GITNUXREPORT 2026

Surrogate Mother Statistics

The booming global surrogacy market is valued at billions and heavily influenced by local laws.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, the global surrogacy market was valued at approximately USD 14 billion, with projections to reach USD 27.5 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 11.9%.

Statistic 2

Average compensation for US surrogates is USD 40,000-55,000 base fee plus expenses.

Statistic 3

Intended parents pay USD 150,000-200,000 total for surrogacy in the US including agency and legal fees.

Statistic 4

In Ukraine pre-2022, surrogacy packages cost USD 40,000-60,000 for international clients.

Statistic 5

Insurance coverage for surrogacy is rare, with 90% of costs out-of-pocket in the US.

Statistic 6

Lost wages for surrogates average USD 10,000-20,000 during maternity leave.

Statistic 7

Legal fees for surrogacy contracts range from USD 20,000-30,000 in the US.

Statistic 8

IVF cycles for surrogates cost USD 15,000-25,000 per cycle, often 1-2 needed.

Statistic 9

Agency fees represent 20-30% of total surrogacy costs, averaging USD 35,000.

Statistic 10

In Georgia, surrogacy costs USD 50,000-70,000, 40% less than US.

Statistic 11

Global surrogacy insurance averages USD 5,000-10,000 for medical complications.

Statistic 12

Egg donor costs add USD 20,000-40,000 to surrogacy expenses.

Statistic 13

Travel costs for international surrogacy can exceed USD 15,000 for intended parents.

Statistic 14

Tax deductions for surrogacy medical expenses up to USD 15,000 allowed in US.

Statistic 15

Matching fees between surrogates and IPs average USD 5,000-10,000.

Statistic 16

Annual medical expenses reimbursement for surrogates: USD 20,000-30,000.

Statistic 17

Financing options like loans cover 50% of surrogacy costs for 30% of US families.

Statistic 18

Life insurance for surrogates costs USD 500-1,000 annually.

Statistic 19

Maternity clothing allowance: USD 1,000 per surrogacy.

Statistic 20

Lost income differential coverage up to USD 50/hour for professionals.

Statistic 21

Legal representation separate for surrogate: USD 5,000-7,000.

Statistic 22

IVF medication reimbursement: USD 3,000-6,000.

Statistic 23

Postpartum care allowance: USD 1,500 including doula services.

Statistic 24

85% of surrogates report high satisfaction, but 15% experience emotional distress post-birth.

Statistic 25

Intended parents face 20-30% risk of surrogacy disputes over custody.

Statistic 26

40% of surrogates in developing countries report coercion or inadequate informed consent.

Statistic 27

Psychological screening identifies 5-10% of potential surrogates as unsuitable.

Statistic 28

Children born via surrogacy show no difference in emotional adjustment at age 7 compared to IVF.

Statistic 29

25% of international surrogacy cases involve citizenship issues for babies.

Statistic 30

Surrogates have 70% positive bonding separation experience with mental health support.

Statistic 31

Exploitation concerns rise, with 60% of global surrogacy in low-income countries.

Statistic 32

75% of surrogates cite financial compensation as primary motivation.

Statistic 33

Identity disclosure to surrogacy-born children recommended at 95% psychologist consensus.

Statistic 34

30% of intended mothers report surrogacy-related anxiety disorders.

Statistic 35

Cross-border surrogacy raises 50% abandonment risk in crises like COVID.

Statistic 36

Surrogate empowerment programs reduce regret rates to <2%.

Statistic 37

Social stigma affects 40% of surrogates in conservative societies.

Statistic 38

65% of surrogacy-born adults report positive family relationships.

Statistic 39

20% of surrogates face family opposition, impacting mental health.

Statistic 40

Bonding interventions reduce surrogate attachment by 80% effectiveness.

Statistic 41

35% of low-income surrogates report economic necessity as sole driver.

Statistic 42

Regulation gaps lead to 25% exploitation in unregulated markets.

Statistic 43

Surrogacy-born children have 5% higher resilience scores.

Statistic 44

55% of intended parents prefer known surrogates for trust.

Statistic 45

Commercial surrogacy is legal in California, allowing compensation up to USD 50,000-100,000 per surrogacy.

Statistic 46

The UK's Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, limiting payments to expenses only, up to GBP 15,000-20,000.

Statistic 47

India's Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 bans commercial surrogacy entirely, allowing only altruistic surrogacy for close relatives.

Statistic 48

In New York, the Child-Parent Security Act of 2020 legalized compensated gestational surrogacy effective 2021.

