How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Ohio?

Surrogacy is a family-building option that gives many intended parents the chance to grow their families when other paths may not be available. If you're beginning this journey in Ohio, one of your first questions may be: How much does surrogacy cost?

This article will walk you through the typical costs of surrogacy in Ohio, what’s included, how the state’s legal system treats surrogacy, and how American Surrogacy can support you every step of the way.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Ohio?

The average cost of surrogacy in Ohio falls between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on the program you choose, your medical needs, surrogate compensation, and legal fees. While Ohio does not have surrogacy-specific legislation, the state is widely regarded as surrogacy-friendly.

With experienced legal support and agency guidance, a secure and successful surrogacy journey is well within reach in Ohio.

American Surrogacy’s Programs in Ohio

We offer three flexible surrogacy programs tailored to match your financial situation and desired level of risk protection:

Limited Risk Program ($169,900 - $179,000+): A full-service option that includes financial protections for events like failed embryo transfers, rematches, and early complications. Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months.
Foundation Program ($115,400 - $170,000+): A pay-as-you-go model that includes full coordination but fewer financial safeguards. This is ideal for families who want to manage payments over time.
Independent Program (starting at $17,000): Designed for families who already have a surrogate. This program covers coordination services but does not include surrogate compensation, IVF, or legal costs. Even with a known surrogate, most independent journeys exceed $100,000.

To compare these programs further, explore our Full-Service Programs or learn more about our Independent Program.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the core surrogacy expenses in Ohio:

Agency fees: Cover screening, matching with a qualified surrogate, case management, legal and medical coordination, and emotional support
Surrogate compensation: Includes base pay and reimbursements for travel, maternity needs, lost wages, and childcare
Legal services: Drafting surrogacy contracts, securing parentage orders, and navigating Ohio’s county-specific legal standards
Medical expenses: IVF, embryo transfers, medications, prenatal care, and hospital delivery

Each component plays an important role in ensuring a well-organized and legally protected surrogacy experience.

Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation

Agency fees cover the ongoing services needed to make your journey successful. From helping you match with a surrogate to managing payments and legal coordination, your dedicated case specialist will guide you at every stage.

In Ohio, surrogate compensation typically starts around $50,000, with full compensation packages — including reimbursements — ranging between $60,000 and $75,000+. These reimbursements may include:

Travel and lodging
Maternity clothes
Lost income due to pregnancy
Childcare during medical appointments
Health insurance premiums and co-pays

All funds are disbursed through a licensed escrow account to ensure accountability and consistent payment timelines.

Avoiding Surrogacy Cost Surprises

Even with good planning, surrogacy journeys can face unexpected changes. To help protect families from sudden costs related to medical setbacks or disrupted matches, we offer the Limited Risk Program.

This option gives you added security by including financial protections for some of the most common disruptions, so you can move forward with peace of mind.

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Ohio?

Surrogates in Ohio typically receive $50,000 in base compensation, with total packages — including reimbursed expenses — ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 or more.

For families using the Independent Program, these costs are managed separately, but should still be factored into your total journey budget, which usually exceeds $100,000 even with a known match.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Ohio?

While most insurance plans don’t cover agency services or compensation, some may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by covering:

Fertility treatments and IVF
Fertility medications
Prenatal and delivery care for the surrogate (if her plan qualifies)

In Ohio, families often carry plans through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medical Mutual, or United Healthcare. Our team will review both your and your surrogate’s insurance policies and provide guidance on any needed supplemental coverage.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?

If your surrogacy journey includes IVF, you’ll need to account for related medical expenses, which often include:

IVF procedures and embryo transfers
Embryo creation
Fertility medications
Donor sperm or eggs (if used)
Monitoring, testing, and lab work

Ohio is home to several excellent fertility clinics, particularly in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We’ll help you find a clinic that fits your budget and treatment goals.

Affording Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be a major financial commitment — but with the right support, it’s often more accessible than families expect. Along with our affordable surrogacy program options, many intended parents also pursue:

Grant and financial aid programs:

Employer-sponsored fertility benefits via:

Carrot Fertility
Progyny

Additional financial strategies include HSAs, 401(k) loans, home equity credit, or support from family members.

Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options

We can work with you to explore each of these options and help build a custom financial plan based on your unique needs. To help make this process safe and easier, we have partnered with a surrogacy loan provider.
Sunfish: Sunfish offers low-interest fertility loans for IVF, surrogacy and egg donors for American Surrogacy. They make parenthood attainable for all types of families through financial solutions, support, and guidance.
Learn more about financing your surrogacy through Sunfish here.

Why Choose American Surrogacy?

Surrogacy in Ohio requires careful legal coordination and a high level of case management. Here’s why families across the state — and the country — trust American Surrogacy:

Fast matching times: Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months
Legal support in a variable state: We partner with Ohio attorneys who understand how to navigate county-by-county surrogacy recognition and secure enforceable contracts
One-on-one guidance: Every family works with a dedicated case specialist for clear communication and full-circle support
Program variety: Whether you’re seeking full protection or working with an identified surrogate, we offer a plan that fits
Commitment to equity and ethics: We treat surrogates and intended parents with equal care and respect — supporting a positive, balanced journey for everyone involved

With American Surrogacy, you’re not just managing a legal process — you’re building a family with trusted, compassionate experts on your side.

Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey

Ohio offers a surrogacy-friendly environment. With proper legal oversight and agency support, families from all backgrounds — including LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents — can complete surrogacy successfully in Ohio.

If you're ready to learn more, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist and begin your journey toward parenthood.