AGI).

Any money you spend on medical care below that amount doesn’t count for a deduction.

To calculate your potential tax savings, you must first determine which expenses are qualified and then apply the IRS threshold for medical deductions.

Example calculation:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income: $100,000
  • 7.5% of that: 100,000 x 0.075 = $7,500
  • Your IVF Costs: $20,000

After you subtract the $7,500 threshold from your total IVF costs, you are left with a $12,500 tax deduction. This remaining amount is what you actually get to subtract from your taxable income to help fund your surrogacy.

Why You Should Consult a Tax Professional About IVF Tax Deductions for the 2025 Tax Year

IRS rules regarding reproductive health are nuanced and subject to change.

A knowledgeable advisor can help assess how expenses should be categorized, evaluate eligibility for applicable credits or deductions, and ensure compliance with current IRS rules.

This is especially important if you are considering requesting a private letter ruling, which requires precise factual framing, technical tax analysis, and careful documentation.

Professional guidance can help minimize risk while ensuring you take full advantage of any tax benefits that may be available based on your specific circumstances.

Have Questions About Surrogacy Costs? We’re Here to Help

Our specialists are here to provide the cost transparency and personalized guidance you need to turn your tax savings into a viable plan for parenthood.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to get a clear breakdown of your costs and how to leverage your tax savings.

Flying with a Newborn after Surrogacy: What New Parents Need to Know

Ready to head home? Navigate flying with a newborn after surrogacy with our guide to airline rules, infant safety, and legal travel docs.

Holding your baby for the first time is a significant milestone, but it is quickly followed by the logistics of getting home.

This guide covers the practical steps for navigating your baby’s first flight.

Navigating air travel with a newborn and want guidance? Contact us today for expert advice from specialists who understand every step of the journey.

Is it Safe to Fly With a Newborn?

Yes, most airlines and pediatric professionals advise that healthy, full-term newborns can safely travel by air once they are seven to fourteen days old. This two-week milestone allows the baby’s body to stabilize after birth.

Consult your pediatrician to confirm your baby is healthy enough to fly. While flying is medically possible early on, many doctors recommend waiting until the two-month checkup when infants receive their first major vaccinations, especially during cold and flu season.

To minimize risk, parents should:

  • Use a stroller cover in terminals.
  • Wipe down all cabin surfaces with disinfectant.
  • Feed the baby during takeoff to help with ear pressure.

Choosing the Best Time to Fly With a Newborn

Choosing the right flight time helps you manage your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. The goal is to align your travel with your newborn’s natural rhythms as much as possible, maximizing the chances of a calm, comfortable journey.

Daytime vs. Red-Eye Flights

The decision between a daytime and an overnight (red-eye) flight depends heavily on your comfort level and your baby’s emerging sleep patterns. Here’s a comparison of the two:

  • Red-Eye (Overnight) Flights: These can be highly beneficial if your baby has already established a long, predictable sleeping stretch. The cabin is typically darker, quieter, and generally less stimulating.
  • Daytime Flights: These may be easier for the parents to manage, as you are better rested and more alert. A mid-day flight (departing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can often avoid early morning airport crowds and late-night travel fatigue. Daylight also makes navigating security and the airport terminal simpler.

For babies under two months, shorter, direct flights are always preferable. A short-haul flight of two to four hours minimizes the disruption to their fragile routine and limits exposure time.

If a long-haul flight is unavoidable, book a layover that allows for a full stretch, diaper change, and feeding in a quiet family room.

Leveraging Sleep and Feeding Patterns

Successful travel with a newborn starts with anticipating their needs, especially hunger and fatigue. Plan to feed and change your baby right before boarding: a full, dry, comfortable infant is the best foundation for an easier flight.

Rather than sitting at the gate, take a gentle walk before boarding. The movement of the stroller or carrier and a change of scenery can help your baby settle intro a final pre-flight nap. 

Travel Essentials for Newborns: What to Pack

Preparation is your best defense against in-flight challenges. Having the right tools packed efficiently will make security and the flight itself much smoother.

The Newborn Travel Checklist

  • Diapers and wipes: Pack one diaper for every hour of travel, plus five to seven extra.
  • Clothing: Bring at least two zip-up outfits for the baby and a spare shirt for each parent to handle spills or blowouts.
  • Feeding and soothing: Include bottles, formula, burp cloths, and multiple pacifiers.
  • Health items: Keep a thermometer, nasal aspirator, and doctor-approved infant Tylenol in your carry-on.

Navigating TSA with Liquids and Gear

Dealing with security is often the most stressful part of flying with a baby, but knowing the rules helps streamline the process.

Navigating TSA with Formula and Breastmilk

Liquids for infants, such as formula and breast milk, are considered medically necessary by the TSA.

These items are exempt from the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning you can carry quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. You must inform the TSA officer of these items at the start of screening.

For the most efficient process, we recommend traveling with powdered formula and buying bottled water inside the terminal to minimize additional X-ray inspections.

Baby Wearing Through Security

Using a soft-structured baby carrier or a wrap is highly recommended. In many instances, you can wear your baby through the metal detector, which keeps your hands free for managing baggage and ensures your baby stays close and calm.

Feeding a Baby on a Plane: What to Know

Feeding your baby during critical flight moments is key to a comfortable and painless experience, primarily by managing the change in air pressure.

Managing Ear Pressure

The primary function of feeding during ascent and descent is to promote swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes and helps equalize the pressure in your baby’s middle ear. Here are some things you can do to aid the pressure:

  • Timing is Essential: Start feeding right before the plane pushes back for takeoff and again as the plane begins its final descent (usually 20–30 minutes before landing).
  • Sucking Comfort: If your baby is not hungry, a pacifier or even a clean finger for them to suck on will also activate the swallowing reflex.

If your baby is sleeping soundly during ascent or descent, you generally do not need to wake them solely for feeding. A baby sleeping peacefully is often coping well with the pressure change without assistance.

Bottle and Formula Preparation Logistics

Preparing bottles in a contained space requires planning to ensure hygiene and temperature. While flight attendants can often provide hot water to warm bottles or formula, traveling with a thermos of hot water is a more reliable approach.

This gives you control over the temperature and eliminates waiting time. To minimize the risk of spoilage and simplify TSA screening, we recommend traveling with powdered formula and bottled water rather than pre-mixed bottles.

Managing Stress and Anxiety During Baby’s First Flight

It’s completely normal to feel stressed when navigating air travel with a newborn, especially after the emotional intensity of the surrogacy journey. New parents need to take care of themselves, too.

Acknowledging the Emotional Transition

The trip home is the final, celebratory sprint of a long, emotional journey. It’s a transition period where your focus shifts entirely from the legal/logistical elements of surrogacy to the physical reality of new parenthood. Be kind to yourself as you manage this intense phase.

For many new parents, the anxiety stems from fear of judgment from other passengers or the lack of control in an enclosed space.

Remind yourself that you are doing your best, and your primary responsibility is to your child’s comfort, not the approval of strangers.

You have invested immense time, resources, and heart into this journey. This flight is merely a temporary logistical hurdle. Focus on the joy of holding your baby and the destination.

Practical Support Tips for Parents

To make the flight as comfortable as possible for everyone involved, consider implementing these strategies:

  • Tag-Team Parenting: If two parents are traveling, agree on a clear schedule for who handles which task (feeding, diaper changes, comforting). Take 30-minute shifts where one parent is completely “off” duty to rest, read, or simply stare out the window.
  • Pack Snacks for Yourself: Parent fatigue is real. Pack healthy snacks and water for yourself. Maintaining your energy is crucial for maintaining a calm environment for your baby.
  • Move Your Body: Stand up and gently sway in the galley when the seatbelt sign is off. The movement can often soothe a fussy newborn and helps relieve your own muscle tension.

Airline Policies on Flying With a Newborn

Every airline has different policies regarding age restrictions, ID requirements, and seating. To avoid last-minute stress, confirm your carrier’s rules well in advance of your flight. The typical requirements include:

  • Most major U.S. carriers permit infants as young as 7 days old, but for babies under 14 days, they typically require a doctor’s note confirming fitness to fly.
  • For domestic U.S. flights, a “lap infant” (a baby who flies on a parent’s lap and does not require a ticket) needs official documentation to confirm they are under two years old. A simple copy of the birth certificate is almost always sufficient.

