Surrogacy is an increasingly common path to parenthood for individuals and couples who need extra help to build their family. If you're considering this journey in Rhode Island, one of the first questions you're likely asking is: What does surrogacy cost, and how does the process work in this state?
This guide explains the typical costs of surrogacy in Rhode Island, how state law supports the process, and how American Surrogacy can guide you every step of the way.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Rhode Island?
The average cost of surrogacy in Rhode Island typically falls between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on your specific needs, medical expenses, and the surrogacy program you choose. Rhode Island is considered surrogacy-permissive. Courts have regularly upheld contracts and issued parentage orders for intended parents, including LGBTQ+ and single individuals.
With proper legal planning and a trusted agency, surrogacy in Rhode Island can be a safe and rewarding experience.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Rhode Island
To help families of all backgrounds and budgets, American Surrogacy offers three primary program options:
- Limited Risk Program ($204,500+): 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 ($189,500+): a lower upfront cost and traditional fee structure, it offers financial flexibility — but also places more risk on the family if a match falls through or the journey changes unexpectedly.
- Independent Program (starting at $17,000): For families who already have a surrogate. This includes coordination and oversight but excludes compensation, IVF, and legal services. Most independent journeys still cost over $100,000.
Though the foundational cost in this range could theoretically be achieved, it's very improbable in practice. You would need a surrogate who donates her services without payment (called "altruistic surrogacy") and an experience that flows without any complications or challenges. The most reasonable budgeting strategy for surrogacy starts at $185,000 and often increases from there.
To compare program details, visit our Full-Service Programs or Independent Program pages.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
Most intended parents in Rhode Island can expect to pay for:
- Agency fees: Covering surrogate screening and matching, case management, trust account oversight, and legal and medical coordination
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursements for travel, maternity items, lost wages, childcare, and related expenses
- Legal services: Drafting contracts and pursuing enforceable parentage orders through Rhode Island’s court system
- Medical costs: IVF procedures, embryo transfer, fertility medications, prenatal care, and delivery
Each category plays a role in creating a safe, structured, and ethically managed surrogacy experience.
Understanding Agency Services and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees support every step of your journey — from matching you with a qualified surrogate to managing legal documentation, medical scheduling, and emotional support. American Surrogacy provides a dedicated case specialist to guide your process from start to finish.
In Rhode Island, surrogate compensation typically starts around $55,000, and total compensation — including reimbursements — averages $55,000 - $110,000+. Common reimbursed expenses include:
- Travel and lodging for appointments
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
- Childcare and household help
- Maternity clothing and wellness services
All payments are disbursed through an escrow account for legal compliance and financial transparency.
Managing Unplanned Costs
Even in states like Rhode Island, where there are supportive legal practices, surrogacy involves variables. To help protect your investment, our Limited Risk Program includes financial safeguards for failed embryo transfers, surrogate unavailability, or early medical challenges.
This program gives intended parents more financial predictability — even when the unexpected happens.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Rhode Island?
Surrogate base compensation in Rhode Island typically begins around $55,000, with total compensation (including reimbursements) ranging from $55,000 - $110,000+.
If you're using the Independent Program, surrogate compensation must be managed outside the agency’s program fee. Even so, most families should plan for $100,000+ in total costs once legal, medical, and logistical services are added.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Rhode Island?
The cost of surrogacy with insurance depends on whether you or your surrogate has coverage that applies to any part of the process. While compensation and agency fees are not covered, insurance may help with:
- IVF procedures and lab work
- Fertility medications
- Maternity care and delivery services
Many Rhode Island families use plans through Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare, or Tufts Health Plan. Our team will review both your and your surrogate’s policies to identify coverage and recommend supplemental plans if needed.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If IVF is part of your journey, additional costs will apply. These typically include:
- Embryo creation and transfer
- Fertility medication
- Donor sperm or eggs (if used)
- Lab testing and medical monitoring
Fertility clinics in Rhode Island — especially in Providence — and nearby Massachusetts offer high-quality care. We’ll help you select the best clinic for your treatment and financial goals.
Affording Surrogacy
While surrogacy is a major investment, it’s more achievable than many expect — especially with the right resources. In addition to our affordable surrogacy programs, many families 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 include HSAs, home equity loans, and 401(k) withdrawals.
We’ll work with you to create a custom financial plan based on your unique goals and timeline.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
Our team is happy to walk you through these options and help create a custom plan based on your unique goals. 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?
Surrogacy in Rhode Island requires the right mix of legal strategy, emotional support, and logistical oversight. Here’s why families choose American Surrogacy:
- Prompt surrogate matching: Most families are matched in 1 to 4 months through our national network of screened surrogates
- Legal guidance with local knowledge: We partner with attorneys who understand Rhode Island’s legal approach and how to obtain enforceable parentage orders
- One-on-one support: You’ll have a dedicated case specialist managing everything from contracts to clinic coordination
- Program flexibility: Whether you want full-service support or already have a surrogate in place, we offer an option that fits
- Balanced care: We prioritize the experience of both intended parents and surrogates — ensuring everyone involved feels supported and respected
We’re here to help simplify what can be a complex process — and to make it feel as manageable and personal as it is meaningful.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
Rhode Island is a surrogacy-permissive state with a history of honoring gestational surrogacy agreements. With the right legal support and professional guidance, you can complete a successful surrogacy journey here — regardless of your marital status, gender, or background.
If you're ready to begin, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and begin building your family through surrogacy.