Surrogacy is a meaningful option for individuals and couples who need assistance growing their families. Whether you're early in your research or ready to begin the process in South Dakota, one of your first considerations is likely cost — and what kind of legal framework you’ll be navigating in your state.
In this article, we’ll explain how much surrogacy costs in South Dakota, what those costs include, how the state approaches gestational surrogacy, and how American Surrogacy can support your journey from start to finish.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in South Dakota?
Surrogacy in South Dakota typically costs between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on the surrogacy program you choose, your medical needs, and legal services required.
South Dakota is considered surrogacy-permissive. With appropriate contracts and legal support, courts have historically recognized surrogacy arrangements and issued parentage orders — particularly when the journey is handled by experienced professionals.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in South Dakota
American Surrogacy offers three distinct programs to meet a variety of budget needs and preferences for financial risk:
- Limited Risk Program ($169,900 - $179,000+): This full-service program includes agency coordination and financial protections for failed transfers, rematches, and pregnancy complications. Most families are matched with a surrogate within 1 to 4 months.
- Foundation Program ($115,400 - $170,000+): A pay-as-you-go program that includes full coordination without built-in financial protections. Ideal for families who prefer more flexibility in how and when they pay.
- Independent Program (starting at $17,000): Designed for families who already have a surrogate match. This program includes coordination but excludes compensation, IVF, and legal expenses. Independent journeys still typically exceed $100,000.
For more details, you can explore our Full-Service Programs or learn about the Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of common surrogacy expenses in South Dakota:
- Agency fees: For case management, surrogate matching and screening, coordination of legal and medical services, and 24/7 support
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursement for pregnancy-related expenses such as travel, maternity clothing, lost wages, and childcare
- Legal services: Drafting and enforcing surrogacy contracts, securing parentage orders, and ensuring compliance with South Dakota’s case law
- Medical expenses: IVF treatment, embryo transfers, medications, prenatal monitoring, and hospital delivery
Each of these categories plays a critical role in building a legally sound, medically supported, and ethically managed surrogacy experience.
Understanding Agency Support and Surrogate Compensation
Agency services ensure your journey is well-organized and fully supported from start to finish. At American Surrogacy, we handle everything from legal referrals and clinic scheduling to emotional support and financial coordination. Every family is paired with a dedicated case specialist for consistency and peace of mind.
Surrogate base compensation in South Dakota typically starts at $50,000, with total packages reaching $60,000 to $75,000+ once reimbursements are included. These may cover:
- Lost income during pregnancy
- Health insurance premiums and co-pays
- Maternity-related purchases
- Travel and lodging
- Childcare during appointments
All payments are managed through a licensed escrow account to ensure security and timely disbursement.
Reducing the Risk of Unplanned Costs
Even with careful planning, things like disrupted matches or unsuccessful embryo transfers can lead to unexpected expenses. That’s why we offer the Limited Risk Program, which includes financial protections for common disruptions.
This option is ideal for families who want a more predictable cost structure and peace of mind throughout the process.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in South Dakota?
The cost of surrogate compensation in South Dakota typically ranges from $60,000 to $75,000+, including base pay and reimbursements. Factors like the surrogate’s experience, location, and employment status can influence this total.
If you’re using the Independent Program, you’ll handle compensation directly. Even with a known surrogate, most journeys will still total over $100,000 once all medical, legal, and logistical costs are included.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in South Dakota?
While most insurance plans don’t cover surrogate compensation or agency services, many policies will help with medical expenses like:
- IVF and lab procedures
- Fertility medications
- Prenatal and delivery care (if your surrogate’s policy qualifies)
Health insurance providers in South Dakota include Sanford Health Plan, Avera Health Plans, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our intake team will evaluate both your and your surrogate’s coverage and help secure supplemental insurance if necessary.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If IVF is part of your surrogacy journey, you’ll want to budget for several additional services. These may include:
- Embryo creation and transfer
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if applicable)
- Monitoring, lab work, and consultations
Families in South Dakota often work with fertility clinics in Sioux Falls or travel to nearby metro areas for more advanced treatment options. We’ll help you find a clinic that fits your needs and budget.
Affording Surrogacy
Surrogacy can be financially challenging, but there are several tools available to help you plan and manage your investment. Along with our affordable surrogacy programs, many families also explore:
Grants and fertility assistance programs:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Employer-provided fertility benefits, available through:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Other financing options: Health savings accounts (HSAs), home equity loans, 401(k) loans, and assistance from family members
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
Our team will help you explore your options and build a strategy that works for your unique financial situation. To help make this process as easy as possible, 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?
For families in South Dakota, working with an experienced surrogacy agency is essential — especially in a state where legal precedent matters more than formal legislation. Here’s what makes American Surrogacy a trusted partner:
- Fast matching timeline: Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months
- Legal support tailored to South Dakota: We work with attorneys who know how to draft contracts that will hold up in South Dakota courts
- Personalized coordination: You’ll work with a single case specialist throughout your entire journey
- Flexible program options: Whether you need a full-service experience or already have a surrogate, we offer a program that fits
- Respectful, balanced support: We take care of both intended parents and surrogates, fostering healthy, ethical partnerships
We’re committed to providing you with clear answers, compassionate guidance, and reliable structure from start to finish.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
While South Dakota doesn’t have surrogacy-specific legislation, its courts have supported gestational surrogacy arrangements for years. With the right agency and legal team, you can move forward confidently — regardless of your background, marital status, or family structure.
If you're ready to begin, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and start building your family.