As we repeatedly said, Surrogacy is a complicated plan that can be done for free or money. Expecting parents and anyone considering being a surrogate should understand the differences between the two options available.
What is the difference between altruistic surrogacy and commercial surrogacy?
To start, we describe each one for you in different sections:
1. Altruistic Surrogacy
- When altruistic surrogacy is used, the mom does not get paid for her services. In some places, she may get paid back for the related medical bills and other costs.
- Most of the time, these deals happen between people who know each other well, like family or close friends. People usually do it because they want to help someone become a parent, not because they want to make money.
Read more: Altruistic surrogacy
2. Commercial Surrogacy
- In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate is paid money for carrying the baby. This payment can cover her time, effort, and any hospital bills due to it.
- Professional companies often help with this kind of surrogacy by taking care of the legal and practical parts of the process. Parents-to-be can pick from candidates who have already been checked, making the process more organized.
The laws regarding these two types of surrogacy are very different in different parts of the world. Some places only allow selfless surrogacy, while others allow both kinds.
Let’s see the difference between Altruistic surrogacy vs. commercial surrogacy at a glance via the details table:
| Aspect | Altruistic Surrogacy | Commercial Surrogacy |
| Motivation | Altruism, goodwill | Financial gain |
| Compensation | No payment, only expenses | Payment beyond expenses |
| Surrogate’s Role | Family/friend, emotional connection | Stranger, contractual agreement |
| Legal Status | Generally allowed | Restricted/illegal in some countries |
| Risks and Complexity | Lower risks, simpler process | Higher risks, more complex process |
| Intended Parents’ Involvement | Often more involved, emotional connection | Maybe a less involved, more formal agreement |
| Surrogate’s Autonomy | More autonomy, decision-making power | Less autonomy, contractual obligations |
Read more: traditional surrogacy process
Altruistic surrogacy vs commercial surrogacy cost
To be honest, if you want to pay for surrogacy, you should spend a lot of money; of course, altruistic surrogacy has its cost too!
So, we decided to discuss the estimated total cost with you just because transparency always comes first:
- The costs of altruistic surrogacy are usually lower than those of commercial surrogacy because the intended parents don’t pay the surrogate directly. However, they still have to pay for things like medical care, court fees, and, if necessary, agency services. The total cost can vary greatly based on the rules in the area and the arrangements made.
- Costs of Commercial Surrogacy: In the U.S., the total cost of commercial surrogacy can be very high, usually between $100,000 and $200,000. This includes hospital costs, legal fees, agency fees, and surrogate pay, which is usually between $20,000 and $55,000.
Read more: Gestational Surrogacy
At first look, altruistic surrogacy may seem cheaper because the surrogate isn’t paid directly, but both types can require big financial commitments. You can see the details in the table below:
| Cost Component | Altruistic Surrogacy | Commercial Surrogacy |
| Medical Care | $10,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Court Fees | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Agency Fees | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Surrogate Pay | $0 (expenses only) | $20,000 – $55,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $17,000 – $35,000 | $42,000 – $100,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost Range | $20,000 – $50,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Note: The cost ranges are estimates and can vary greatly depending on the location, agency, and individual circumstances
Seems so expensive, right? Considering the IVF process in another country can save a lot of dollars (nearly 80,000 dollars for commercial surrogacy and 3000-4000 dollars for the other type!
Read more: IVF in Iran
Altruistic surrogacy vs. commercial surrogacy pros and cons
It’s time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Altruistic vs commercial surrogacy. For each one, we have some important pros and cons:
Altruistic Surrogacy
Pros:
- Lower Costs: Reduced financial burden on intended parents since they do not pay their surrogate directly.
- Emotional Connection: Often fosters a deeper emotional bond between the surrogate and intended parents due to personal relationships.
- Moral Satisfaction: Aligns with ethical values by providing help without monetary expectations.
Cons:
- Less Legal Protection: There may be no formal contracts that ensure rights and responsibilities are clear, leading to potential disputes.
- Financial Risks for Surrogate: The surrogate may face unexpected medical costs without compensation.
- Emotional Complications: Changes in relationships or feelings during the process could complicate the arrangement.
Read more: Best IVF centers in Iran
Commercial Surrogacy
Pros:
- Structured Process: Professional agencies provide comprehensive support throughout the journey, including legal protections and emotional support.
- Variety of Choices: Intended parents can select from multiple pre-screened candidates based on their preferences and needs.
- Clear Contracts: Legal agreements outline expectations and responsibilities, minimizing misunderstandings.
Cons:
- High Costs: The financial burden can be significant due to surrogate compensation and agency fees.
- Perceived Exploitation: Some critics argue that paying for surrogacy commodifies childbirth and could exploit vulnerable women.
After everything is said and done, both altruistic and commercial surrogacy have pros and cons that everyone concerned should consider carefully.
Read more: Top 10 IVF Clinics in the World
Where can I do the surrogacy process at a high quality and affordable price?
Surrogacy in Iran can be your first pick. For couples struggling to conceive, surrogacy is becoming more and more approved in Iran as a sensible option. Both Iranians and those from other countries who wish to obtain surrogacy services choose the nation because of its special mix of legal approval, affordable fees, and medical understanding.
How to Make Your Surrogacy Journey Easy?
At IranHealthAgency, Our expert team takes the time to get to know you and your hobbies so that they can make a plan that is just right for you and your goals. Whether you want standard surrogacy or guaranteed surrogacy, we make sure that every little thing is taken care of so that you can feel completely at ease and trust us.
There’s no need to worry about the legal parts of your surrogacy. We can make sure that all of your contracts and papers are filled out properly and protect your rights and interests at all times because we know a lot about Iranian law. We offer two types of contracts:
- Standard Contract for Surrogacy: This contract spells out all the essential parts of your surrogacy plan so that everyone is safe and knows what’s going on.
- Guaranteed Agreement for Surrogacy: For a small extra fee, this contract offers even more security and peace of mind. It always looks out for your best interests.
After knowing details about Altruistic surrogacy and commercial surrogacy, contact IHA to book a free consultation to discuss your personal needs with Top IVF doctors in Iran.
Remember, if you come to us this November, we’ll give you a Christmas gift: $1000 for Surrogacy!
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