How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Washington D.C.?

Find Financial Clarity in the Surrogacy Process With American Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a meaningful and increasingly accessible way to grow a family. If you're considering this path in Washington, D.C., one of your first questions might be how much it costs — and how the process works within the District's legal system.

This guide provides a detailed overview of surrogacy costs in Washington, D.C., what those costs typically include, how D.C.’s supportive legal environment impacts your journey, and how American Surrogacy can assist you every step of the way.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., the cost of a surrogacy journey typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000+, depending on the program you choose, your surrogate’s compensation, legal services, and medical needs.

D.C. is one of the most surrogacy-friendly jurisdictions in the country. Since the passage of the Collaborative Reproduction Amendment Act of 2016, compensated gestational surrogacy is legal, and courts routinely uphold surrogacy contracts and issue pre-birth parentage orders. This legal clarity makes D.C. a strong choice for both intended parents and surrogates.

American Surrogacy’s Programs in Washington, D.C.

We offer three programs to match different financial situations and support needs:

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): Designed for intended parents who already have a surrogate match. This program includes coordination only; medical, legal, and compensation costs are paid separately. Most independent journeys still exceed $100,000.

To compare options, visit our Full-Service Programs or Independent Program pages.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

Common surrogacy expenses in Washington, D.C. include:

Agency fees: Surrogate matching and screening, case management, legal and medical coordination, trust account services, and ongoing support
Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursements for maternity clothing, childcare, lost wages, travel, and insurance costs
Legal services: Drafting surrogacy contracts, securing court-approved parentage orders, and ensuring compliance with D.C. law
Medical costs: IVF procedures, medications, fertility monitoring, prenatal care, and hospital delivery

These services are essential to ensuring a medically safe and legally secure surrogacy experience.

Understanding Agency Services and Surrogate Compensation

Agency fees cover every aspect of case management — from helping you find a well-screened surrogate to coordinating clinics, attorneys, and insurance. American Surrogacy provides each intended parent with a dedicated specialist for continuity and guidance throughout the journey.

In D.C., surrogate base compensation typically starts at $50,000. With reimbursements included, most surrogates receive a total of $60,000 to $75,000 or more. Reimbursable costs often include:

Travel and lodging
Lost income and childcare
Maternity-related wellness items
Insurance premiums and medical co-pays

All payments are securely distributed through a licensed escrow provider for transparency and legal compliance.

Avoiding Unexpected Costs

Even in a legally supportive region like D.C., surrogacy can involve uncertainties. A failed transfer, a disrupted match, or unexpected medical needs can create additional costs. Our Limited Risk Program helps reduce this financial risk by including built-in protections for common disruptions.

This program is ideal for families who want greater cost predictability and peace of mind.

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Washington, D.C.?

Surrogates in Washington, D.C. typically earn around $50,000 in base compensation. Once reimbursements are added, most compensation packages total between $60,000 and $75,000+, depending on individual circumstances.

If you're working through the Independent Program, these payments are handled separately from the agency fee. However, the total cost still usually exceeds $100,000 when all services are included.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Washington, D.C.?

While insurance plans do not typically cover surrogate compensation or agency fees, they may reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses by covering:

IVF procedures and testing
Fertility medications
Prenatal care and delivery services (if covered under the surrogate’s plan)

Major providers in the D.C. area include CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, and Aetna. Our team will review both your and your surrogate’s coverage and help coordinate supplemental insurance if needed.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?

If IVF is part of your surrogacy process, there will be additional costs. These commonly include:

Embryo creation and transfer
Medication and hormone support
Donor sperm or eggs, if needed
Fertility clinic monitoring and lab work

There are many respected fertility clinics in Washington, D.C. and nearby metro areas, and we’ll help you find a provider that fits your medical and financial goals.

Affording Surrogacy

While surrogacy is a significant financial undertaking, there are many resources available to make it more manageable. In addition to our affordable program options, intended parents in D.C. often explore:

Grant and scholarship opportunities:

Employer fertility benefits through:

Carrot Fertility
Progyny
Financial tools such as HSAs, 401(k) loans, home equity lines of credit, or assistance from family and friends

We can help you combine these resources into a strategy that fits your needs and timeline.

Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options

Many intended parents afford surrogacy through a combination of savings, investments, and financing. To that end, 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?

Washington, D.C., offers a legally strong and supportive environment for surrogacy — but it’s your agency partner who will shape the day-to-day experience. Here’s why families trust American Surrogacy:

Most families are matched with a surrogate within 1 to 4 months
We work with D.C.-based attorneys who understand how to draft and enforce surrogacy contracts and parentage orders
You’ll have a single case specialist who manages your journey from start to finish
Our program options are flexible, clear, and backed by real financial protections
We support both intended parents and surrogates equally to foster ethical, respectful journeys

We focus on helping you build your family with structure, clarity, and compassion.

Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey

Washington, D.C. is one of the most legally supportive places in the U.S. for intended parents pursuing surrogacy. Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, you can complete a safe and successful journey here with the right team behind you.

If you're ready to begin, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and take your next step toward building your family.