Statistic 49

France bans all forms of surrogacy under Article 16-7 of the Civil Code, with penalties up to 1 year imprisonment.

Statistic 50

Russia legalized surrogacy for all in 1993, but post-2022 Ukraine war, new laws restrict foreign intended parents.

Statistic 51

Nevada's surrogacy laws require pre-birth orders, with 95% success rate in establishing parentage.

Statistic 52

Thailand banned commercial surrogacy in 2015 after scandals, limiting it to Thai nationals only.

Statistic 53

In Illinois, the Gestational Surrogacy Act mandates contracts with medical and psychological evaluations.

Statistic 54

China's 2001 ban on surrogacy is enforced under Ministry of Health rules, with underground cases prosecuted.

Statistic 55

Surrogacy is banned in 30+ countries including Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Statistic 56

Australia's state laws vary; commercial surrogacy illegal, altruistic only with up to AUD 15,000 expenses.

Statistic 57

Greece legalized surrogacy for heterosexual couples in 2002, with 100 cases/year.

Statistic 58

Alberta, Canada bans payment beyond expenses, with fines up to CAD 100,000.

Statistic 59

Michigan remains one of few US states banning surrogacy contracts as against public policy.

Statistic 60

Kenya's 2022 surrogacy regulations require court approval and ban commercial.

Statistic 61

Singapore bans commercial surrogacy, but 100+ underground cases yearly.

Statistic 62

Sweden's 1985 Act bans surrogacy, upheld by courts.

Statistic 63

Israel's surrogacy law requires committee approval, 500+ births/year.

Statistic 64

Japan prohibits surrogacy, with no legal framework.

Statistic 65

Argentina legalized surrogacy in 2014, non-commercial only.

Statistic 66

Louisiana US bans gestational surrogacy for unmarried couples.

Statistic 67

Gestational surrogacy success rates average 75-85% per embryo transfer in the US.

Statistic 68

Surrogate mothers have a 1-2% higher risk of hypertensive disorders compared to natural pregnancies.

Statistic 69

Multiple pregnancies in surrogacy occur in 20-30% of cases, increasing preterm birth risk to 50%.

Statistic 70

IVF success for surrogates under 35 is 60-70%, dropping to 40% for ages 38-40.

Statistic 71

Preeclampsia rates in surrogates are 10-15%, higher than 5-8% in standard IVF.

Statistic 72

Cesarean section rates in surrogacy exceed 70%, compared to 32% nationally in the US.

Statistic 73

Placental abnormalities like accreta occur in 2-5% of surrogacy pregnancies.

Statistic 74

Neonatal outcomes show surrogacy babies have 1.5% higher NICU admission rates.

Statistic 75

Surrogates experience 5-10% postpartum hemorrhage risk increase.

Statistic 76

Long-term health follow-up shows no increased cancer risk in surrogates after 10 years.

Statistic 77

98% of gestational surrogates have no genetic relation to the child.

Statistic 78

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) confirmation of uterine health required in 100% of surrogacy protocols.

Statistic 79

Surrogates undergo 3-6 months of medical clearance including BMI under 32.

Statistic 80

Embryo biopsy for PGT-A reduces aneuploidy to <5% in surrogacy cycles.

Statistic 81

Twin pregnancies in surrogacy carry 60% preterm delivery risk before 37 weeks.

Statistic 82

Postpartum depression rates in surrogates are 10-12%, similar to general population.

Statistic 83

Mock embryo transfer improves implantation rates by 15% in surrogates.

Statistic 84

Long-term surrogate fertility preserved in 95% with proper screening.

Statistic 85

Surrogate BMI screening limits to <32 kg/m² reduces complications by 20%.

Statistic 86

Endometrial thickness >7mm correlates with 50% pregnancy rate in surrogates.

Statistic 87

Gestational diabetes in surrogates: 8-12% incidence.

Statistic 88

Frozen embryo transfer success 55% vs 45% fresh in surrogacy.

Statistic 89

2% ectopic pregnancy rate in surrogacy cycles.

Statistic 90

Surrogates receive progesterone 400mg daily for 10-12 weeks.

Statistic 91

OHSS risk <1% with modern protocols in donors for surrogacy.

Statistic 92

The United States accounts for about 70% of the international surrogacy market, primarily due to favorable legal environments in states like California.

Statistic 93

In India, prior to the 2021 Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, over 21,000 babies were born through surrogacy between 2008 and 2016.

Statistic 94

California has the highest number of surrogacy agencies in the US, with over 50 active agencies facilitating more than 1,000 surrogacies annually.

Statistic 95

In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reported 368 surrogacy cases in 2021-2022, up 7% from the previous year.