Choosing Between a Lap Infant or Ticketed Seat

When booking your flight, you must decide how your baby will be seated. Most major U.S. carriers permit infants as young as seven days to fly as a “lap infant” for free or a small tax fee.

For increased safety, pediatric experts recommend purchasing a ticketed seat and using an FAA-approved car seat.

  • Lap Infant: Cost-effective; requires a “boarding verification document” from the airline.
  • Ticketed Seat: Provides a familiar, safe space and protects the baby during turbulence.
  • Gate Checking: Strollers and car seats can typically be checked at the gate for no additional charge.

What Documents Do You Need to Fly With a Newborn?

You must have specific legal documents to pass through security and check-in without delays. Keep these three items in your carry-on:

  • Certified Birth Certificate: Listing the intended parents as the legal parents.
  • Pre-Birth or Post-Birth Order (PBO): A court order validating your legal relationship to the child, which is vital if officials are unfamiliar with surrogacy.
  • Parental ID: Government-issued photo identification that matches the names on the baby’s documentation.

American Surrogacy works with surrogacy law attorneys to ensure your PBO is filed correctly and your names are placed on the original birth certificate. This preparation is designed to get you home as quickly as possible.

How American Surrogacy Supports You After Birth

Navigating air travel with a newborn, especially as a new parent through surrogacy, requires not just practical tips but emotional reassurance and trusted guidance from experts who understand every step of the parenting journey.

Fill out our form if you have questions about the legal documentation required for your trip home to get free information today.

Understanding Multiple Miscarriages with Normal Embryos: The Hidden Factors IVF Can’t Fix

Heartbreak after multiple miscarriages with normal embryos? Understand the hidden uterine and immune factors, and find a clear path forward with surrogacy.

Miscarriage with a normal embryo is devastating, but it may point to underlying factors IVF can’t address.

By understanding these issues, you can move away from repeated disappointment and find success with a strategic option like gestational surrogacy.

Are you ready to get closer to your path to parenthood? Connect with a specialist at American Surrogacy today to explore a proven path forward.

The Heartbreak of Hope: Experiencing Miscarriages with Genetically Tested Embryos

The journey to parenthood after facing recurrent pregnancy loss is profoundly difficult. After investing so much in IVF and creating an embryo, receiving news of another miscarriage feels devastating and deeply confusing.

This experience is not a failure on your part, but a sign that the focus needs to shift.

You have faced setbacks beyond your control, but by choosing surrogacy, you are giving your embryos the best opportunity.

Normal Embryos Don’t Guarantee a Successful Pregnancy

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) is an invaluable diagnostic tool in modern IVF. It allows your medical team to check an embryo’s chromosome count before transfer.

An embryo confirmed as “euploid” (or chromosomally normal) has the correct number of chromosomes and is considered the highest quality embryo available.

However, PGT-A does not guarantee pregnancy. A chromosomally normal embryo does not override underlying systemic or uterine health issues within the intended mother’s body.

Hidden Causes of IVF Miscarriages with Normal Embryos: Uterine, Hormonal, and Immune Factors

Recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage with a normal embryo points toward factors that cannot be solved by simply creating another embryo.

These issues are often subtle, requiring specific diagnostic testing and sometimes a change in approach.

Uterine Environment Factors

The endometrium, the lining of the uterus, must be receptive and healthy. Issues in this area can prevent implantation or lead to early loss:

  • Endometrial Thickness and Structure: A lining that is too thin, uneven, or structurally abnormal may fail to properly support the embryo. Your doctor may refer to this as a lack of uterine receptivity.
  • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: These common, inflammatory conditions can create a hostile environment that makes implantation and sustained pregnancy extremely difficult.
  • Chronic Endometritis (CE): This is a persistent, non-symptomatic inflammation of the endometrial lining, often caused by an underlying bacterial infection.
  • Structural Abnormalities: Unidentified polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue (Asherman’s Syndrome) can obstruct implantation or compromise the blood supply necessary for the placenta’s development.

Learn more about uterine health issues that may be making pregnancy impossible.

Autoimmune or Chronic Health Factors

In some cases, the body’s immune system is the barrier. The body may treat the embryo as a foreign object and reject it.

Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions that are not properly managed can create a highly inflamed environment in the body that prevents a pregnancy from starting or growing. These include:

  • Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can increase the risk of blood clotting and inflammation, compromising the blood flow needed for the placenta.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While generally not a direct barrier to conception, severe or active MS can indicate systemic inflammation that impacts the immune environment needed for implantation.
  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune thyroid condition often linked to recurrent miscarriage, as unmanaged thyroid hormones are essential for successful early pregnancy development.
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): While primarily hormonal, it often involves chronic, low-grade inflammation that can negatively affect uterine receptivity and embryo implantation.
  • Natural Killer (NK) Cells: While complex and often debated, some specialists believe an overactive presence of these immune cells in the uterus may attack the implanting embryo, treating it as a foreign object.

Learn more about chronic health conditions that may make pregnancy difficult or unsafe.

Hormonal and Timing Factors

Issues with hormones and timing are another barrier to successful implantation.

The uterine lining has a very narrow “window of implantation”, meaning the timing of the embryo transfer must be exact, even with standard hormone medication.

 Specialized tests like the Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA) help pinpoint this timing, but repeated failure suggests the window is consistently missed or compromised.

Additionally, a lack of sufficient natural progesterone during the early weeks, known as luteal phase support, can still compromise the lining’s ability to sustain the pregnancy, leading to loss

When to Consider Surrogacy After Multiple Miscarriages with Test Embryos

This decision should be made in consultation with your reproductive endocrinologist.

However, clear emotional and medical triggers often indicate surrogacy is the next strategic step:

  • Specific medical barriers. You have received a confirmed diagnosis that your medical team identifies as the primary cause of recurrent loss.
  • Your mental health has taken a toll. Surrogacy offers a way to continue the family-building process without the constant physical and emotional strain of repeated failures.
  • The cumulative cost of repeated IVF cycles, specialized testing, and experimental treatments may become unsustainable. Surrogacy provides a more predictable investment toward achieving your family goal.
  • You have remaining embryos. If you have frozen PGT-tested embryos, using them with a gestational carrier gives them the highest possible chance.

Surrogacy is not a last resort; it is a strategic, medically supported path to success when evidence points to the uterine environment as the barrier.

How Surrogacy Bypasses Uterine Factors That IVF Can’t Solve

When you choose American Surrogacy, we build your journey on the foundation of a thoroughly vetted and medically cleared gestational carrier.

This process is designed to eliminate the gamble of an unpredictable uterine environment and maximize the possibility of a healthy pregnancy.

Our rigorous, multi-step screening ensures you start your journey with confidence:

  • Agency Review: We start with an in-depth review of her full medical history and social background.
  • Clinic Review: Your fertility clinic reviews her past medical records, focusing on previous pregnancies and deliveries, to confirm a history of successful, healthy births.
  • Medical Clearance and Physical Exam: She undergoes a comprehensive physical examination and medical workup at your fertility clinic to confirm her uterus is optimally receptive and structurally sound for a successful transfer and pregnancy.

Other essential clearances we ensure include:

  • Psychological Readiness: Confirming she is emotionally and mentally prepared for the journey and understands the unique relationship with you.

By utilizing a gestational carrier who has been carefully and successfully screened through these multiple layers of review, you replace anxiety with certainty, knowing your precious embryo is in the safest possible environment.

Emotional Healing and Moving Forward

The grief, fatigue, and profound sense of failure that accompany recurrent loss are entirely understandable. Even when you know the miscarriage was not your fault, the emotional burden is real.

Surrogacy offers a crucial opportunity for psychological recovery and consciously moving forward with your family-building journey.

Gaining Control: Making an Intentional Choice for Family

Instead of dwelling on past disappointments, surrogacy allows you to pivot your focus on creating your family.

