Surrogacy is an increasingly common family-building option for intended parents in New Jersey and across the U.S. Whether you’re beginning the process or still exploring whether it’s right for you, understanding the financial side of surrogacy is a critical part of preparing for the journey ahead.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how much surrogacy costs in New Jersey, what’s included in those costs, and how the state’s surrogacy laws make the process more accessible and secure for hopeful parents.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in New Jersey?
Most surrogacy journeys in New Jersey cost between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on factors such as your agency program, surrogate compensation, medical needs, and legal services. Fortunately, New Jersey is a surrogacy-friendly state with modern legislation that supports gestational surrogacy contracts, pre-birth parentage orders, and protections for both intended parents and surrogates.
This strong legal foundation allows individuals and couples — including LGBTQ+ families — to pursue surrogacy in New Jersey with confidence.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in New Jersey
American Surrogacy offers three program options designed to fit a range of financial needs and risk preferences:
- 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 intended parents who have already found a surrogate. This program includes support for medical and legal coordination but does not cover compensation, IVF, or insurance. Even with a known match, journeys typically exceed $100,000 in total.
To explore each option in more detail, visit our Full-Service Programs or learn more about our Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
Surrogacy in New Jersey typically includes the following categories of expenses:
- Agency fees: Professional coordination services, including matching with a qualified surrogate, surrogate screening, trust account management, legal referrals, and emotional support
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursements for costs like lost wages, travel, maternity clothing, and childcare
- Legal fees: Drafting enforceable contracts and securing pre-birth parentage orders in accordance with New Jersey’s surrogacy statute
- Medical expenses: IVF procedures, embryo transfers, medications, prenatal monitoring, and delivery care
These services are essential to a legally sound, emotionally supported, and ethically managed journey.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Your agency fee covers all coordination, support, and management services needed to guide your surrogacy journey from beginning to end. This includes help with surrogate matching, scheduling medical appointments, legal coordination, and more.
In New Jersey, surrogate base compensation generally starts at $50,000, and total compensation often reaches $60,000 to $75,000 or more once all reimbursements are included. Surrogates are typically reimbursed for:
- Lost income during pregnancy
- Maternity clothing and wellness care
- Travel to and from appointments
- Insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs
- Childcare or housekeeping if needed
All compensation is held and disbursed through an escrow account to ensure security and timely payments.
Keeping Your Budget on Track
Even in a supportive legal environment like New Jersey, surrogacy can come with surprises — from canceled embryo transfers to match disruptions or unexpected medical costs. Our Limited Risk Program helps shield intended parents from the most common financial setbacks.
By choosing this option, you can move forward with peace of mind, knowing your investment is protected against some of the most stressful variables.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in New Jersey?
Most surrogates in New Jersey receive a base compensation of $50,000, with total compensation packages averaging $60,000 to $75,000+ after reimbursements.
Families using the Independent Program will need to handle all compensation, legal, and medical payments separately. Even with a known match, the total cost of surrogacy typically exceeds $100,000 once all necessary services are included.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in New Jersey?
The cost of surrogacy with insurance in New Jersey depends on whether you or your surrogate have coverage for fertility treatment or pregnancy care. While agency services and surrogate compensation are not typically covered, your policy may help pay for:
- IVF and embryo transfer procedures
- Fertility medications
- Prenatal care and delivery
New Jersey law requires many health insurance plans to include fertility treatment coverage, which can help reduce your IVF-related costs. Our team will review your and your surrogate’s insurance plans and advise on any supplemental coverage that may be needed.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If you’re undergoing IVF as part of your surrogacy journey, you’ll need to budget for several additional services, including:
- IVF treatment and procedures
- Fertility medications
- Donor eggs or sperm (if needed)
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work
Many intended parents in New Jersey work with fertility clinics in the New York metro area or along the I-95 corridor. We can help connect you with a clinic that meets your needs and supports your goals.
Affording Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a significant investment, but there are several tools and resources available to help make it more manageable. In addition to our affordable financing and payment programs, you can explore:
Grants and financial aid:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Fertility benefits from employers:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Additional financing strategies: Including HSAs, 401(k) loans, home equity credit, or assistance from family and friends are other paths you may consider.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
We can help you build a financial plan that fits your family’s goals and timeline. We are here to help ensure you work with a trusted service provider by working with 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?
Surrogacy laws in New Jersey offer a strong foundation — but navigating the emotional, financial, and logistical sides of the process requires a knowledgeable, compassionate partner. Here’s why intended parents trust American Surrogacy:
- Fast surrogate matching: Most families are matched within 1 to 4 months through our nationwide network of pre-screened surrogates
- Local legal coordination: We work with attorneys who know New Jersey’s surrogacy statutes inside and out, so your parentage is protected
- Dedicated case management: You’ll have a consistent contact throughout your journey, ensuring continuity and support at every step
- Flexible program options: Whether you want maximum financial protection or already have a match, we have a program that fits your needs
- Commitment to both parties: We prioritize the well-being of both intended parents and surrogates, ensuring a respectful and compassionate experience
We’re here to simplify the process and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
New Jersey is one of the most supportive states in the country for intended parents pursuing surrogacy. With legal protections for all involved, the journey here is both accessible and secure.
If you're ready to begin, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist about starting your surrogacy journey in New Jersey.