Surrogacy Success Story: Nicole

Why did you turn to surrogacy?
I had lost my daughter full term and had 3 miscarriages.

How did you find your surrogate?
She is my best friend.

What made surrogacy possible for you?
We already had one embryo and my friend was willing to do it low comp for $18,000.

What was your outcome? Were you ultimately successful?
First transfer worked, 13 weeks pregnant!

When you first thought of surrogacy or considered it, did you think you could afford it? And, did you think it was possible without an agency?
Yes, because I knew it could be our only way. My husband was not willing to use anyone he didn’t know.

How much did you pay in total for your whole surrogacy process?
Total = about $55,180
$20,000 – comp to GC
$7,000 – insurance
$10,000 – retrieval
$4500 – transfer
$7,000 – lawyer
$4,000 – fda physicals
$880 – life insurance
$1,000 – escrow
$800 – phys evaluations

Did your GC have insurance that did not exclude surrogacy? If not, how did you handle?
No, we bought insurance during open enrollment through Art Risk.

Do you have any financial tips to share to make it more affordable?
Consider someone you know and do a lot of research, join groups to help with navigating the process and find a good lawyer.

What do you think is the most common surrogacy misconception?
That it’s not genetically my baby.

What would you say to someone who has been told surrogacy is their only or last option and they are feeling like it is so impossible at the moment?
Take time and save. Make your embryos first for peace of mind, and then you can focus on the rest.