Surrogacy is an increasingly common option for hopeful parents in Missouri and across the U.S. But as you begin exploring this family-building path, one of the first things you’ll want to understand is the cost. Knowing what expenses to expect — and what’s included — can help you plan with confidence.
If you’re asking how much does surrogacy cost in Missouri, this guide will walk you through key financial details, legal considerations, and the support American Surrogacy offers to help you navigate the process.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Missouri?
The average cost of surrogacy in Missouri falls between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on the program you choose, your medical and legal needs, and whether you work with a known surrogate or an agency-managed match. Missouri does not currently have surrogacy-specific laws, but the legal environment is generally favorable — with courts regularly granting pre-birth parentage orders to intended parents, including single and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
With a thoughtful plan and experienced guidance, surrogacy in Missouri can be both secure and successful.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Missouri
American Surrogacy offers three programs to help families manage surrogacy costs while receiving the level of support they need:
- 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): 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.
To explore your options in more detail, visit our Full-Service Programs or learn more about the Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
A typical surrogacy journey in Missouri includes costs in the following areas:
- Agency fees: Covering case management, surrogate screening, matching services with a qualified surrogate, scheduling, trust account oversight, and 24/7 support
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay plus reimbursement for expenses such as lost wages, childcare, travel, and maternity care
- Legal services: Drafting contracts, securing pre-birth parentage orders, and ensuring compliance with Missouri law
- Medical expenses: IVF, embryo transfer, fertility medications, prenatal monitoring, and hospital delivery
These costs are structured to ensure legal clarity, medical safety, and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees reflect the scope of professional services needed to coordinate a safe and ethical surrogacy journey. At American Surrogacy, you’ll be supported by a dedicated specialist who will oversee matching, legal coordination, surrogate support, and more.
How much does a surrogate cost in Missouri? Surrogates typically receive $50,000 in base compensation. With additional reimbursements, total compensation often reaches $60,000 to $75,000 or more. These additional costs may include:
- Lost wages during pregnancy
- Maternity clothing and wellness items
- Travel and lodging for medical appointments
- Childcare support
- Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
All payments are securely distributed via a licensed escrow provider to ensure compliance and transparency.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
No intended parent wants to be surprised by unexpected expenses. Our Limited Risk Program helps eliminate that concern by including financial protection for disrupted matches, failed transfers, and other common complications.
This option is ideal for families who want added peace of mind and a clearly defined financial plan.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Missouri?
Base compensation for surrogates in Missouri generally starts at $50,000, with total compensation — including reimbursements — typically falling between $60,000 and $75,000 or more.
If you’re working through the Independent Program, these costs will need to be managed outside of the agency fee. Even with a known surrogate, most journeys still exceed $100,000 once all legal, medical, and compensation expenses are factored in.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Missouri?
How much surrogacy costs with insurance in Missouri depends on the insurance coverage available to you and your surrogate. While most plans do not cover agency services or compensation, they may offer partial or full coverage for:
- Fertility diagnostics and IVF
- Fertility medications
- Maternity care and delivery (if the surrogate’s plan qualifies)
Major providers in Missouri include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter. During intake, our team will review both your and your surrogate’s coverage and help you fill any gaps with supplemental plans if necessary.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
IVF adds another layer of medical costs to your surrogacy journey. Common services that contribute to these costs include:
- IVF treatment and procedures
- Embryo creation
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if needed)
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work
Fertility clinics in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia offer high-quality services and can be included in your plan, depending on your location and preferences.
Affording Surrogacy
While surrogacy is a major investment, there are many ways to make it financially accessible. In addition to our affordable surrogacy programs, many intended parents in Missouri utilize:
Grants and scholarships from:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Employer-provided benefits through:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Personal financial tools like home equity lines of credit, HSAs, or retirement account loans
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.
We’ll help you find the right strategy to meet your goals and build your family on your timeline.
Why Choose American Surrogacy?
When you’re building your family through surrogacy, the agency you choose makes all the difference. Here’s why families in Missouri and across the country trust American Surrogacy:
- Quick and qualified matches: We maintain an active pool of pre-screened surrogates, which helps most families match within 1 to 4 months.
- Legal familiarity with Missouri law: We work with attorneys who understand the state’s process for pre-birth parentage orders and legal filings.
- Dedicated, consistent support: Your case manager will walk with you from your first consultation to the day you welcome your child home.
- Full-service coordination: We handle the emotional, legal, financial, and medical aspects of surrogacy so you can focus on parenthood.
- Clarity and protection: Our program pricing is structured to minimize surprises, especially through the Limited Risk Program, which offers financial safeguards and peace of mind.
American Surrogacy isn’t just a facilitator — we’re your partner, advocate, and guide through one of the most important journeys of your life.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
Although Missouri doesn’t have surrogacy-specific legislation, courts across the state have consistently supported intended parents through pre-birth parentage orders and legally recognized agreements. Whether you’re married, single, or LGBTQ+, surrogacy in Missouri is possible — and American Surrogacy is here to guide the way.
If you're ready to begin, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and take the first step toward growing your family.