The Financial Realities of IVF and Surrogacy: A Personal Journey in Canada

Brandy Lepold
Aug 11, 2024
4 min read

Embarking on the path to parenthood through IVF and surrogacy is a journey filled with hope, determination, anger, sadness, and, as we have discovered, significant financial commitment. Since starting our fundraiser, many people have been curious as to why the costs are so high for IVF and surrogacy and we thought it would be good to share our experience with the costs associated with IVF and surrogacy. So far, we’ve spent approximately $125,000, with an estimated additional $60,000+ still ahead. Here’s a breakdown of where that money has gone.

Medications

One of the first and most consistent costs in IVF is medication. The medications used during an IVF cycle are crucial to stimulating the ovaries, ensuring a successful egg retrieval, and preparing the body for implantation. However, these medications do not come cheap. Depending on the protocol, medications can range from $5,000 to $7,000 per cycle. These costs are necessary to maximize the chances of success, and while some may be covered under insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can quickly add up. We have done several cycles.

Egg Retrievals

Egg retrievals are another significant expense. We’ve undergone three retrievals, each costing us around $23,000. This includes the costs of the surgical procedure, anesthesia, laboratory fees, and embryo freezing. Each retrieval is a critical step toward building our family, but the financial impact is undeniable.

Agency Fees

Working with a surrogacy agency is often essential to navigating the complex legal and logistical aspects of the process. However, agency fees can be substantial. In Canada, these fees typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, covering everything from matching us with a surrogate to providing ongoing support and coordination throughout the journey. We have had to pay two agency fees. We really didn’t like our first agency (post on that to come!) and made the difficult decision to change (and we are so glad we did…and should have done it way sooner).

Surrogate Reimbursements

In Canada, commercial surrogacy is prohibited, meaning surrogates cannot be paid beyond reasonable expenses. However, these expenses, which we reimburse, can still be significant. They include costs related to the surrogate’s medical care, travel, maternity clothing, lost wages, and more. These reimbursements can amount to $60,000 or more, depending on the circumstances, complications during pregnancy.

Legal Retainers and Contracting

The legal side of surrogacy is another critical component, ensuring that all parties are protected and that the process adheres to Canadian law. The lawyer fees include a retainer, drafting and reviewing of contracts, establish parentage, and navigate any potential additional legal hurdles. Legal fees for surrogacy can be approximately $10,000, depending on the complexity/time.

Comparing Surrogacy Costs: Canada vs. International Options

When we first considered surrogacy, we explored options both in Canada and internationally. One of the most striking differences we found was the cost. Surrogacy in the U.S., for instance, is significantly more expensive than in Canada. The total cost for surrogacy in the U.S. can easily exceed $150,000 USD to $200,000 USD due to higher agency fees, surrogate compensation (commercial surrogacy), and legal expenses. However, it is a much faster process when done right. Because it is considered commercial surrogacy, there is also a much higher risk for scams where intended parents can often be robbed of tens of thousands of dollars.

We also looked into surrogacy in Argentina, which presented its own set of challenges. While the costs there are lower than in the U.S., they were still higher than in Canada. Additionally, international surrogacy often requires the intended parents to spend a significant amount of time in the country. In Argentina, for example, we would have had to live there for a couple of months, adding to the overall cost and complexity of the process.

Ultimately, we chose to pursue surrogacy in Canada, where the costs, while still substantial, are more manageable (i.e the surrogate cannot profit from the process and is reimbursed for only specific related expenses), and the legal framework aligns better with us. The decision to stay in Canada allowed us to remain closer to home, reduce costs as much as we can, and work within a system that supports ethical surrogacy practices.

The Road Ahead

While we’ve already spent around $125,000, we anticipate an additional $60,000 or more in costs before our journey is complete. This includes further medical expenses, surrogate reimbursements, and potential unforeseen costs that may arise.

The financial burden of IVF and surrogacy can be overwhelming, but for us, it’s a necessary investment in our dream of becoming parents. We hope that by sharing our experience, others will gain insight into the realities of this process, and for those that are considering surrogacy to feel less alone in their own journeys. It’s a challenging path, but one that we believe will ultimately be worth every dollar spent.

Final Thoughts

Navigating IVF and surrogacy in Canada has been a complex and costly endeavour, but it’s also a journey filled with hope of the potential to have a family. For anyone considering this path, it’s essential to be prepared not only emotionally but also financially. While the costs are significant, the opportunity to build a family is priceless, and we remain optimistic and determined as we move forward.

We invite others who are on a similar journey to connect, share experiences, and support one another through this challenging yet potentially rewarding process.

If you can contribute or share our fundraiser/story (link below), it would mean the world to us.