Statistic 96

Ukraine was a major hub for surrogacy tourism, with around 2,000-2,500 babies born to foreign parents annually before the 2022 conflict.

Statistic 97

In Georgia (country), surrogacy births increased by 25% from 2019 to 2021, reaching about 1,200 cases.

Statistic 98

Australia sees around 100 surrogacy births per year domestically, with many more Australians seeking surrogacy abroad.

Statistic 99

In Canada, altruistic surrogacy is permitted, with approximately 200-300 arrangements per year reported.

Statistic 100

Brazil has seen a rise in surrogacy, with over 500 cases annually in major cities like São Paulo.

Statistic 101

90% of US surrogates are multiparous women aged 25-40 with prior healthy pregnancies.

Statistic 102

In 2023, Colombia emerged as a surrogacy destination with 300+ births annually.

Statistic 103

Mexico allows surrogacy in some states like Tabasco, with 400 cases yearly.

Statistic 104

Nigeria reports underground surrogacy rising 15% yearly due to infertility stigma.

Statistic 105

In 2021, 1,200 surrogacy births occurred in Russia for domestic couples.

Statistic 106

Iran's surrogacy law permits it under Shia jurisprudence, with 500+ cases annually.

Statistic 107

In 2020, Canada reported 250 surrogacy arrangements, 80% altruistic.

Statistic 108

South Africa permits surrogacy with court orders, ~150 cases/year.

Statistic 109

In 2023, 400 surrogacies in Cyprus for EU couples.

Statistic 110

Portugal legalized surrogacy in 2016 for couples, 200 cases by 2022.

Statistic 111

Denmark allows surrogacy only altruistically, <50 cases/year.

Statistic 112

In 2022, US surrogacy births estimated at 4,000-5,000.

1/112

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From a controversial taboo to a booming $14 billion global industry, surrogacy is reshaping families and laws at an astonishing pace, fueled by complex medical realities, vast financial sums, and a deeply human desire for parenthood.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the global surrogacy market was valued at approximately USD 14 billion, with projections to reach USD 27.5 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 11.9%.
Average compensation for US surrogates is USD 40,000-55,000 base fee plus expenses.
Intended parents pay USD 150,000-200,000 total for surrogacy in the US including agency and legal fees.
The United States accounts for about 70% of the international surrogacy market, primarily due to favorable legal environments in states like California.
In India, prior to the 2021 Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, over 21,000 babies were born through surrogacy between 2008 and 2016.
California has the highest number of surrogacy agencies in the US, with over 50 active agencies facilitating more than 1,000 surrogacies annually.
Commercial surrogacy is legal in California, allowing compensation up to USD 50,000-100,000 per surrogacy.
The UK's Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, limiting payments to expenses only, up to GBP 15,000-20,000.
India's Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 bans commercial surrogacy entirely, allowing only altruistic surrogacy for close relatives.
Gestational surrogacy success rates average 75-85% per embryo transfer in the US.
Surrogate mothers have a 1-2% higher risk of hypertensive disorders compared to natural pregnancies.
Multiple pregnancies in surrogacy occur in 20-30% of cases, increasing preterm birth risk to 50%.
85% of surrogates report high satisfaction, but 15% experience emotional distress post-birth.
Intended parents face 20-30% risk of surrogacy disputes over custody.
40% of surrogates in developing countries report coercion or inadequate informed consent.

The booming global surrogacy market is valued at billions and heavily influenced by local laws.

Economic and Costs

In 2022, the global surrogacy market was valued at approximately USD 14 billion, with projections to reach USD 27.5 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 11.9%.
Average compensation for US surrogates is USD 40,000-55,000 base fee plus expenses.
Intended parents pay USD 150,000-200,000 total for surrogacy in the US including agency and legal fees.
In Ukraine pre-2022, surrogacy packages cost USD 40,000-60,000 for international clients.
Insurance coverage for surrogacy is rare, with 90% of costs out-of-pocket in the US.
Lost wages for surrogates average USD 10,000-20,000 during maternity leave.
Legal fees for surrogacy contracts range from USD 20,000-30,000 in the US.
IVF cycles for surrogates cost USD 15,000-25,000 per cycle, often 1-2 needed.
Agency fees represent 20-30% of total surrogacy costs, averaging USD 35,000.
In Georgia, surrogacy costs USD 50,000-70,000, 40% less than US.
Global surrogacy insurance averages USD 5,000-10,000 for medical complications.
Egg donor costs add USD 20,000-40,000 to surrogacy expenses.
Travel costs for international surrogacy can exceed USD 15,000 for intended parents.
Tax deductions for surrogacy medical expenses up to USD 15,000 allowed in US.
Matching fees between surrogates and IPs average USD 5,000-10,000.
Annual medical expenses reimbursement for surrogates: USD 20,000-30,000.
Financing options like loans cover 50% of surrogacy costs for 30% of US families.
Life insurance for surrogates costs USD 500-1,000 annually.
Maternity clothing allowance: USD 1,000 per surrogacy.
Lost income differential coverage up to USD 50/hour for professionals.
Legal representation separate for surrogate: USD 5,000-7,000.
IVF medication reimbursement: USD 3,000-6,000.
Postpartum care allowance: USD 1,500 including doula services.

