Updated November 2025
Quick Summary
Gestational surrogacy in the United States continues to expand through 2025, driven by medical advances, more inclusive laws, and rising demand from LGBTQIA+, single, and international families. Typical total costs range from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on legal and medical factors. Surrogates now earn $60,000 to $110,000+, and PGT-tested embryos achieve 75–80 percent live birth rates with experienced carriers.
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, the U.S. surrogacy field saw remarkable transformation. At the Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we have watched a steady rise not only in the number of families choosing surrogacy but also in who is choosing it. It has become a trusted path for LGBTQIA+ families, single parents, and hopeful international couples navigating medical, legal, and emotional complexities on their way to parenthood.
The United States remains the global leader thanks to advanced fertility technology, clear ethical standards, and favorable laws in supportive states like California, Illinois, and Maine. Yet cost and accessibility continue to challenge many families. Typical total expenses for a complete surrogacy journey now range between $150,000 and $250,000, depending on location, clinic fees, and legal factors.
This outlook shares what intended parents can expect in 2025, offering current insights into costs, legal frameworks, and success rates, presented with the clarity and compassion that EDSI is known for.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy allows a surrogate, or gestational carrier, to carry a baby created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm through IVF. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child. This approach minimizes legal risks and medical complications, making it the preferred method in the United States today.
Surrogacy Market Trends and Growth (2020 to 2025)
Between 2020 and 2025, the global gestational surrogacy market grew from $4 billion to $5.1 billion. Analysts project continued growth to more than $129 billion by 2034, fueled by:
- 1. Higher rates of infertility worldwide
- 2. Advances in IVF and genetic screening
- 3. Stronger legal protections for LGBTQIA+ and single parents
- 4. Increased availability of ethical, agency-guided surrogacy programs
At EDSI, we’ve seen consistent growth in inquiries from families seeking transparent, legally sound, and emotionally supported journeys.
Who Is Choosing Surrogacy in 2025?
LGBTQIA+ Families
More than three-quarters of surrogates are open to working with same-sex couples, up from only one-third in 2020. For many gay male couples, surrogacy remains the only way to have a genetically related child.
International Families
Roughly one in three embryo transfers in U.S. surrogacy now involve international intended parents. Families from countries where surrogacy is restricted often come to the U.S. for reliable legal protection and world-class IVF care.
Single Parents
More single men and women are turning to surrogacy to build families independently. At EDSI, we’ve helped many solo parents navigate their journey with dignity and confidence.
Medical Necessity vs Personal Choice
Some families pursue surrogacy because of medical conditions, fertility challenges, or repeated pregnancy loss. Others make a personal choice to grow their family this way, without medical necessity. In 2025, more states recognize that personal choice deserves the same respect and legal protection as medical need.
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 It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Surrogate Compensation | $60,000 to $125,000+ | Base pay, wellness allowance, and bonuses for milestones, multiples, or delivery |
| Medical and IVF Expenses | $15,000 to $40,000 | IVF cycle, medications, embryo transfers, prenatal monitoring |
| Agency and Coordination Fees | $40,000 to $60,000 | Screening, matching, coordination, and escrow oversight |
| Legal Services | $3,000 to $25,000 | Surrogacy agreement, legal representation, parentage orders |
| Insurance and Travel | $8,000 to $30,000 | Maternity coverage, travel, lodging, and childcare for the carrier’s family |
| Total Estimated Journey | $150,000 to $250,000 | Varies by clinic, state law, and medical factors |
Surrogacy Laws by State (2025 Overview)
Supportive States:
California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, and Washington
Unenforceable but Practiced:
Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, and Nebraska — states where surrogacy contracts are not legally enforceable but families still proceed using alternative arrangements such as post-birth adoption or delivery in a neighboring supportive state
Restricted or Unclear:
Louisiana and Michigan (prior to 2025 reforms) remain more limited, though Michigan has recently introduced legislation improving its surrogacy framework
At the Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we collaborate with experienced reproductive attorneys across all fifty states to ensure every agreement complies with the most current laws, protecting both intended parents and surrogates.
IVF Success Rates with Gestational Carriers
Success depends on embryo quality, surrogate health, and clinic expertise.
- PGT-tested embryos reach 75–80 percent live birth rates
- Surrogates under age 35 see consistently higher success
- U.S. IVF programs produced nearly 100,000 live births in 2022
Our clinic partners are selected for their expertise and consistency in delivering excellent outcomes.
Conclusion: A Trusted Path Forward
Surrogacy in the United States remains one of the most ethical, reliable, and medically advanced routes to parenthood. At EDSI, we guide families through every phase, from consultation to delivery, ensuring emotional support, financial clarity, and legal confidence every step of the way.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book Your Consultation- Learn About Becoming a Surrogate
- Use Our Matching Compass™ Tool
- Call: 310-209-1898 | Email: edsi@eggdonorandsurrogacy.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Total costs range from $150,000 to $250,000, depending on legal, medical, and location factors.
Yes. EDSI proudly supports diverse family structures, offering inclusive guidance and trusted matches for all parents.
Journeys using PGT-tested embryos with experienced surrogates see success rates of 75–80 percent.
Start by booking a complimentary consultation. Our team will review your goals and create a personalized roadmap for your journey.
Plan Your Budget with Confidence
Set a clear maximum budget before matching
- 1. Reserve funds for unexpected medical or travel expenses
2. Review employer fertility benefits and reimbursement options
3. Compare financing and loan programs for fertility care
4. Work only with escrow-managed agencies for transparency and security
At EDSI, we partner with SeedTrust Escrow to protect every payment through an audited, independent account.
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