  • Move from Strain to Preparation: Surrogacy allows you to move past the physical burden and psychological toll of recurrent IVF failure. You can channel the energy previously spent on treatments into preparing for the baby’s arrival.
  • Taking Control: Instead of passively waiting for a diagnostic test or an experimental treatment, you are actively choosing the most successful, medically supported path available to you.
  • A Supported Journey: At American Surrogacy, we provide comprehensive support so you can focus on your path to parenthood.

What to Expect When Exploring Surrogacy as a Next Step

The idea of starting the surrogacy process can feel overwhelming, but our agency is here to simplify every step. We offer a clear, efficient path designed to minimize stress and maximize success:

Step 1: Reach Out to a Specialist

Your first step is connecting with a specialist at American Surrogacy. We listen to your unique story, understand your medical history, and help you determine if our program is the right fit.

Step 2: Match with a Surrogate

Based on your preferences, we present you with profiles of pre-screened, medically cleared gestational carriers. Our focused process often leads to quick matches.

Step 3: Complete Legal Contracts

Attorneys work together to create comprehensive, protective legal agreements that establish your parentage.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

Your reproductive endocrinologist facilitates the transfer of your PGT-tested embryo to the gestational carrier. We support you throughout the entire medical process.

Step 5: Pregnancy and Birth

You remain closely involved throughout the pregnancy, preparing for the day you welcome your child at the hospital.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Explore Surrogacy with Compassion and Clarity

You have faced setbacks beyond your control, but by choosing the strategic path of surrogacy, you are giving your embryos the best opportunity for success.

Surrogacy is not a detour; it is a supported, deliberate choice made by loving parents who refuse to give up on their family dream.

Even with multiple miscarriages, you can still start or grow your family. Contact us to learn how we can support you on your path to parenthood.

Do You Get Your Money Back for Failed IVF? [Understanding Costs]

Stop losing money on failed IVF. Our surrogacy programs offer a path to success with financial protection and a potential refund if you don’t bring home a baby.

IVF is a major emotional and financial commitment. When it doesn’t work, you may feel like the future you imagined is slipping away.

You deserve clear, compassionate guidance about your options.

In this guide, you’ll learn whether you can get your money back for failed IVF, how fertility clinic refund programs work and why some families shift toward surrogacy.

When you’re ready, you can get free information and talk with a surrogacy specialist about what comes next.

Do You Get Your Money Back for Failed IVF?

You may be able to receive a partial refund. Some fertility clinics offer money-back guarantees through “shared risk” programs.

Generally, you’ll need to pay a higher upfront cost in exchange for financial protection if treatment does not result in a live birth.

For example, Shady Grove Fertility’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Program allows qualifying patients to pay one flat, refundable deposit that covers multiple IVF attempts.

You can try up to six IVF or donor-egg cycles, plus unlimited frozen embryo transfers. If you don’t take home a baby or choose to stop treatment, you get your full deposit back.

But there are important limitations:

  • You must meet strict medical criteria, including age and ovarian reserve requirements.
  • You’ll pay more upfront than traditional per‑cycle fees.
  • You receive a refund only on the program deposit — not medications or diagnostic testing.

Programs like this can offer a clearer path forward, but they’re not available for everyone.

Are IVF Refund Programs Worth It?

If you qualify and want predictable costs, these programs can give you a sense of stability during an emotional process.

If you’re unlikely to qualify or prefer paying per cycle, they may not feel right for where you are. At the end of the day, this decision is about caring for your heart as much as your finances.

What Happens Financially If IVF Fails?

A failed cycle can be emotionally and financially devastating. You’ve poured your heart, time and resources into the process while holding onto the hope of growing your family.

When the pregnancy test comes back negative, you’re not just facing a medical outcome, you’re facing the weight of everything you invested.

You may be left carrying medical bills or debt from earlier rounds, which can make the next step feel even heavier. And you typically can’t get insurance to cover IVF failures; most insurance plans don’t cover IVF at all.

Depending on your state and employer, you may have partial coverage for diagnostics or medication, but coverage for full treatment is still limited.

This is often the moment when intended parents step back and re-evaluate whether more IVF cycles make sense.

Why Some Families Choose Surrogacy After Failed IVF

Medical Conditions That Prevent Safe Pregnancy

Some medical conditions, like severe uterine scarring, autoimmune issues or other health factors, make it very difficult to carry a pregnancy safely.

Surrogacy allows you to use your embryos while relying on a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and cleared to carry a healthy pregnancy.

Overcoming the Emotional Strain of Repeat IVF

After multiple IVF cycles, the emotional weight of hoping, waiting and grieving can become overwhelming. You may want a path with fewer unknowns, a clearer timeline and a higher chance of success.

Shifting to Surrogacy for Financial Predictability

Repeat IVF cycles can add up quickly. For some families, shifting to surrogacy feels like a more predictable and purposeful investment.

Many families go through many IVF cycles before trying something else. But choosing surrogacy isn’t “giving up.”

Rather, it’s an intentional step toward the option that gives you the best chance of becoming a parent.

Surrogacy Is More Expensive. So Why Do People Still Choose It?

Surrogacy is a significant financial investment, but some people consider surrogacy a better investment than repeated IVF.

Here are the benefits that often make surrogacy feel like the stronger path forward:

  • Predictable Timeline: With American Surrogacy, many intended parents are matched in 1 - 4 months, helping you move forward faster.
  • Higher Likelihood of Success: You work with a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and medically cleared.
  • Structured Process: You experience fewer unexpected hurdles compared to repeated IVF cycles.
  • Genetic Connection: You can use your own embryos to maintain a genetic link to your child.

For intended parents who have already been through so much, surrogacy often feels like a stable and structured step toward becoming a parent.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: Which Is More Cost-Effective in the Long Run?

IVF is unpredictable. One cycle might succeed, or you might need several, each costing thousands of dollars.

Surrogacy costs more upfront, but success rates are significantly higher due to medically screened surrogates.

Instead of wondering whether this next cycle will be different, you’re placing your embryo into the healthiest, most stable environment possible.

When you compare the total cost of repeat IVF cycles, the medications, the procedures, the time off work, the emotional toll, many families ultimately spend less through surrogacy than they would after several more IVF attempts.

If your journey ends without a baby and you have no embryos left, certain surrogacy programs (including some at American Surrogacy) also offer partial refunds depending on the package you choose. This adds another layer of financial protection and predictability.

IVF Is Already Part of the Surrogacy Process — Why Risk Paying More?

Even if you choose surrogacy, IVF is still required to create or use existing embryos. That means:

  • You’re already investing in IVF.
  • Surrogacy ensures your embryo is placed in the healthiest possible environment.
  • You can use embryos created from previous IVF cycles.

Using Existing Embryos in Surrogacy: What Are Your Options?

One of the greatest fears intended parents face when transitioning from IVF is the thought of losing the embryos they worked so hard to create.

If you have frozen embryos from previous cycles, they can be used in your surrogacy journey.

The process of using your existing embryos for a gestational surrogacy journey is straightforward:

  1. Coordinate Transfer: Our specialists work with your current fertility clinic (where the embryos are stored) to manage the transfer of the genetic material.
  2. Medical Clearance: Once you are matched with a thoroughly screened surrogate, your embryos will be transferred into her uterus during an Embryo Transfer Procedure at a fertility clinic.
  3. Maintain Connection: Using your existing embryos is how you maintain a genetic connection to your child while transferring the physical demands of pregnancy to your gestational surrogate.

This option protects your emotional and financial investment and allows you to give the embryos you already created the best chance at resulting in a pregnancy.

How Families Afford Surrogacy After IVF Loss

Many intended parents worry about affording surrogacy, especially after the cost of IVF. You have more options than you might think.

American Surrogacy partners with Sunfish, a leading fertility financing platform that offers flexible loans designed specifically for IVF and surrogacy. You can also manage costs through various other methods, including:

  • Personal loans
  • Fertility or surrogacy grants
  • 401(k) withdrawals or loans
  • HSA or FSA funds
  • Employer benefits for family-building
  • Home equity loans
  • Crowdfunding

American Surrogacy’s Financial Protection and Refund Eligibility

You deserve a program built to protect your investment in your family-building journey. At American Surrogacy, we offer:

  • Transparent Costs: We break down each fee clearly upfront so you can plan confidently without surprise expenses later.
  • Unlimited Matching: Our Limited Risk Program offers unlimited rematch attempts at no extra cost
  • Possible Refunds: You may be refunded some fees if your journey ends without embryos left to transfer.