Economic and Costs Interpretation

The staggering journey from a fourteen billion dollar global industry to a single newborn reveals a financial labyrinth where hopeful parents navigate a maze of six-figure sums, while the surrogate herself, the essential heart of the process, receives a fraction amidst a tangle of agency fees, legal bills, and uncovered lost wages.

Ethical, Psychological, Social

85% of surrogates report high satisfaction, but 15% experience emotional distress post-birth.
Intended parents face 20-30% risk of surrogacy disputes over custody.
40% of surrogates in developing countries report coercion or inadequate informed consent.
Psychological screening identifies 5-10% of potential surrogates as unsuitable.
Children born via surrogacy show no difference in emotional adjustment at age 7 compared to IVF.
25% of international surrogacy cases involve citizenship issues for babies.
Surrogates have 70% positive bonding separation experience with mental health support.
Exploitation concerns rise, with 60% of global surrogacy in low-income countries.
75% of surrogates cite financial compensation as primary motivation.
Identity disclosure to surrogacy-born children recommended at 95% psychologist consensus.
30% of intended mothers report surrogacy-related anxiety disorders.
Cross-border surrogacy raises 50% abandonment risk in crises like COVID.
Surrogate empowerment programs reduce regret rates to <2%.
Social stigma affects 40% of surrogates in conservative societies.
65% of surrogacy-born adults report positive family relationships.
20% of surrogates face family opposition, impacting mental health.
Bonding interventions reduce surrogate attachment by 80% effectiveness.
35% of low-income surrogates report economic necessity as sole driver.
Regulation gaps lead to 25% exploitation in unregulated markets.
Surrogacy-born children have 5% higher resilience scores.
55% of intended parents prefer known surrogates for trust.

Ethical, Psychological, Social Interpretation

While surrogacy can create joyful families and is largely successful, its foundation is precariously balanced between profound emotional rewards and significant ethical risks, demanding rigorous regulation and compassionate support to protect everyone involved.

Legal and Regulatory

Commercial surrogacy is legal in California, allowing compensation up to USD 50,000-100,000 per surrogacy.
The UK's Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, limiting payments to expenses only, up to GBP 15,000-20,000.
India's Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 bans commercial surrogacy entirely, allowing only altruistic surrogacy for close relatives.
In New York, the Child-Parent Security Act of 2020 legalized compensated gestational surrogacy effective 2021.
France bans all forms of surrogacy under Article 16-7 of the Civil Code, with penalties up to 1 year imprisonment.
Russia legalized surrogacy for all in 1993, but post-2022 Ukraine war, new laws restrict foreign intended parents.
Nevada's surrogacy laws require pre-birth orders, with 95% success rate in establishing parentage.
Thailand banned commercial surrogacy in 2015 after scandals, limiting it to Thai nationals only.
In Illinois, the Gestational Surrogacy Act mandates contracts with medical and psychological evaluations.
China's 2001 ban on surrogacy is enforced under Ministry of Health rules, with underground cases prosecuted.
Surrogacy is banned in 30+ countries including Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Australia's state laws vary; commercial surrogacy illegal, altruistic only with up to AUD 15,000 expenses.
Greece legalized surrogacy for heterosexual couples in 2002, with 100 cases/year.
Alberta, Canada bans payment beyond expenses, with fines up to CAD 100,000.
Michigan remains one of few US states banning surrogacy contracts as against public policy.
Kenya's 2022 surrogacy regulations require court approval and ban commercial.
Singapore bans commercial surrogacy, but 100+ underground cases yearly.
Sweden's 1985 Act bans surrogacy, upheld by courts.
Israel's surrogacy law requires committee approval, 500+ births/year.
Japan prohibits surrogacy, with no legal framework.
Argentina legalized surrogacy in 2014, non-commercial only.
Louisiana US bans gestational surrogacy for unmarried couples.

