When it comes to surrogacy, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much surrogate mothers get paid. Surrogates typically receive between $30,000 and $50,000 for carrying a baby through pregnancy and delivery, although some may be compensated more or less depending on their individual situation. Some factors that can affect a surrogate's compensation include whether she is carrying her own genetic child (known as traditional surrogacy), is using her own eggs (gestational surrogacy), has medical insurance coverage for the pregnancy, lives in a state with laws friendly to surrogacy arrangements, and whether she has any previous experience as a surrogate. Additionally, intended parents may choose to provide additional financial incentives for things like undergoing extra prenatal care or agreeing to forego alcohol and smoking during the pregnancy.
It's important to note that while monetary compensation is certainly an important consideration for many women who become surrogates, it is not the only factor. For many women, the ability to help another family achieve their dream of parenthood is its own reward.