Ready to Take the Next Step After IVF?

If you’ve experienced the emotional and financial toll of failed IVF, you deserve a program built to offer financial safeguards for your path to parenthood.

Learn more about our programs’ financial protection by filling out our online form.

What Are Our Surrogacy Options With Only One Euploid Embryo?

Working with a gestational surrogate can maximize your embryo’s chances by providing a stable environment for implantation.

Gestational surrogacy is one of the most effective paths to maximize the successful pregnancy chances of that single, precious embryo.

Working with the right agency is essential, as they provide the complex medical, legal, and logistical support needed to optimize the entire process.

This article will break down your options, how surrogacy maximizes your embryo’s potential, and the next steps to take on your journey.

Ready to maximize your chance of success? Contact a surrogacy specialist today to learn about our services.

Is Surrogacy an Option With Only One Euploid Embryo?

Yes, you can do surrogacy with one embryo at American Surrogacy. Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t disqualify you from working with a surrogate. Many intended parents choose surrogacy specifically because they want to give their embryo the healthiest environment possible.

As you move forward, you’ll work closely with your fertility clinic and surrogacy team to create a plan that gives this embryo the highest possible chance of success.

How Surrogacy Maximizes the Chances of Successful Embryo Implantation

Are you asking yourself, “Should I transfer my embryo or use a surrogate?”

It’s normal to consider every possible path. But with only one euploid embryo, you likely want to choose a family-building option that minimizes risk and gives your embryo the strongest chance to implant.

Gestational surrogates undergo extensive screening before they are approved, including medical examinations, psychological evaluations and lifestyle reviews.

These steps help ensure that surrogates are ready to carry a pregnancy and can provide a supportive uterine environment — an advantage that can be especially important if you only have one good embryo.

Here are the requirements women must meet to become a surrogate:

  • Have a proven history of healthy pregnancies
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 40, when reproductive health is generally at its peak.
  • Meet strict medical criteria, including a full OB-GYN review and clearance from a reproductive endocrinologist
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle, confirmed through a detailed review of habits, medical history and overall wellness

Understanding these requirements can help you feel safer using your last embryo in surrogacy.

Is It Worth Doing Surrogacy With One Embryo?

The answer to this question is personal. When you only have one euploid embryo, you may feel like you can’t afford to take risks.

Working with a gestational surrogate helps mitigate many of the biological factors you can’t control. While no option guarantees pregnancy, surrogacy can give your embryo the best chance at implantation.

Is It Harder to Find a Surrogate With Only One Good Embryo?

Sometimes. Some surrogates want to partner with intended parents who have multiple viable embryos in case the first transfer doesn’t work.

But you aren’t stuck if you only have one normal embryo after preimplantation genetic screenings (PGS).

American Surrogacy works with surrogates all across the country, including many who are open to “one-embryo families.”

 When you work with us, we present your profile to surrogates who already understand your situation and are comfortable with a single-embryo plan. You don’t have to search alone — we’ll help you find the right surrogate.

What Happens if the Last Embryo Doesn’t Work?

One euploid embryo can lead to pregnancy. Euploid embryos have strong potential, and many intended parents welcome their baby from a single embryo transfer.

Still, it’s important to acknowledge that a failed transfer is possible.

If the transfer doesn’t work, you won’t be left alone. You’ll have support throughout the entire process — from your clinic, your counselor and your team at American Surrogacy.

Together, you can talk through next steps and move forward with clarity.

Depending on your program, you may also be able to get a partial refund or credit if a transfer is unsuccessful. Your surrogacy specialist can explain what’s available and walk you through the exact details.

What Are Your Options if You Don’t Have Additional Embryos?

If your euploid embryo does not result in pregnancy, you still have several options. Many intended parents explore donor embryos or donor sperm/eggs to create new embryos for surrogacy.

Donor Embryos for Surrogacy

Donor embryos are fully formed embryos created by another individual or couple who chooses to donate them. This can be a meaningful option for:

  • Couples or individuals who want to move forward quickly
  • Intended parents who cannot or prefer not to undergo additional egg retrieval cycles

Embryo donation programs typically provide detailed medical and genetic histories of the donors, giving you helpful information as you decide.

Donor Eggs and/or Sperm

Your clinic can use your eggs or sperm (if viable) and donor gametes to create embryos for surrogacy. This allows you to maintain a genetic connection to your child.

Double Donor IVF

Double donor IVF uses both donor eggs and donor sperm to create new embryos. This path gives you the chance to select donors based on the characteristics that matter most to you.

This approach is often chosen by:

  • Couples who cannot use their own genetic material
  • LGBTQ+ couples building their family through surrogacy

Your fertility clinic will support you through choosing donors, creating embryos and preparing for transfer.

Only One Good Embryo?  Let’s Make It Count

Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t mean your journey is over. You still have a powerful chance. If you’re exploring surrogacy, you deserve clear answers and compassionate support.

Take the next step by filling out our form and connecting with a surrogacy specialist.

Surrogacy Escrow Services: In-House vs. Third-Party Options and Your Fund Safety

Surrogacy escrow services play a vital role in protecting funds during the surrogacy process. Learn which service best safeguards your financial interests and ensures smooth, trustworthy management of surrogacy funds.

Surrogacy escrow services provide a secure, neutral structure for handling all financial payments throughout your journey, giving both you and your surrogate peace of mind.

At American Surrogacy, we offer both n-house accounting services and the option to utilize an independent third-party escrow provider—whichever is the right fit for your unique situation.

In this article, we’ll explain what surrogacy escrow is, how it works, the important differences between in-house and third-party services, and how we ensure your funds are protected every step of the way.

To learn more about how escrow works and how we protect your funds every step of the way, fill out our quick form now. Our surrogacy specialists are ready to help you.

Third-Party Vs. In-House Surrogacy Escrow Services

Surrogacy escrow services are a financial arrangement that ensures funds are safely managed and distributed during the surrogacy process.

As you progress through your surrogacy journey, your escrow manager will distribute funds based on predetermined milestones established in your contract.

Think of a surrogacy escrow account like a prepaid gift card. You deposit funds into the account, and as your surrogacy process unfolds, the escrow manager releases the funds based on your agreed-upon milestones.

Funds you deposit in escrow are used for all your surrogacy costs, from medical expenses to surrogate compensation.

There are important differences between in-house accounting services and third-party escrow:

Third-Party Surrogacy Escrow Services

A third-party escrow service is a company independent of the surrogacy agency that specializes in managing and distributing client funds.

Pros:

  • Neutrality: Completely independent, ensuring an impartial relationship between the agency, intended parents, and the surrogate.
  • Financial Protection: Funds managed by a trusted third-party are often insured, providing an extra layer of protection.
  • Transparency: High transparency as the third-party can independently report on all transactions and balances.
  • Legal Compliance: Required for surrogacy in some states, ensuring the process meets all regulatory mandates.

Cons:

  • Additional Cost: Typically more expensive due to the third-party’s management fees.

In-House aCCOUNTING sERVICES

In-house accounting services, like those offered by our agency, involve a dedicated, on-staff financial team who manage the escrow funds in a secure, segregated account.

The escrow manager is an expert member of the agency’s staff. This is often done to streamline the process and save on external fees.

Pros:

  • Lower Cost: Often less expensive because no separate third-party company is involved.
  • Streamlined Management: Direct communication between your agency team and the financial manager ensures quicker, more efficient disbursement.
  • Agency Oversight: Funds are managed by a professional team you already trust, backed by the agency’s extensive experience in financial management.

Cons:

  • Perceived Lack of Neutrality: Since the agency manages the funds, some clients may perceive a lack of impartiality compared to an outside firm.
  • State Limitations: This option may not be available in all states due to specific regulatory requirements that mandate the use of an independent third party.