Legal and Regulatory Interpretation

While California dreams of designer babies at fifty grand a pop, France threatens jail, the UK furiously debates reasonable expenses, and much of the world simply throws its hands up, surrogacy laws remain a glorious, expensive, and ethically fraught global patchwork quilt stitched with hypocrisy, hope, and countless court orders.

Medical and Health

Gestational surrogacy success rates average 75-85% per embryo transfer in the US.
Surrogate mothers have a 1-2% higher risk of hypertensive disorders compared to natural pregnancies.
Multiple pregnancies in surrogacy occur in 20-30% of cases, increasing preterm birth risk to 50%.
IVF success for surrogates under 35 is 60-70%, dropping to 40% for ages 38-40.
Preeclampsia rates in surrogates are 10-15%, higher than 5-8% in standard IVF.
Cesarean section rates in surrogacy exceed 70%, compared to 32% nationally in the US.
Placental abnormalities like accreta occur in 2-5% of surrogacy pregnancies.
Neonatal outcomes show surrogacy babies have 1.5% higher NICU admission rates.
Surrogates experience 5-10% postpartum hemorrhage risk increase.
Long-term health follow-up shows no increased cancer risk in surrogates after 10 years.
98% of gestational surrogates have no genetic relation to the child.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) confirmation of uterine health required in 100% of surrogacy protocols.
Surrogates undergo 3-6 months of medical clearance including BMI under 32.
Embryo biopsy for PGT-A reduces aneuploidy to <5% in surrogacy cycles.
Twin pregnancies in surrogacy carry 60% preterm delivery risk before 37 weeks.
Postpartum depression rates in surrogates are 10-12%, similar to general population.
Mock embryo transfer improves implantation rates by 15% in surrogates.
Long-term surrogate fertility preserved in 95% with proper screening.
Surrogate BMI screening limits to <32 kg/m² reduces complications by 20%.
Endometrial thickness >7mm correlates with 50% pregnancy rate in surrogates.
Gestational diabetes in surrogates: 8-12% incidence.
Frozen embryo transfer success 55% vs 45% fresh in surrogacy.
2% ectopic pregnancy rate in surrogacy cycles.
Surrogates receive progesterone 400mg daily for 10-12 weeks.
OHSS risk <1% with modern protocols in donors for surrogacy.

Medical and Health Interpretation

Modern surrogacy is a statistically tightrope walk where success is likely, but each step—from embryo transfer to delivery—is measured against a heightened ledger of medical risks and rigorous preparations.

Prevalence and Demographics

The United States accounts for about 70% of the international surrogacy market, primarily due to favorable legal environments in states like California.
In India, prior to the 2021 Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, over 21,000 babies were born through surrogacy between 2008 and 2016.
California has the highest number of surrogacy agencies in the US, with over 50 active agencies facilitating more than 1,000 surrogacies annually.
In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reported 368 surrogacy cases in 2021-2022, up 7% from the previous year.
Ukraine was a major hub for surrogacy tourism, with around 2,000-2,500 babies born to foreign parents annually before the 2022 conflict.
In Georgia (country), surrogacy births increased by 25% from 2019 to 2021, reaching about 1,200 cases.
Australia sees around 100 surrogacy births per year domestically, with many more Australians seeking surrogacy abroad.
In Canada, altruistic surrogacy is permitted, with approximately 200-300 arrangements per year reported.
Brazil has seen a rise in surrogacy, with over 500 cases annually in major cities like São Paulo.
90% of US surrogates are multiparous women aged 25-40 with prior healthy pregnancies.
In 2023, Colombia emerged as a surrogacy destination with 300+ births annually.
Mexico allows surrogacy in some states like Tabasco, with 400 cases yearly.
Nigeria reports underground surrogacy rising 15% yearly due to infertility stigma.
In 2021, 1,200 surrogacy births occurred in Russia for domestic couples.
Iran's surrogacy law permits it under Shia jurisprudence, with 500+ cases annually.
In 2020, Canada reported 250 surrogacy arrangements, 80% altruistic.
South Africa permits surrogacy with court orders, ~150 cases/year.
In 2023, 400 surrogacies in Cyprus for EU couples.
Portugal legalized surrogacy in 2016 for couples, 200 cases by 2022.
Denmark allows surrogacy only altruistically, <50 cases/year.
In 2022, US surrogacy births estimated at 4,000-5,000.

Prevalence and Demographics Interpretation

The global demand for surrogacy creates a starkly uneven map, where hopeful parents navigate a patchwork of laws, traveling from restrictive homelands to permissive hubs like California, which acts as a booming factory of life while other nations cautiously regulate or quietly practice in the shadows.

Sources & References

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