Comparative Analysis Report on surrogate Remuneration in Various States of the United States (2025)
Ⅰ.Core Conclusion
California has become the state with the highest surrogacy compensation in the United States, with a system of compensation ranging from $40000 to $55000 and full process cost coverage. The total cost (including medical, insurance, legal, etc.) can reach $100000 to $140000, significantly higher than other states.
Ⅱ.Comparison of surrogacy laws and compensation in different states
1. California
Legal status: The most friendly in the United States, allowing commercial surrogacy and transparent contract regulations.
Compensation structure:
Basic compensation: $40000 to $55000 (higher than the average level in other states).
Special markup: Twins will be charged an additional $5000-7000, and compensation for complications such as cesarean section will be $2000-5000.
Full process expenses: Medical (including trust funds), insurance (health+life), legal, etc. account for 10% -15% of the total amount, with a total cost of 100000 to 140000 US dollars.
Advantages: Comprehensive legal system, abundant institutional resources, attracting global clients.
2. New York State
Legal status: Commercial surrogacy will be legalized in 2021, but it requires a court order for paternity.
Compensation structure:
Basic compensation: $30000 to $35000 (slightly lower than California).
Total cost: including medical, legal, etc., approximately 90000 to 120000 US dollars.
• Characteristics: The legal process is complex, but the compensation level is second only to California.
3. Illinois
Legal status: Commercial surrogacy is allowed, and a detailed agreement must be signed.
Compensation structure:
Basic compensation: 28000 to 33000 US dollars.
Total cost: approximately 80000 to 110000 US dollars.
• Characteristics: Strict but transparent laws, suitable for risk averse clients.
4. Nevada
Legal status: Allow all types of families (including LGBTQ+) to use surrogacy.
Compensation structure:
Basic compensation: 25000 to 30000 US dollars.
Total cost: approximately 70000 to 100000 US dollars.
• Characteristics: Simplified legal process, but limited market resources.
5. Florida
Legal status: Commercial surrogacy is allowed, but a pre birth paternity order is required.
Compensation structure:
Basic compensation: 23000 to 28000 US dollars.
Total cost: approximately 70000 to 90000 US dollars.
• Characteristics: The climate is livable but the legal efficiency is low and the cycle is long.
6. States that prohibit or restrict commercial surrogacy
Michigan and Louisiana: Commercial surrogacy is completely prohibited and only free surrogacy is allowed (compensation only covers medical expenses).
Texas: Although not explicitly prohibited, vague laws lead to high operational risks.
Ⅲ. Analysis of Key Influencing Factors
1. Legal framework
California Advantage: Clear legal precedents (such as the Surrogacy Safe Harbor Act) and court enforced trust fund system ensure transparent fees.
Characteristics of New York State: Need to confirm parent-child relationship through court, increase legal costs but protect rights and interests.
2. Market demand and resources
California: Gather top reproductive clinics (such as HRC) and legal teams across the United States to attract high net worth clients and promote higher compensation.
Other states: scattered resources, limited supply of surrogate mothers, and lower compensation levels.
3. Cost of living and medical expenses
California: High cost of living (such as San Francisco, Los Angeles) leads to an increase in basic compensation.
Mid western states: Low cost of living, but insufficient medical resources, making it difficult to increase total expenses.
4. Insurance and Risk Coverage
California standard: Mandatory purchase of all risk insurance (including embryo transportation and pregnancy complications), with a premium of approximately $2000 but covering over 90% of accidental losses.
• Other states: incomplete insurance coverage, surrogate mothers need to bear some of the risks themselves, and compensation will be correspondingly reduced.
Ⅳ. Future trend prediction
1. Consolidation of California's dominant position: With the influx of international customers (such as China and the Middle East), the total cost may exceed $150000 by 2025.
2. New York State catch-up: After simplifying the legal process, the basic compensation is expected to increase to $38000.
3. Technological iteration impact: The popularization of PGT-A gene testing will increase costs by 10% -15%, but improve success rates.
4. Policy risk: Some conservative states may tighten their laws, such as Texas or introduce restrictive bills.
Ⅴ. Suggestion
Client: Prioritize California or New York to ensure legal protection and cost transparency.
Surrogacy mothers: California offers the highest compensation, but must be screened by compliance agencies.
Cross border customers: Plan visas and insurance in advance based on the laws of the target state and their own needs.