The Right Option for You

  • In-House Accounting: Our in-house services offer a cost-effective and highly streamlined process, managed by a professional team intimately familiar with your surrogacy contract.
  • Third-Party Escrow: For clients in states where it is required or for those who prefer an independent service, we can connect you with specialized third-party escrow companies.

You can learn more about surrogacy escrow services and start building your financial plan by contacting a surrogacy specialist today.

Why Surrogacy Escrow Services Are Important

Escrow services protect both parties by ensuring that the surrogate is compensated only after her milestones are met and that intended parents’ funds are not misused.

They also provide clear, documented proof of payments, adding a layer of transparency and accountability.

How Payouts Work in Surrogacy Escrow

Payouts in a surrogacy escrow follow the guidelines laid out in the surrogacy contract. The contract will outline milestones and the funds allotted to cover these.

Once the agency can provide evidence a milestone has been reached and the escrow agent can verify this, payments will be released.

For example, your contract may specify that the surrogate will begin receiving her base compensation payments once a pregnancy is confirmed at her clinic.

How to Establish an Escrow Account for Surrogacy

Establishing an escrow account can be fairly simple, especially when working with a full-service agency.

Because we offer both in-house accounting services and established partnerships with trusted third-party escrow services, we ensure your funds are managed securely and fairly from the very start, regardless of the option you choose.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Step 1. Reach Out to a Surrogacy Agency

A reputable agency will guide you toward the best financial management option for your situation, whether that is our experienced in-house accounting team or a specialized, independent third-party escrow company.

They will ensure that your funds are in safe hands and properly managed according to your state’s requirements.

Step 2. Review the Surrogacy Contract

Once you choose an agency, you’ll finalize and sign a surrogacy contract.

This document outlines all the terms of your arrangement, including the specific milestones and payment schedules that govern when and how funds will be disbursed from the escrow account.

Step 3. Fund Your Escrow Account

After the contract is in place, you’ll deposit the necessary funds into the dedicated escrow account.

Your agency will then be able to work with the escrow manager to draw from the account to cover surrogacy-related expenses, such as surrogate compensation and medical fees, as agreed upon in the contract.

Step 4. The Agency Takes Care of the Rest

The agency will work directly with the escrow manager (whether that’s our internal finance expert or the third-party company), ensuring that all payments are handled precisely according to the terms set in your contract.

We will set up the accounts for you. The only thing you’ll need to focus on is making sure the surrogacy contract outlines a payment process you find agreeable.

You won’t need to worry about the day-to-day management of payments, your agency and the escrow manager will handle it all.

Surrogacy Escrow with American Surrogacy

At American Surrogacy, the safety and security of your escrow funds are paramount.

We empower you to choose the option that best fits your needs and your state’s laws: our expert in-house accounting services or a trusted third-party escrow provider.

Decades of Proven Experience

Our financial management is built on the expertise of our sister agency, American Adoptions, which has decades of experience successfully managing client funds.

This history provides an unparalleled level of financial stability and professionalism.

We Protected Families During the SEAM Breach

We understand the trust you place in us. Our dedication to financial protection was publicly demonstrated when we shielded intended parents’ funds during the 2023 SEAM escrow breach by paying them back from our own internal reserves.

While this was a one-time occurrence, it underscores that our clients’ funds are safe with us and highlights our commitment to ensuring your financial security, regardless of external circumstances.

You can learn more about surrogacy escrow services by contacting a surrogacy specialist today.

Surrogacy Agencies that Coordinate Embryo Transfer Logistics and Clinic Partnerships

Ready to hold your baby? We simplify the entire journey. Surrogacy agencies that coordinate embryo transfer manage all medical details. We’ve got you.

Surrogacy is a team effort. Intended parents, the surrogate, and the clinic each play a part, and the agency keeps everyone in sync.

When it comes to the embryo transfer—the moment everything comes together—surrogacy agencies that coordinate embryo transfer logistics and clinic partnerships handle the moving pieces so you can stay focused on becoming parents.

Contact a surrogacy specialist to talk through your next step and how coordination works in real life.

How Do Surrogacy Agencies Coordinate Embryo Transfer Logistics with Fertility Clinics?

Your case manager tracks dates, medications, and approvals so the clinic, surrogate, and intended parents stay aligned. This reduces delays, prevents mix-ups, and keeps the transfer on schedule.

Behind the scenes, your case manager functions like a project lead. They confirm clinic requirements, collect consents, coordinate labs, and keep a master timeline everyone can follow. You get clear updates instead of chasing details.

Coordinating Care with the Fertility Clinic of Your Choice

When you reach out, we first confirm whether you already work with a clinic and whether embryos are created.

You must have existing embryos before you can be formally matched with a surrogate. If you have remaining embryos from a previous IVF attempt, we can usually coordinate their use for surrogacy.

If you don’t have a clinic yet, we can provide you with the names of reputable providers in your state and how to vet fertility clinics to ensure a comfortable fit.

We stay flexible: you choose the clinic; we make the logistics simple. From referral paperwork to appointment planning, your case manager keeps the process moving and expectations clear.

What Happens After Embryos Are Created?

Once your embryos exist, we can officially match you with a surrogate. After both sides say yes, attorneys draft and finalize the gestational carrier agreement.

With contracts complete, the clinic and agency align calendars, confirm medications, and set the transfer date. You’ll know what to expect, when, and why.

We provide a simple timeline you can reference at a glance—no guesswork.

If a lining check suggests more time is needed, or if illness or weather affects travel, we coordinate quick adjustments with your clinic and the surrogate. You won’t have to renegotiate logistics on your own.

How Does Embryo Transfer Work in a Surrogacy Arrangement?

The transfer is the most anticipated day of the medical journey. Our coordination ensures these critical steps happen seamlessly:

Step 1: Medical Clearance

The surrogate completes medical and psychological screening. The clinic issues formal clearance after reviewing her file, which is prepared and submitted by your case manager.

Step 2: Physical Screening

To complete medical clearance, the surrogate will travel to your fertility clinic for an in-person physical screening, which typically includes a full physical exam and ultrasound to assess the uterus.

Your agency coordinates all travel, lodging, and reimbursement for this essential step.

Step 3: Hormone Preparation

The clinic prescribes a lining-prep protocol (commonly estrogen and progesterone). Your case manager tracks start dates, refills, and monitoring appointments and relays results to the clinic.

Step 4: The Transfer

The embryo is placed under ultrasound guidance. It’s quick and typically painless. After brief rest, the surrogate follows clinic instructions for travel and aftercare. We coordinate follow-up labs and the pregnancy test schedule.

Step 5: Post-transfer monitoring

We help schedule beta hCG tests and early ultrasounds, share results with all parties, and keep your next steps clear. If a new attempt is needed, we regroup with your clinic to set a refreshed protocol and calendar.

Learn more about what to expect from the surrogacy timeline.

Who Coordinates the Timeline and Medical Records?

Your agency does. Case managers gather records, verify labs and immunizations, and send everything the clinic needs in the format it prefers.

We maintain a single source of truth for appointments, cycle starts, medication changes, and results. You see the plan, and you see progress.

One dashboard, one point of contact, no crossed wires.

What If the Surrogate and Fertility Clinic Are in Different States?

Distance is common and manageable. Most surrogates are more than willing to travel for screening and transfer to your clinic, and we arrange flights, hotels, and per diem. This travel coordination is always handled by your agency.

If you prefer, embryos can be shipped to your surrogate’s clinic through accredited cryo-couriers, but travel to your clinic is often simpler and keeps your care with your chosen team.

Shipping Checklist (If You Choose This Option)

  • Courier booking and chain-of-custody forms
  • Tank preparation and temperature logs
  • Clinic-to-clinic handoff
  • Immediate confirmation on receipt

What is the Agency’s Role in Financial Coordination for Embryo Transfer?

Coordinating the transfer is about more than just dates—it’s about protecting your financial investment.

Surrogacy agencies that coordinate embryo transfer logistics also manage the financial exchange that powers the medical process.

The agency manages your dedicated escrow/trust account to ensure all transfer-related costs are handled promptly, including the surrogate’s travel expenses, per diem, and medication co-pays or reimbursements per the legal contract.

