Starting a family through surrogacy is a life-changing and exciting journey, but understanding the financial investment required is crucial to making informed decisions. The surrogacy process involves several costs — from the program selection to the legal and medical steps involved.
If you're considering surrogacy in Louisiana, one of the first things you’ll need to know is: How much does surrogacy cost in Louisiana? In this article, we’ll break down the costs involved in surrogacy and help you understand what’s included in your investment.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Louisiana?
The total cost of surrogacy in Louisiana typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000+, depending on factors like the surrogacy program selected, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal services, and insurance coverage. While Louisiana doesn’t have specific surrogacy laws, it is still considered a surrogacy-friendly state, with courts recognizing surrogacy agreements and supporting parental rights when legal steps are taken.
With the right professionals guiding you, surrogacy in Louisiana can be a secure, affordable, and rewarding way to build your family.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Louisiana
American Surrogacy offers three distinct programs designed to support families in Louisiana at different financial 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): Designed for families who have already matched with a surrogate, this program includes essential support with legal, medical, and administrative coordination. Independent journeys typically exceed $100,000 once compensation, medical, and legal expenses are added.
To explore the right program for your needs, visit our Full-Service Programs or read more about our Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
A typical surrogacy journey in Louisiana includes the following key expenses:
- Agency fees: These cover the cost of professional services such as matching with a qualified surrogate, case management, 24/7 support, medical and legal coordination.
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay plus reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses like travel, maternity clothing, lost wages, and more.
- Legal services: Drafting contracts, securing pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders, and complying with Louisiana family law.
- Medical costs: IVF, embryo transfers, fertility medications, and prenatal care.
These costs ensure a smooth and legally secure process throughout your surrogacy journey.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees reflect the comprehensive support American Surrogacy offers from start to finish. This includes everything from matching and surrogate screening to legal guidance, case management, and emotional support.
How much does a surrogate cost in Louisiana? Base compensation for surrogates typically starts around $50,000 for first-time surrogates. In addition to base pay, surrogates are reimbursed for expenses such as:
- Lost wages
- Travel and lodging for appointments
- Maternity clothing and related expenses
- Childcare and housekeeping
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
The total compensation in Louisiana often ranges between $60,000 and $75,000 or more, depending on the surrogate’s experience and needs. These payments are managed through an escrow account to ensure financial transparency.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
Financial uncertainty can cause stress during the surrogacy journey. Unexpected medical complications, match disruptions, or other issues can raise your total costs if not carefully managed.
Our Limited Risk Program is specifically designed to help prevent these surprises. With this program, we cover many of the most common challenges that can arise during a surrogacy journey, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Louisiana?
Base compensation for surrogates in Louisiana generally starts at $50,000. Additional reimbursements for expenses such as travel, medical co-pays, and lost wages often bring total surrogate compensation to $60,000 to $75,000 or more.
For those pursuing surrogacy through the Independent Program, these compensation costs are not included in the initial program fee. Even in an independent surrogacy arrangement, total costs will often exceed $100,000 once all necessary expenses are factored in.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Louisiana?
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in Louisiana depends on the specifics of your health plan. While most plans do not cover surrogate compensation or agency fees, they may help with:
- IVF procedures
- Fertility medications
- Maternity care (if the surrogate has appropriate coverage)
Many insurance providers in Louisiana, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, offer plans that may cover some of these fertility-related expenses. Our team will review your insurance and your surrogate’s coverage during the intake process to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If IVF is part of your surrogacy journey, you will need to factor that cost into your budget. So how much does IVF and surrogacy cost in Louisiana?
Here’s a list of services typically involved in IVF and surrogacy:
- IVF treatment and procedures
- Embryo creation
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if needed)
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work
These services contribute to the total cost of surrogacy and will vary based on the clinic, the number of cycles needed, and whether donor gametes are involved.
Affording Surrogacy
Surrogacy can seem like a major financial commitment, but there are several ways to make it more affordable. In addition to our affordable surrogacy 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, offered through:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Other financing options, including HSAs, home equity loans, and 401(k) withdrawals, can also be helpful.
We’ll work with you to create a custom financial plan based on your unique goals and timeline.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
We are here to make your surrogacy journey as smooth and supported as possible. To 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.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
While Louisiana does not have specific surrogacy laws, the state’s courts have historically supported surrogacy agreements and recognize parental rights when they are legally established. With the right legal guidance and agency support, you can confidently pursue surrogacy in Louisiana.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact American Surrogacy today to get started on your journey to parenthood.