How do you Afford Surrogacy?

Affording surrogacy is truly a hurdle that not everyone can jump. With costs quoted well over $100,000 it is a daunting task to work around. Some IPs try to complete the surrogacy process on their own by "going independent". Other's hire a consultant or partial agency services in order to keep costs down. In both of these cases there is a lot of work involved for all parties. Finding supporting professionals like the lawyers, escrow agents and mental health professionals can also be overwhelming. 

Here are some of the options I have witnessed IPs using in order to finance their surrogacy journey:

1. Asking their parents (the future grandparents) for financial assistance

2. Borrowing from a 401k

3. Taking out a home equity line of credit

4. Selling stocks/bonds or other valuables

5. Applying for a personal loan

6. Applying for grants or "scholarships"

7. Finding a clinic that offers a "money back guarantee option"

There are other ways to cut down the cost of a surrogacy which include having someone, a family member or friend, volunteer to be your surrogate for low to no compensation. However, this comes with its own emotional cost and the medical and legal commitments stay the same. 

Remember that when you are considering taking the surrogacy process into your own hands not to cut corners on the places that really matter like the reproductive attorney or escrow agent. A great agency, although adding to the financial cost, can reduce your stress and the overwhelming feeling of being responsible for your surrogate and all the details that go with an endeavor of this magnitude.