This precise financial management prevents critical delays caused by reimbursement friction, ensuring the surrogate is never out-of-pocket and the cycle stays on schedule.

Why Working with an Agency Experienced in Fertility Clinic Coordination Matters

Experience smooths the path. Surrogacy agencies that coordinate embryo transfer that have deep clinic relationships know preferred forms, timelines, and points of contact.

We’ve worked with many intended parents whose journeys have involved reputable providers across the country. This means we have deep insight into what makes a clinic surrogacy-friendly.

That familiarity speeds scheduling, reduces rework, and helps anticipate next steps—especially if plans change. You get steadier communication and fewer surprises.

We’ve coordinated with respected clinics nationwide; we’ll meet your team where they are.

How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Medical Process

From the first call to the beta test, you’re not carrying this alone. We:

  • Offer guidance on what to look for when selecting a fertility clinic.
  • Manage records, travel, and schedules for screening and transfer.
  • Keep you updated with plain-language timelines and next steps.
  • Offer contingency planning if a cycle is postponed or a transfer isn’t successful on the first try.

If you’re early in IVF, we can help you line up providers so matching and medical prep work together—not in conflict.

Ready for clear coordination and steady support? Contact a surrogacy specialist.

Contingencies and What-Ifs

If the transfer doesn’t stick: We debrief with your clinic, review protocol options, and help you decide on the next attempt without losing momentum.

If travel is disrupted: We hold backup itineraries, coordinate telehealth where appropriate, and protect critical appointments on the calendar.

If you change clinics: We request and transmit complete records, confirm compatibility with your surrogate, and rebuild the schedule quickly.

Quick FAQs

Do we need embryos before matching? Yes. You can browse and select a surrogate, but you must have embryos before the match can be made official.

Can we keep our current IVF doctor? Yes. We coordinate with your team and set up local monitoring for the surrogate.

How many embryos should we plan to transfer? Your clinic will guide you; many recommend single-embryo transfer for safety.

Ready to Start?

Becoming parents is the goal. Coordination is our job. When you’re ready, we’ll connect the people, plans, and dates that bring your transfer to life.

Talk with a specialist today to start your surrogacy journey.

Understanding the Financial Implications of Multiple Embryo Transfer Failures in IVF

The financial implications of multiple embryo transfer failures are severe. Convert your $75k–$150k loss into a predictable, guaranteed surrogacy journey.

You’ve been trying, and each failed embryo transfer exacts a crushing emotional and financial toll.

The accumulated costs from procedures, medication, and lost time add up much faster than anyone anticipates.

Fill out our simple form now to learn more about the costs involved in surrogacy and how they contribute to helping you become parents faster.

If you’re asking if it’s time to stop pursuing IVF for a more predictable path, you’re asking the right question. Let’s weigh the costs of continued failure against the stability of surrogacy.

The Real Financial Implications of Multiple Embryo Transfer Failures in IVF

Many Intended Parents who have endured two to three full failed IVF cycles (including retrievals) and multiple frozen transfers realize they have already spent between $75,000 and $150,000.

That is often the lower range of a full surrogacy journey, yet they remain without a baby and without a guarantee of future success.

Know the Starting Investment: The average cost of one full IVF cycle (including egg retrieval, lab work, and necessary medications) typically runs between $15,000 and $30,000. That’s just the starting point.

The core problem is the speed at which costs stack up after that initial investment:

  • Repeated transfer attempts: Each individual frozen embryo transfer (FET) runs $3,000 to $7,000, plus required medication protocols and monitoring appointments adding another $3,000 to $5,000 per cycle.
  • Multiple egg retrievals: If you need further egg retrievals, add $12,000 to $15,000 for each one, pushing the total past $100,000 much faster than you ever thought possible.

The Financial Trap: Paying for Uncertainty

The most devastating financial implication is this: you are paying enormous sums for a process with decreasing odds of success, and without an ultimate guaranteed outcome.

At this crossroads, the unpredictable and potentially endless cost of continued IVF must be contrasted directly with the predictable, structured investment of surrogacy.

Why IVF May Not Be Working—Even If You Have Healthy Embryos

If your fertility specialist keeps telling you the embryos look perfect after yet another failed transfer, the sense of hopelessness is understandable.

The urge to scream, to understand why something that looks perfect on paper keeps failing—it’s overwhelming.

Embryo quality matters, but it’s not the whole story. Even genetically normal embryos with beautiful development patterns can fail to implant or result in early pregnancy loss for reasons that doctors still can’t always predict or fix.

Why Your Healthy Embryos Keep Failing

  • Severe Uterine Issues: Uterine conditions like adenomyosis, advanced endometriosis, or significant fibroids can create an implantation environment where success is nearly impossible.
  • Immune System Response: For some, the immune system treats the embryo like a foreign invader. While certain immune factors are treatable, many are not, regardless of aggressive protocols, supplements, or perfect adherence to instructions.
  • Maternal Age and Cellular Quality: Maternal age impacts egg quality beyond genetics. Cellular function, metabolic capacity, and the embryo’s ability to develop post-transfer all decline in ways that testing cannot measure or fix.
  • Subtle Underlying Conditions: Blood clotting disorders, chronic inflammation, and subtle hormonal imbalances can derail the transfer process. Although these issues are treatable, success is not guaranteed.

When There’s No Answer At All

Sometimes there isn’t a clear explanation for why this keeps happening to you. “Unexplained infertility” is the label doctors use when they can’t figure out why your transfers keep failing.

Without clear answers, you’re left weighing whether to keep trying the same approach or consider alternatives that work around these obstacles entirely.

Should We Try One More Cycle or Move to Surrogacy?

This is probably the hardest decision you’ll face after everything you’ve already been through.

I wish I could tell you there’s one right answer, but there isn’t. However, there are ways to think through your specific situation with clarity instead of just clinging to hope because you’re terrified of giving up.

What You’ve Already Invested

Sit down and add up what you’ve spent on IVF so far. Everything—medications, procedures, genetic testing, all those extra interventions your doctor suggested.

Now compare that to what a complete surrogacy journey costs. A lot of people are genuinely shocked when they realize they’re already halfway to surrogacy costs, but they’re not anywhere near the same chance of actually holding their baby.

Your Medical Reality Check

Has your doctor actually identified something specific and treatable that would improve your next cycle? Or are they suggesting “one more try” without a clear reason why this time would be different from the last three times?

That distinction matters so much more than doctors want to admit.

The Emotional Calculation

Failed transfers take a toll that your bank statements can’t capture. Your mental health is suffering.

Your relationships are strained. If thinking about another failed cycle makes you feel physically sick, that’s real information about where you are emotionally.

Your emotional reserves aren’t infinite, even though you’ve been acting like they are.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: A Cost Comparison After Multiple Failures

One full IVF cycle with egg retrieval: $12,000 to $30,000, depending on your clinic and where you live.

Three cycles—pretty common for people over 35—puts you at $45,000 to $105,000 in cumulative costs.

Failed frozen transfers add up at $3,000 to $7,000 per attempt, plus meds and monitoring. Three of those can hit $20,000 to $35,000 before you even realize it.

Most of us who’ve been through this end up spending $75,000 to $150,000 on IVF over several years without ever achieving a successful pregnancy.

Without ever getting to meet our baby.

What Surrogacy Actually Costs

A complete surrogacy journey through American Surrogacy runs $187,500 to $202,500 using our Limited Risk program.

That includes comprehensive support and a much higher chance of bringing home your baby because of how thoroughly we screen surrogates. Here’s where it gets interesting, though.

The Probability Factor Everyone Ignores

First-time embryo transfers with a carefully screened surrogate? 60-75% chance of working per transfer. Compare that to 20-40% for IVF, depending on your age and other factors.

So let’s say you have a 25% shot per IVF cycle and end up needing four cycles at $25,000 each. Spending $100,000 gets you a cumulative 68% chance of bringing home your baby.

With surrogacy at around $190,000, you’re getting a 70-75% chance per transfer, and many programs guarantee an outcome or refund your money.

Yes, you’re paying more upfront. But you’re buying predictability and odds that are higher than continuing IVF instead of just spending money on hope.

