The United States is the reference destination for international surrogacy: the legal framework is clear in many states, clinics and attorneys have decades of experience and the baby is born a US citizen. In exchange, it is the destination with the highest cost. This guide puts the figures and timelines on the table so that you can compare it with the other destinations on data rather than impressions.
01What it costs: between 150,000 and 250,000 USD
Figures published by agencies, clinics and specialised law firms in 2026 place a complete surrogacy journey in the United States between 150,000 and 250,000 USD. The range is wide because it depends on the state, the agency, whether several transfers are needed and whether an egg donor is required. The main lines, with the ranges that are published:
- Surrogate compensation: 50,000-85,000 USD, plus allowances and expenses (5,000-15,000 USD).
- Surrogacy agency fee: 15,000-50,000 USD.
- Clinic and IVF: the second-largest line; embryo creation, genetic testing and transfers.
- Attorneys: contracts between the parties and the parentage order, on both sides.
- Medical insurance for the surrogate and the newborn, a line of its own in the United States and not a small one.
- Egg donor, if needed: this is where our programme comes in, with the donor's compensation and travel as separate lines, in writing.
Payments are not made at once: they are spread over 12-18 months, usually through an escrow account that releases each amount when it is due.
02How long it takes: 12 to 18 months
- Finding a surrogate: 1 to 6 months, depending on the agency and your requirements.
- Screening and contract: 1-2 months. Nothing moves without a contract signed and reviewed by attorneys on both sides.
- Embryo creation: with one of our donors, her cycle is completed in around three months and is timed with the surrogate's calendar.
- Transfer and pregnancy: 9 more months once a transfer works.
- After the birth: in surrogacy-friendly states the parentage order is granted before delivery, the birth certificate is issued with both parents and the baby, a US citizen, has a passport within a few weeks. A stay of 2 to 4 weeks after the birth is usual.
03The legal framework, state by state
There is no federal law: each state regulates surrogacy on its own. States considered friendly (California, Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut or Washington, among others) allow pre-birth parentage orders, accept same-sex couples and single parents, and recognise intended parents regardless of marital status or nationality. Other states have additional requirements and a few do not recognise surrogacy contracts. Choosing the state is the first decision, and we make it with you and a specialised attorney.
04What we do
Suma Fertility is not the surrogacy agency: it is the team that coordinates the pieces. We guide you on the destination and the state, introduce trusted clinics and attorneys, provide the egg donor when you need one, with our guarantees in writing, and make the donor's cycle fit the surrogate's calendar. If you are two fathers, the guide to egg donation for same-sex couples explains how the two parts are coordinated.
