Do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?
Updated: Jul 14
Women who decide to go through a surrogacy journey receive compensation. The exact amount varies depending on different factors that affect the total. You can learn more about how much does a surrogate mother make and receive an estimated compensation package on our website.
Unfortunately, pregnancies can have complications. These complications can result in different aggravations, and sometimes they can end up in a miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs when the fetus dies inside the womb before the 20th week of pregnancy. There is a high risk of it during gestation. According to different sources, around 10-15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
That is why it is crucial to understand, “do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?”
The short answer is yes. Surrogates get paid if they have a miscarriage. A surrogate mother is entitled to compensation when she loses the child.
The surrogacy contracts consider this factor and usually compensate until that point to cover any front expenses the surrogate has. It is essential to take into account various aspects of the miscarriage itself.
The main factors to take into account that increase the risk of miscarriage:
Being above 35 years old raises the risk of miscarriage by 20%, and 40 increases it by 40%. After 45, the danger is over 80%.
Women with two or more miscarriages are more likely to have a miscarriage.
Having chronic conditions makes pregnancy riskier.
Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues may result in complications.
Smoking, consuming alcohol, or drugs implies a risk to the fetus and the pregnancy.
Being underweight or overweight is a high-risk factor for pregnancies.
Some invasive tests.
That is why in First Step Surrogacy, we have some disqualifications for surrogacies:
You had significant complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, and more.
You had preterm delivery (except twin pregnancies).
You have a BMI higher than 30.
You or your partner have felonies on your record.
You are in the middle of a divorce process.
You have more than five prior deliveries (with some exceptions).
You have or had mental health issues (except postpartum depression or a temporary psychological condition).
You have had multiple miscarriages.
You have specific reproductive health issues such as uterine fibroids or PCOS.
You smoke or use drugs.
You are over 44.
You are not a US Citizen or permanent legal resident.
You provide false information on your application or interview.
Understanding how much do surrogate mothers get paid
In a gestational surrogacy process, women get paid a base compensation for the emotional and physical effort required to carry the pregnancy. This base compensation (direct compensation) is a flat rate negotiated before the embryo transfer and specified in your surrogacy contract.
The base pay for surrogates in the USA ranges from $30,000 to $60,000+. The total compensation package depends on various factors. These factors include the surrogate’s state of residence, the number of babies carried, the health insurance used, prior surrogacy experience, and the agency you use.
Understanding if surrogates get paid if they miscarry?
Yes, surrogates get paid if they have a miscarriage. A surrogate mother is entitled to compensation when she loses the child.
Surrogacy agreements are legally binding contracts between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. In this contract, the intended parents agree to pay the surrogate mother a certain sum in exchange for carrying their child until birth and surrendering it to them afterward.
In many cases, surrogates will also receive additional compensation depending on how far along the pregnancy is before losing it. For example, if a surrogate is over six weeks pregnant at the time of miscarriage, the mother would receive partial payment because she only carried part of the pregnancy before losing it.
Several aspects are covered in the contract before the procedure. It is essential to know the conditions specified in case a miscarriage occurs.