How Surrogacy Can Offer a Predictable Path Forward

After years of unpredictable IVF outcomes, certainty starts to matter as much as anything else.

Maybe even more. Surrogacy lets you use your existing genetically-tested embryos with someone who has proven fertility. That combination changes the probability equation entirely.

How Screening Changes Your Odds

We only work with surrogates who’ve already carried at least one healthy pregnancy to term.

They have proven fertility, excellent health, and have passed comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. Less than 2% of potential surrogates pass our screening process.

That’s not us being picky for no reason. It translates directly to better outcomes for you.

Instead of hoping this cycle will somehow work despite the same underlying issues that caused all your previous failures, you work with someone whose body has already proven it can carry a pregnancy to term.

Learn more about why screening matters in your family building journey.

Knowing What You’re Paying For

With surrogacy, you know the total cost range upfront. Our Limited Risk program guarantees you’ll bring home a baby or receive a significant refund.

That removes the awful uncertainty of spending $150,000+ on IVF with no promise you’ll ever actually become parents. There’s no more gambling. Just investing in something with real guarantees.

What’s Included in the Cost of Surrogacy (and What’s Not)

When you’re making financial decisions this big, you deserve full transparency about where your money goes.

No surprises. No hidden fees showing up later. Our Limited Risk program runs $187,500 to $202,500. That’s comprehensive—here’s the breakdown of what’s included and what you’ll pay separately.

What the Program Fee Covers

  • Finding and vetting your surrogate: Complete screening and qualification—medical, psychological, personal history, everything. We only match you with surrogates who meet strict standards. Plus all the marketing efforts to recruit high-quality candidates in the first place.
  • Financial guarantees: Protection through our guaranteed outcome structure. Bringing home a baby or receiving a significant refund is guaranteed. Period.
  • All surrogate-related costs: Her base compensation, monthly allowances, all pregnancy-related expenses. Medical coordination and insurance fees, including pregnancy insurance for your surrogate if she needs it.
  • Legal protection: All legal fees for contract development and establishing your parentage. No surprise legal bills.
  • Full support throughout: Agency support from matching through delivery, available 24/7 when you need us. Complete administrative services and accounting throughout your journey so you’re not managing spreadsheets while trying to become parents.

What You’ll Pay Separately

  • Creating or transferring embryos: $3,000 to $7,000 if you’re using existing embryos, or $15,000 to $25,000 if you need to create new ones. Using donor eggs or sperm adds to this cost.
  • After birth: The baby’s medical expenses aren’t included—that’s the newborn hospital care after delivery.
  • Travel: Travel and lodging for key appointments and the birth itself will be your responsibility. Being there for these moments matters, and those costs are separate.

It’s a substantial investment, yes. But it’s one with a clear endpoint and success rates higher than continuing IVF after you’ve already failed multiple times.

Financing Options After IVF Failure: What You Need to Know

Affording surrogacy is more accessible than you might think right now, especially after you’ve already been pouring money into IVF.

Fertility-Specific Financing

We’ve partnered with Sunfish, a company that specializes in surrogacy loans.

They get the financial dynamics of family-building in a way regular banks don’t, and they offer flexible payment plans designed for people like you who’ve already invested heavily in IVF.

Traditional Financing Routes

Personal loans from banks or credit unions usually beat general consumer credit on interest rates.

Some people use 401(k) loans to borrow against their retirement savings without penalties. This requires serious thought about long-term impacts, obviously. But it’s an option that’s helped a lot of people.

Health Savings Account funds can sometimes cover surrogacy-related medical expenses—check yours to see what applies.

Grants and Alternative Funding

Organizations offer grants and scholarships for family-building, particularly for LGBTQ+ families, cancer survivors, and people with specific medical conditions. They’re competitive, but they exist and they’re worth applying for.

Redirecting Your IVF Budget

Here’s something that clicks for a lot of people: the money you would keep spending on more IVF cycles can be redirected toward surrogacy instead.

You’re essentially converting those ongoing monthly costs into a structured payment toward something with way better odds of actually working. You were going to spend the money anyway.

This way, you’re spending it on something that has a real chance of ending with you holding your baby.

Is Surrogacy the Next Step? Let’s Talk.

You’ve carried the financial implications of multiple embryo transfer failures and the emotional weight long enough.

If you are questioning whether to endure another unpredictable IVF cycle or choose a proven path, we are here to talk.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to get more financial insight into your surrogacy journey.

The smartest choice, financially and emotionally, is the one that finally leads to your baby.

What Happens to Escrow Funds if a Surrogacy Agreement Terminates Early?

Unused escrow funds typically return to intended parents if surrogacy ends early. Learn timelines, protections, and refund processes.

Surrogacy represents a significant financial commitment, and the possibility of an arrangement ending before a baby arrives can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that most surrogacy agreements include clear provisions for refunding unused escrow funds to intended parents.

Understanding how escrow works, what protections exist for your money, and how agencies like American Surrogacy manage these funds can help you move forward with confidence.

Get answers to your specific questions about surrogacy costs and fund management. Contact us today.

What Happens to Escrow Funds if a Surrogacy Agreement Terminates Early?

When a surrogacy agreement ends before embryo transfer or birth, any unused funds held in escrow typically return to the intended parents. The exact timeline and process depend on your surrogacy contract and gestational carrier agreement.

Most professional surrogacy agreements spell out when funds can be released back to intended parents, like when a surrogate is medically disqualified before transfer, when either party exercises their right to terminate, or when both parties mutually agree to end the arrangement.

The disbursement process usually happens within 30 to 60 days after termination, though this varies based on your contract and whether there are disputed expenses. Your surrogacy attorney can walk you through the specific refund provisions in your agreement.

Some escrow funds may have already been distributed for completed services, like surrogate screening fees, insurance premiums, or legal costs, and those typically aren’t refundable.

But compensation payments, medical expense reserves, and other milestone-based funds that haven’t been earned or spent should return to you.

How Escrow and Fund Management Work in Surrogacy

Escrow serves as a neutral holding space for surrogacy funds. Intended parents deposit money upfront, and those funds are distributed as the surrogate reaches specific milestones like the embryo transfer, pregnancy confirmation, delivery, and so on.

This system protects everyone involved. Surrogates know their compensation is secure. Intended parents know their money won’t be released until agreed-upon steps are completed.

You have options for how these funds are managed. Some intended parents work with third-party escrow companies.

Others choose agency-based fund management, where the surrogacy agency handles deposits and disbursements directly.

American Surrogacy’s Accounting Services

At American Surrogacy, we offer in-house fund management with the same accountability and milestone tracking as third-party escrow—but with tighter integration into your journey timeline.

We’ve successfully managed client funds for years across both our surrogacy and adoption programs.

The key difference between escrow and agency fund management often comes down to personal preference and state requirements. Both approaches work well when managed by experienced professionals.

Do All States Require Escrow for Surrogacy?

Not all states mandate that surrogacy funds be held in a licensed escrow account, though some have specific legal requirements.

States like Washington have detailed statutes governing gestational surrogacy agreements and may require escrow provisions.

Even without strict mandates, most surrogacy professionals—attorneys, agencies, and fertility clinics—strongly recommend using managed fund systems. They create clear paper trails, reduce payment conflicts, and ensure surrogates receive compensation reliably.

Your surrogacy attorney should know your state’s surrogacy laws and can advise whether escrow is legally required or simply best practice.

In states without explicit escrow requirements, you’ll still want to choose a reputable fund management option for financial security and peace of mind.

Agency Fund Management vs. Third-Party Escrow: What’s the Difference?

Third-party escrow agents are independent companies that hold and distribute funds for surrogacy arrangements.

They operate as neutral parties with no connection to your agency or fertility clinic. Agency-based fund management functions similarly but keeps your funds in-house with enhanced protections.

We track the same milestones, process payments on the same schedule, and maintain the same oversight—without moving your funds to an outside entity. This helps protect you against financial losses like what happened with SEAM.

Some intended parents still prefer the added separation of third-party escrow. Both models work—what matters is your comfort with the structure and confidence in who’s managing your money.

Whichever route you choose, look for transparent accounting, regular statements, and clear communication. You should never feel uncertain about where your money is or when it’s moving.

