How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Iowa?

Find Financial Clarity in the Surrogacy Process With American Surrogacy

If you’re beginning the surrogacy journey in Iowa, one of your most important questions may be: How much does surrogacy cost in Iowa?

The total cost typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 or more. This estimate includes everything from professional support to surrogate compensation, medical treatment, legal services, and insurance. While surrogacy laws in Iowa are less defined than in some other states, the process remains entirely possible — and with the right agency, families can move forward confidently.

At American Surrogacy, we’ve helped families across the Midwest grow through surrogacy with clarity, security, and personalized care. With professional guidance, this life-changing journey is well within reach.

American Surrogacy’s Programs in Iowa

We offer three core surrogacy programs tailored to different needs and financial situations:

Limited Risk Program ($169,900 - $179,000+): A full-service option that includes financial protections for events like failed embryo transfers, rematches, and early complications. Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months.
Foundation Program ($115,400 - $170,000+): A pay-as-you-go model that includes full coordination but fewer financial safeguards. This is ideal for families who want to manage payments over time.
Independent Program (starting at $17,000): Best for families who already have a surrogate. This streamlined package supports the medical, legal, and administrative aspects of your journey. Most independent journeys still total over $100,000 once compensation, legal, and medical costs are factored in.

To learn which program best fits your goals, visit our Full-Service Programs or view our Independent Program.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

The cost of surrogacy in Iowa generally includes:

Agency fees: Support for surrogate screening, match coordination, case management, legal and medical guidance
Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses
Legal expenses: Drafting contracts, securing parental rights, navigating Iowa's legal framework
Medical fees: IVF, transfer procedures, prenatal care, and delivery

Each element ensures your journey is secure, ethical, and fully supported from start to finish.

Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation

Agency fees provide access to professional guidance throughout your journey — from your first consultation through delivery. These fees cover match coordination, legal review, 24/7 support, and case management services.

So how much does a surrogate cost in Iowa? Most first-time surrogates in Iowa begin with base pay around $50,000. Total surrogate compensation often falls between $60,000 and $75,000 or more when you include:

Lost wages from time off work
Maternity clothing
Childcare during appointments
Travel and lodging
Insurance premiums and copays

All payments are clearly outlined in your contract and managed through a secure trust account to protect both parties.

Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs

One of the most common fears among intended parents is being caught off guard by unexpected costs. That’s why American Surrogacy created the Limited Risk Program, which includes financial protection against common setbacks like failed transfers or re-matching needs.

This program is ideal for families who want cost predictability and peace of mind throughout the process.

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Iowa?

Base compensation for surrogates in Iowa usually starts at $50,000. Once you add other covered expenses like travel, insurance, and lost wages, total surrogate costs often reach $60,000 to $75,000 or higher.

Even families using the Independent Program should plan for these expenses, as they are not included in the base program fee. Independent surrogacy journeys often still exceed $100,000 when all costs are accounted for.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Iowa?

How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in Iowa depends on your specific health plan and whether it offers any fertility or maternity coverage. Most insurance policies do not pay for surrogate compensation or agency fees, but they may cover:

IVF procedures
Fertility medications
Maternity care (if your surrogate has a qualified policy)

Our team will evaluate your policy — and your surrogate’s — during the intake process to identify coverage and flag any gaps. Many Iowa residents are insured through providers like Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medica.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?

When IVF is part of your journey, it can significantly increase the total cost. So how much does IVF and surrogacy cost in Iowa?

Here’s a breakdown of common fertility costs:

IVF treatment
Embryo creation
Fertility medications
Donor eggs or sperm
Monitoring and lab services

These costs can vary by clinic, and families often choose fertility centers in Des Moines or Iowa City. We can help you connect with trusted providers if you haven’t yet chosen a clinic.

Affording Surrogacy

While the cost of surrogacy may feel overwhelming at first, there are many ways to make this journey financially feasible. American Surrogacy partners with trusted financing programs, and we also recommend exploring these resources:

Many Iowa employers now offer fertility and family-building benefits through:

Carrot Fertility
Progyny

You may also consider financing through savings, home equity lines of credit, or retirement account loans. We’re here to help you evaluate your options.

Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options

To help make this process as simple as possible, we have a surrogacy financing partner who provides excellent services that help make surrogacy more affordable:

Sunfish: Sunfish offers low-interest fertility loans for IVF, surrogacy, and egg donors for American Surrogacy. They make parenthood attainable for all types of families through financial solutions, support, and guidance.

Learn more about financing your surrogacy through Sunfish here.

Why Choose American Surrogacy?

Intended parents in Iowa choose American Surrogacy because of our commitment to transparency, protection, and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

Short wait times: Most families are matched with a surrogate within 1 to 4 months
Financial protection: Built-in safeguards for disrupted journeys
Professional support: Full legal, emotional, and logistical guidance
Midwest-friendly: We have deep experience working with families and surrogates across Iowa and neighboring states

We’re here to simplify every step of the process.

Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey

Surrogacy in Iowa is legally possible, but it comes with important nuances. While there is no statute explicitly authorizing or prohibiting compensated surrogacy, many Iowa families complete their journeys successfully with experienced legal guidance and agency support.

At American Surrogacy, we partner with local attorneys to help intended parents in Iowa pursue surrogacy in a way that’s secure, ethical, and fully supported.

If you're ready to explore your options, contact us today to speak with a specialist. We’re ready to help you begin your journey to parenthood.