Surrogacy is a path to parenthood that offers hope and opportunity for many families. If you’re considering this journey in North Dakota, it’s important to understand what the process looks like — and how much it’s likely to cost.
This guide will help answer the question: How much does surrogacy cost in North Dakota? We’ll break down typical expenses, explain how the state’s legal environment affects surrogacy, and show how American Surrogacy supports families every step of the way.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in North Dakota?
Surrogacy in North Dakota usually costs between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on your surrogacy program, legal needs, medical services, and surrogate compensation. While North Dakota is considered a surrogacy-friendly state.
With experienced legal guidance and a reputable agency, intended parents in North Dakota can complete the surrogacy process securely and confidently.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in North Dakota
American Surrogacy offers three program options to match different financial needs and comfort levels:
- 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): Ideal for intended parents who have already identified a surrogate. This option includes coordination but excludes compensation, IVF, or legal services. Most independent journeys still exceed $100,000 once all costs are included.
You can compare these programs in more detail at our Full-Service Programs or Independent Program pages.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
A typical surrogacy journey in North Dakota involves costs in the following areas:
- Agency fees: For surrogate screening and matching with a qualified surrogate, case management, legal and medical coordination, and ongoing support
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay plus reimbursements for lost wages, travel, maternity supplies, childcare, and other related expenses
- Legal services: Drafting enforceable surrogacy contracts, securing pre- or post-birth parentage orders, and ensuring legal compliance in North Dakota
- Medical costs: IVF treatment, embryo transfers, fertility medications, prenatal care, and delivery
These services provide the legal, emotional, and medical structure needed to protect all parties throughout the process.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees ensure your surrogacy experience is supported from start to finish. These fees cover everything from surrogate matching and trust account management to scheduling, emotional guidance, and legal referrals. At American Surrogacy, you’ll be assigned a dedicated case specialist to manage your journey.
In North Dakota, surrogate compensation generally starts at $50,000, with full packages — including reimbursements — averaging $60,000 to $75,000+. Reimbursed expenses may include:
- Travel and lodging
- Childcare and lost wages
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
- Maternity clothing and prenatal wellness costs
All payments are securely managed through a third-party escrow account to ensure accountability and on-time disbursement.
Preventing Unexpected Costs
Surrogacy is complex, and unexpected costs can arise from canceled cycles, medical complications, or surrogate unavailability. That’s why American Surrogacy offers a Limited Risk Program — designed to protect families from common disruptions and maintain financial predictability throughout the journey.
This program offers reassurance for intended parents who want a structured, cost-stable experience.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in North Dakota?
Base compensation for surrogates in North Dakota typically begins at $50,000. After adding travel expenses, insurance, and maternity-related reimbursements, total compensation often ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 or more.
If you are working with the Independent Program, surrogate compensation is handled directly by the intended parents. These journeys still require full budgeting across legal, medical, and support services, and most exceed $100,000 in total.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in North Dakota?
While insurance plans do not typically cover agency fees or surrogate compensation, they may offset some of the medical costs involved in a surrogacy journey. Coverage often applies to:
- IVF procedures and diagnostics
- Fertility medications
- Prenatal and delivery care (depending on the surrogate’s insurance plan)
In North Dakota, insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND, Sanford Health Plan, and Medica are commonly used. Our team will review both your and your surrogate’s plans to identify coverage and help fill in any gaps with supplemental policies.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If IVF is part of your surrogacy journey, you’ll want to account for additional medical costs. These often include:
- IVF cycles and embryo transfers
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if needed)
- Lab work and monitoring
North Dakota families often work with fertility clinics in Fargo, Bismarck, or Minneapolis, depending on travel and provider preference. We can help you choose the right fit for your family-building plan.
Affording Surrogacy
While surrogacy is a large investment, there are many options to make it more financially manageable. In addition to our affordable surrogacy programs, intended parents often use:
Grants and financial assistance:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Fertility benefits from employers, often available through:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Additional financing strategies like HSAs, home equity loans, or borrowing from retirement accounts can also be helpful.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
Our team is here to help you create a financial roadmap that fits your goals, budget, and timeline. To help ensure you work with a trusted service provider, 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?
Choosing the right agency is critical — especially in states like North Dakota where legal precedent exists but no formal statute governs the process. Here’s why families across the country trust American Surrogacy:
- Short surrogate match times: Most families are matched within 1 to 4 months through our active national network
- Legal coordination in surrogacy-permissive states: We work with attorneys who understand North Dakota’s legal landscape and how to secure parentage
- Individualized care: A dedicated case specialist will guide your journey from beginning to end — no call centers or handoffs
- Structured pricing: Our program options are clear, and our Limited Risk Program helps reduce the chance of surprise costs
- Commitment to both parties: We prioritize both intended parents and surrogates, fostering respectful and successful partnerships
Our approach is built on transparency, trust, and experience — giving you the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
With the right legal support and a professional agency, families of all backgrounds — including LGBTQ+ and single parents — can complete a successful journey in or from North Dakota.
If you're ready to get started, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and begin planning your surrogacy journey.