Surrogacy has the power to be a life-changing path to parenthood for many people, including single men and gay intended parents. However, one of the biggest concerns for those starting on this incredible journey is the cost.
If you’re a single man researching surrogacy, you might wonder what kind of costs are involved and if there are any affordable gay surrogacy options available out there. The good news is that with the right guidance, international destinations, and agency support, parenthood is much more accessible.
Why Single Men and Gay Intended Parents Choose Surrogacy
Surrogacy is one of the few family-building options for single men and gay couples who want to have their own biological child. It lets intended fathers work with a surrogate (gestational carrier) and often an egg donor. It is becoming more and more socially acceptable, and there have been many advances in reproductive technology, making it a big opportunity for more gay men and single intended fathers.
However, it does require a fair amount of financial planning. So, getting a look at the full picture can help you budget as you explore affordable gay surrogacy options.
What Influences Surrogacy Costs?
The total surrogacy for single man cost really comes down to several different components, including:
- Agency fees
- Legal and screening costs
- Egg donation
- Surrogate compensation
- Fertility clinic procedures (IVF, embryo transfer, etc.)
- Travel and accommodations (especially for international surrogacy)
- Insurance and medical expenses
- Post-birth support and newborn care
Average Surrogacy Costs for Single Men
Let’s take a look at the average costs for surrogacy for single men in the United States and international destinations. Please note that these estimates are approximate, and actual costs may vary.
In the United States
- Total Cost: Could be anywhere between $120,000 and $180,000 or more
- The US is known for its legal protections and experienced clinics, but it is also one of the more expensive countries for surrogacy.
In International Destinations
Countries like Georgia, Mexico, and Colombia have become popular for more affordable gay surrogacy.
- Georgia: $50,000 to $70,000
- Mexico: $60,000 to $80,000
- Colombia: $55,000 to $75,000
These international programs are more budget-friendly and still offer high-quality medical care and experienced surrogates.
What Makes Surrogacy for Men More Expensive?
Single intended fathers often bear the entire financial burden of the surrogacy on their own, while couples would split the costs.
Additionally, single men require an egg donor since no female partner is involved, support for embryo creation and storage, comprehensive legal documentation for parentage rights, and extra travel logistics and legal guardianship arrangements, especially if the county requires two parents for certain legal steps.
All of this can raise the total surrogacy cost for a single man, making searching for more affordable options even more important.
How to Find Affordable Gay Surrogacy Options
Choose the Right Country
Not all countries allow surrogacy for single men and gay parents. When seeking out affordable gay surrogacy options, look for destinations that are legally inclusive as well as cost-effective.
- Mexico: Some states are LGBTQ+ friendly and allow surrogacy for single men
- Colombia: Surrogacy is legal and open to same-sex and single parents
- Georgia: Offers a structured legal surrogacy process for heterosexual couples. Single men need to verify their eligibility through agency guidance.
- Armenia: A growing surrogacy destination with competitive pricing and improving legal clarity for intended parents, including some pathways for single men.
Work With a Reputable International Surrogacy Agency
A trusted surrogacy agency can help you reduce costs by:
- Bundling their services like legal, medical, and surrogate matching
- Offering transparent pricing
- Connecting you with clinics and professionals who specialize in LGBTQ+ surrogacy
- Providing support throughout your journey, from embryo creation to ultimately bringing your child home
Find All-Inclusive or Fixed-Cost Packages
Some international agencies offer fixed-price surrogacy packages that can help single men budget with more confidence. These packages typically include medical procedures, surrogate screening and compensation, legal contracts, and pregnancy monitoring and delivery costs. These packages can help reduce the risk of unexpected fees.
Financial Tips for Single Men Pursuing Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a big and personal decision and shouldn’t be one made lightly. A little preparation ahead of the journey can make a big difference.
- Create a detailed budget: You will need to account for every stage of the process, from egg donation to post-birth travel, to get you and your child home safely.
- Plan for extra expenses: This includes legal documentation, newborn care, or even extended stays in the birth country if needed
- Ask about installment plans: Some agencies may offer payment plans or financing options.
- Explore grants or nonprofit resources: Some LGBTQ+ family-building organizations offer financial aid.
- Consider embryo banking early on: Freezing embryos can give you much more flexibility and time to save your money before you even start the surrogacy process.
Is Affordable Gay Surrogacy Really Possible?
Yes! With the right planning and the right country, it’s possible to find affordable gay surrogacy options that meet your budget and needs. Working with an experienced agency can also ensure that the process is smooth, safe, and emotionally rewarding.
