Who should read this report?
Intended parents, surrogates, fertility professionals, and policymakers seeking a clear picture of the surrogacy landscape in the United States.
What is this report about?
This report outlines current market surrogacy trends 2025, laws, costs, and demographic shifts in U.S. surrogacy.
Why does this report matter?
Surrogacy in the U.S. is growing fast. Understanding the financial, legal, and emotional components is essential to navigating the journey successfully.
When was this data collected?
Between 2020 and 2025, with projections included through 2034.
Executive Summary
Surrogacy Trends 2025: Executive Summary
From 2020 to 2025, gestational surrogacy in the United States experienced transformational growth. As the founder of EDSI, I’ve seen a rise not just in numbers, but in who chooses this path and why. Surrogacy has become a lifeline for many LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and hopeful international couples navigating medical, legal, and emotional hurdles to build families.
The U.S. continues to lead due to its advanced reproductive technology, ethical frameworks, and favorable laws in states like California and Illinois. Yet access and affordability remain critical concerns. Costs range from 100,000 to 250,000 dollars. Legal inconsistencies across states add further complexity.
This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of what intended parents can expect in 2025 from financial planning to IVF success rates grounded in real-world data and delivered with the human clarity EDSI is known for.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is a family-building option where a surrogate, also called a gestational carrier, carries a child that is not genetically related to her. Instead, the embryo is created using the egg and sperm from the intended parents or donors, then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus using IVF.
This process differs from traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate provides her own egg. Because there is no biological link between the carrier and the baby, gestational surrogacy minimizes legal complications and is the preferred method in the United States.
Surrogacy Market Trends and Growth (2020 to 2025)
Between 2020 and 2025, the U.S. gestational surrogacy market grew from 4 billion to 5.1 billion dollars. Projections suggest the global surrogacy market will reach over 129 billion dollars by 2034. This growth is fueled by:
- Higher infertility rates globally
- Technological advancement in IVF and genetic testing
- More inclusive legal protections for LGBTQ+ and single parents
- A growing number of fertility clinics offering surrogacy services
EDSI continues to see a steady rise in inquiries from families seeking safe, ethical, and legally sound options within the U.S.
Who Is Choosing Surrogacy in 2025?
LGBTQ+ Parents
More than 75 percent of surrogates are open to matching with same-sex couples, up from just 32 percent in 2020. For gay male couples, surrogacy is often the only path to a genetically related child.
International Families
Approximately one in three embryo transfers involving gestational carriers in the U.S. are for international clients. These families often come from countries where surrogacy is banned or lacks protections. The U.S. offers legal certainty and world-class IVF services.
Single Parents
Single intended parents, especially single men, are increasingly pursuing surrogacy. At EDSI, we’ve helped many solo parents fulfill their dream of raising a child on their own terms.
Medical Necessity vs Personal Choice
Some families pursue surrogacy for medical reasons such as uterine abnormalities, health risks, or repeated pregnancy loss. Others make a personal decision to build a family using surrogacy, regardless of medical need.
In 2025, more states recognize that personal choice is just as valid a reason as medical necessity. At EDSI, we support both paths with equal care and respect.
Cost Breakdown of Gestational Surrogacy in 2025
Financial planning is key. EDSI offers personalized guidance to help families prepare for both expected and surprise costs.
| Cost Category | Typical Range (USD) | What the Fee Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Surrogate Compensation | 40,000 to 80,000 dollars (up to 90,000+ for experienced surrogates | Base pay, wellness allowance, allowances for multiples or surgical delivery, lost wages, travel |
| Medical and IVF Expenses | $15,000 to $40,000 | One IVF cycle, medications, monitoring, embryo transfer, prenatal visits, delivery charges not covered by insurance |
| Agency and Coordination Fees | $40,000 to $60,000 | Screening, matching, coordination, emotional support, escrow oversight |
| Legal Services | $3,000 to $25,000 | Gestational carrier agreement, independent counsel for the carrier, parentage orders, document filings in the birth state |
| Insurance and Travel | $8,000 to $30,000 | Maternity coverage or a specialty policy for the carrier, flights, hotels, child-care for the carrier’s family |
| Total Estimated Journey | $150,000 to $250,000 | Varies by clinic protocols, legal venue, and individual medical needs |
Surrogacy Laws by State
The legal framework for surrogacy varies by state:
- Supportive States: California, Illinois, Connecticut, Maine, Washington
- Restricted or Unclear: Louisiana, Michigan (pre-2025 reforms), Nebraska
- Unenforceable but Practiced: Some states allow the process but do not enforce contracts
At EDSI, we help families work with attorneys who specialize in third-party reproduction so every legal step is protected.
IVF Success Rates with Gestational Carriers
Success in gestational surrogacy depends on the quality of the embryo, the surrogate’s health, and the experience of the IVF clinic.
- PGT-A tested embryos show live birth rates of 75 to 80 percent
- Surrogates under 35 years old experience higher success rates
- IVF cycles in 2022 alone produced nearly 100,000 live-born infants in the U.S.
Our clinic partners are selected for their expertise and consistency in delivering excellent outcomes.
Conclusion: Surrogacy as a Trusted Path Forward
Surrogacy in the United States is a trusted, medically advanced, and legally secure path to parenthood. But it remains a complex journey. Intended parents must navigate emotional investments, legal contracts, and financial planning.
At EDSI, we walk beside you from consultation to delivery and beyond. With the right support and transparency, your path to parenthood can begin with confidence.
Ready to Take the First Step?
- Explore the EDSI Parent Journey
- Learn About Becoming a Surrogate
- Use Our Matching Compass™ Tool
- Call: 310-209-1898 | Email: edsi@eggdonorandsurrogacy.com
Frequently Asked Questions (On-Page)
What is the cost of surrogacy in 2025?
Costs range from 100,000 to 250,000 dollars depending on legal, medical, and geographic factors.
Can LGBTQ+ and single parents use surrogacy?
Yes. EDSI proudly works with diverse families and experienced surrogates open to LGBTQ+ and single parents.
What are success rates for IVF with gestational surrogates?
Most journeys using PGT-tested embryos and healthy surrogates see live birth rates of 75 percent or higher.
How do I begin the surrogacy process with EDSI?
Start by requesting a free consultation. Our team will walk you through next steps tailored to your goals and location.
Planning Your Budget With Confidence
- Start with a clear ceiling. We advise setting a maximum figure before matching to avoid emotional overspend.
- Cushion for the unexpected. Most families underestimate expenses by roughly twenty percent. Allocate a reserve for insurance gaps, extra IVF attempts, and travel.
- Review workplace fertility benefits. Many large employers now reimburse parts of IVF or legal costs. Check your policy or speak with HR early.
- Compare financing options. Fertility loans and specialty grants exist, though interest can add significant cost. We provide vetted lender referrals on request.
- Lean on agency escrow. At EDSI we partner with SeedTrust so surrogate payments and medical bills move through a neutral, audited account. This protects everyone involved.
If you are still mapping out your budget, our team can run a personalized cost projection that aligns with your medical history and state laws. Book a complimentary call »
Next in the Outlook: Surrogacy Laws by State in 2025 | Current IVF Success Rates