How American Surrogacy Protects Your Funds—Even in Crisis

When SEAM Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, a widely used third-party escrow provider, was discovered to have embezzled millions of dollars from client accounts in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the surrogacy community.

Families who trusted SEAM suddenly faced the devastating reality that their money was gone.

American Surrogacy was among the agencies affected, but we made an immediate decision: we reimbursed every impacted family from our own operating budget. Our clients didn’t lose a cent.

We did this because we believed agencies had a responsibility to stand by their clients. Unfortunately, not every surrogacy program took this approach. Some families working with other agencies are still fighting to recover their losses.

This experience reinforced why we continue offering in-house fund management alongside third-party escrow options.

What to Look for in a Surrogacy Escrow Agreement

Every surrogacy contract should include specific language about fund management and what happens to unused escrow in various scenarios. Before you sign, make sure your agreement addresses these key points:

Refund Policies for Early Termination

The contract should clearly state that unused escrow funds will be returned if the arrangement ends before completion. Look for language specifying timelines, typically 30 to 60 days, and any conditions that might affect refunds.

Disbursement Authority and Milestone Definitions

Who has the authority to release funds, and under what circumstances? Your agreement should define each payment milestone and explain what documentation is needed before funds can be distributed.

Handling of Disputed Expenses

Your contract should outline how disputes are resolved and whether funds can be withheld pending resolution.

State-Specific Legal Requirements

If your state mandates escrow accounts or imposes specific regulations on fund management, your agreement needs to reflect those requirements.

Reserve Fund Provisions

Many agreements include reserve amounts to cover unexpected medical expenses. The contract should explain how much is held in reserve, when it can be used, and what happens to it if those expenses never materialize.

Your surrogacy attorney is your best resource for understanding these provisions and making sure your agreement protects your financial interests.

Having an experienced lawyer review your contract is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your surrogacy journey.

Protect Your Surrogacy Investment — Talk to Us About Secure Fund Management

Understanding what happens to escrow funds if a surrogacy agreement terminates early is part of being an informed, prepared intended parent.

At American Surrogacy, we’ve built our fund management systems around transparency, accountability, and protection for your investment.

If you’re ready to explore surrogacy with an agency that takes your financial protection seriously, we’re here to answer your questions.

Fill out our simple form today to get answers to your escrow questions.

Are There Surrogacy Agencies That Provide Legal Coordination Across State Lines?

Surrogacy across state lines is possible with agencies that handle legal coordination to protect both surrogates and intended parents.

American Surrogacy provides legal coordination across state lines by connecting intended parents and surrogates with qualified attorneys in both parties’ states.

Our coordinated approach helps every journey move forward smoothly, avoiding the legal complications and delays that can occur when working with less experienced agencies.

Our specialists can guide you through cross-state legal coordination and connect you with trusted attorneys. Fill out our form today.

The Role Surrogacy Attorneys Play in Interstate Surrogacy

Surrogacy attorneys are the foundation of a legally secure journey. They protect the rights of intended parents and surrogates, draft and review gestational carrier agreements, and establish legal parentage while navigating the specific laws of each state involved.

In cross-state surrogacy, legal coordination becomes even more important. Your attorney needs to understand your state’s laws, while your surrogate’s attorney must know her state’s requirements.

These attorneys work together to ensure the contract complies with both jurisdictions.

While attorneys handle the legal work, we facilitate the connections. We maintain a nationwide network of trusted surrogacy attorneys in both states. Our coordination prevents mismatched legal advice and keeps your journey on track.

Understanding Surrogacy Laws in Different States

Surrogacy laws vary widely from state to state. Some states are considered “surrogacy-friendly,” with clear legal pathways for establishing parental rights before or immediately after birth.

Others have restrictive laws or no specific surrogacy legislation at all.

For example:

When you and your surrogate live in different states, you’ll need attorneys who understand both states’ laws. This is where working with us makes all the difference.

We’ve spent years building relationships with legal professionals across the country who understand the nuances of interstate surrogacy.

Learn more about surrogacy laws in your state.

What Happens If Your State Has Restrictive Surrogacy Laws?

If you live in a state with restrictive or unclear surrogacy laws, don’t worry, you still have options.

Our team specializes in helping intended parents and surrogates navigate these situations, making sure every match is both legally sound and emotionally rewarding.

States Where We Cannot Match Surrogates

There are a few states where compensated surrogacy is either prohibited or so heavily restricted that we’re unable to work directly with surrogates who reside there.

  • Louisiana: Compensated surrogacy is illegal.
  • Nebraska: Nebraska’s surrogacy laws are unusually complex, and any compensated surrogacy contract is considered invalid under state law.

In both states, intended parents may still work with us and match with surrogates in more legally supportive states, ensuring their journey remains secure and compliant.

States Where We Can Work, But Not Match Within the State

There are also states where we can work with both surrogates and intended parents, but not match them with one another within that same state.

Both of these states have laws that make compensated surrogacy contracts unenforceable.

This doesn’t make surrogacy impossible, it just means we take extra care to protect everyone by coordinating matches across state lines in surrogacy-friendly jurisdictions.

What Is a Gestational Carrier Agreement—and Why It’s Essential

A gestational carrier agreement (GCA) is the legal foundation of every surrogacy journey.

It’s a detailed contract that outlines each party’s rights, responsibilities, expectations, and decisions throughout the process, including compensation, medical choices, and what happens before, during, and after pregnancy.

Why This Agreement Matters

For intended parents, the GCA ensures your parental rights are clearly defined and legally protected. It establishes how medical and financial decisions will be handled and gives you confidence that your family-building process is secure from start to finish.

For surrogates, the agreement guarantees fair compensation, outlines medical expectations, and protects your rights and well-being throughout the pregnancy. It also ensures you have a clear understanding of your role and support at every step.

How Cross-State Laws Affect Your Agreement

When an intended parent and surrogate live in different states, the GCA must meet the legal requirements of both. For example, some states require post-birth parentage orders or additional legal steps before parentage can be confirmed.

Your attorney will make sure your agreement reflects both states’ laws so that your parental rights are recognized everywhere they need to be — and your surrogate’s protections remain strong and enforceable.

How We Help Both Sides Find the Right Attorney

At American Surrogacy, we’ve worked alongside reputable surrogacy attorneys nationwide who specialize in these cross-state arrangements.

While we don’t have official partnerships, we can share names of trusted attorneys in your state so that both the intended parents and surrogate can independently select their legal representation.

Once each party has an attorney, those professionals collaborate to draft and finalize the GCA. Our team stays involved throughout the process — helping coordinate communication, track progress, and ensure everything moves forward smoothly and transparently.

How American Surrogacy Can Help You Find an Attorney for Surrogacy Across State Lines

At American Surrogacy, we’ve spent years working alongside reputable surrogacy attorneys across the country.

Our experience with cross-state arrangements means we understand how complex the legal side can feel and we’re here to make it easier.

While we don’t maintain official partnerships, we can connect you with trusted legal professionals in your state so you can research and choose the attorney who’s the best fit for you.

1. Guidance to Qualified Surrogacy Attorneys

We’ll share names of experienced surrogacy attorneys in both your state and your surrogate’s state.

These professionals understand the ins and outs of interstate surrogacy laws and can make sure your contract is fully compliant and protective of everyone involved.

2. Coordination That Keeps Things Moving

Your attorney handles the legal details, but our team stays in the loop — communicating with both attorneys and your medical team to keep everything organized and on schedule.

3. A Legally Prepared, Low-Stress Journey

Connecting you with experienced attorneys from the start helps you avoid unnecessary delays and protect your rights. Our process is designed to keep your surrogacy journey legally sound and emotionally smooth.

When you work with American Surrogacy, you don’t have to navigate the legal side alone, you’ll have a team that believes in preparation, transparency, and helping families move forward with confidence.

Ready for Legal Clarity? Let Us Help You Start Your Journey

Legal coordination across state lines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner, you’ll have access to experienced attorneys, clear guidance, and a team that keeps your journey moving forward.

Your family’s future is waiting. Fill out our contact form today to get personalized support and take the first step toward your surrogacy journey with confidence.