Let's discuss your compensation

 A gestational carrier receives compensation for her time, effort, and commitment to carrying a child for intended parents.  This pay is normally between $50,000 as a base up to $75,000 for a first time carrier. Experienced carriers earn more. The payment structure varies but generally includes base compensation, reimbursements for medical and pregnancy-related expenses, and sometimes additional compensation for specific factors. At Gestational Journey, our goal is to help you find the absolute best compensation that you can get for your sacrifice. 

Here’s a breakdown of how compensation works and the factors that can affect your pay structure. 

 This is the primary payment a gestational carrier receives for carrying the pregnancy. The base compensation is usually a fixed amount agreed upon at the beginning of the process and is often paid in installments throughout the pregnancy (e.g., monthly or after certain milestones, such as the first trimester, second trimester, and birth). This compensation is negotiated between the gestational carrier and the intended parents (often facilitated by an agency or lawyer).

 In addition to base compensation, a gestational carrier is reimbursed for all medical expenses related to the pregnancy. These expenses can include:

• Prenatal care: All visits to the obstetrician or specialist for checkups, ultrasounds, and tests.
• Delivery costs: Hospital fees, including the cost of labor and delivery, anesthesia, and other associated services.
• Medications: Any medications prescribed specifically for the pregnancy, including those to assist with fertility or hormone therapy.

These costs are usually covered directly by the intended parents or their medical insurance provider, but the gestational carrier is not responsible for out-of-pocket expenses related to the pregnancy.

 If the gestational carrier needs to take time off work for medical reasons, such as bed rest, doctor’s appointments, or the actual birth, she may be compensated for any lost wages. This amount is usually determined by the gestational carrier’s income and job responsibilities. If the pregnancy requires extended time away from work, this compensation is an essential part of the overall agreement. 

If the gestational carrier’s insurance doesn't cover the pregnancy (e.g., if she is uninsured or her insurance excludes surrogacy-related costs), the intended parents are usually responsible for covering the full cost of the medical care and any insurance premiums required for coverage.  But if you have surrogacy-friendly insurance, it can be a smoother process.  An insurance policy that is suitable for surrogacy will cover medical expenses throughout the pregnancy, birth, and post-birth recovery process for the surrogate. Note that intended parents are still responsible for your surrogate's compensation, copays, and medical costs after insurance is applied. 

 Several factors can affect how much a gestational carrier is paid beyond the base compensation. Some of these factors include:

• Experience: A carrier with previous successful surrogacy experience normally command higher compensation. Experienced surrogates are often considered more desirable since they have a proven track record of carrying pregnancies to term without complications.
• Location: Compensation can vary based on the geographical location. Surrogacy tends to be more expensive in areas where the cost of living is higher. Also, some states have more favorable legal frameworks for surrogacy, which can increase demand and thus compensation for carriers.
• Health and Age: A gestational carrier's health and age can impact her compensation. Carriers who are younger (typically between 21 and 40 years old) and in good health are more likely to receive higher payments because they are considered to be lower-risk candidates for complications.
• Multiple Births: If a gestational carrier is carrying twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples, she may receive additional compensation. Carrying multiples presents additional risks and requires more medical care, so an additional payment is often provided to acknowledge this.
• Risk Factors: If a gestational carrier faces higher-than-normal risks—such as preexisting health conditions, a history of pregnancy complications, or a particularly difficult pregnancy—her compensation may be higher to reflect these added challenges.

 Some gestational carriers receive bonuses for specific milestones or achievements. These can include:

• Successful embryo transfer: A bonus paid after the embryo is successfully implanted.
• Healthy baby: Some contracts offer a bonus after the birth of a healthy baby.
• Early delivery or carrying to full term: If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, additional bonuses may be offered.

 Ultimately, the total compensation a gestational carrier receives depends on the factors mentioned above. The surrogacy agreement between the carrier and the intended parents will outline the base payment, as well as any additional reimbursements or bonuses. It’s important for a gestational carrier to have her own legal representation to ensure that the terms of compensation are fair, clearly outlined, and legally binding.