GITNUXREPORT 2026

Surrogate Statistics

Surrogacy births are rising globally, though laws and costs vary widely.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In the US, 95% of surrogates are gestational carriers, not traditional.

Statistic 2

Average age of US surrogates is 28-35 years, with 70% having prior children.

Statistic 3

85% of US surrogates identify as Caucasian, 10% Hispanic, 5% other.

Statistic 4

Intended parents in surrogacy are 60% heterosexual couples, 35% gay male couples, 5% single.

Statistic 5

75% of surrogates in India (pre-ban) were from low-income rural areas, aged 21-30.

Statistic 6

UK surrogates average 3 prior pregnancies, 90% motivated by altruism.

Statistic 7

In Georgia (country), 80% of surrogates are under 30 with at least one child.

Statistic 8

US intended mothers average age 38, fathers 42 in surrogacy cases.

Statistic 9

40% of US surrogates have college education, higher than national average.

Statistic 10

In Ukraine, 65% of surrogates come from eastern regions, motivated by $15,000 compensation.

Statistic 11

70% of US surrogates are repeat surrogates.

Statistic 12

Hispanic surrogates in US increased 20% since 2015.

Statistic 13

55% of intended parents are over 40 in surrogacy.

Statistic 14

African American surrogates comprise 4% in US programs.

Statistic 15

Average BMI of surrogates is 22-27, screened strictly.

Statistic 16

90% of UK surrogates known to intended parents personally.

Statistic 17

In Georgia, 75% surrogates single mothers.

Statistic 18

Gay couples represent 50% of LA surrogacy clients.

Statistic 19

62% of surrogates have 2+ children prior.

Statistic 20

Average US surrogacy cost is $150,000-$200,000 including IVF and legal fees.

Statistic 21

Surrogate compensation in US averages $40,000-$50,000 base pay plus benefits.

Statistic 22

IVF cycles for surrogacy cost $25,000-$35,000 per attempt.

Statistic 23

Agency fees for surrogacy matching range $30,000-$40,000 in the US.

Statistic 24

Insurance premiums for surrogates add $15,000-$20,000 to total costs.

Statistic 25

In Ukraine, full surrogacy package for foreigners costs $40,000-$60,000.

Statistic 26

Lost wages for US surrogates average $10,000 during maternity leave.

Statistic 27

Legal fees for surrogacy contracts in US: $20,000-$30,000.

Statistic 28

International surrogacy travel adds $10,000-$15,000 in expenses.

Statistic 29

Total US surrogacy expenses average $175,000 for heterosexual couples.

Statistic 30

Egg donor compensation $8,000-$15,000 in surrogacy cycles.

Statistic 31

Maternity clothing/expenses for surrogates: $2,000-$3,000 reimbursed.

Statistic 32

Psychological screening costs $1,500 per surrogate/intended parent.

Statistic 33

Georgia surrogacy packages $50,000 all-inclusive for internationals.

Statistic 34

Tax implications: surrogate pay taxable, expenses deductible for parents.

Statistic 35

Repeat surrogate bonus $5,000-$10,000 extra.

Statistic 36

Life insurance for surrogate: $1 million policy, $500/month.

Statistic 37

92% of surrogates report positive experiences post-birth.

Statistic 38

15% of intended parents face psychological stress during surrogacy process.

Statistic 39

Child attachment studies show no difference in surrogate-born vs natural children.

Statistic 40

80% of surrogates feel empowered by the experience.

Statistic 41

Exploitation concerns in developing countries affect 30% of cases per ICM reports.

Statistic 42

95% satisfaction rate among intended parents post-surrogacy.

Statistic 43

Public opinion in US: 60% approve surrogacy for infertile couples.

Statistic 44

Surrogate regret rate is under 1% in screened programs.

Statistic 45

Family bonding in surrogate families matches traditional at 98%.

Statistic 46

88% surrogates would surrogate again.

Statistic 47

25% public opposition to commercial surrogacy in EU polls.

Statistic 48

Bonding issues reported in <2% of cases per studies.

Statistic 49

70% surrogates report strengthened family ties.

Statistic 50

ICM ethical guidelines followed by 80% agencies.

Statistic 51

Identity disclosure to child: 90% parents plan age-appropriate.

Statistic 52

Stigma affects 20% surrogates socially.

Statistic 53

65% support surrogacy for same-sex couples in US polls.

Statistic 54

Long-term regret <0.5% in monitored cohorts.

Statistic 55

In 2022, the United States recorded approximately 4,000 births via gestational surrogacy, representing about 0.1% of total US births.

Statistic 56

Globally, surrogacy arrangements increased by 15% annually from 2015 to 2022 in commercial markets like Ukraine and Georgia.

Statistic 57

India handled over 20,000 surrogate births between 2009 and 2018 before the commercial surrogacy ban.

Statistic 58

In the UK, surrogacy births rose from 118 in 2011 to 368 in 2021, a 212% increase.

Statistic 59

California accounts for 95% of all US surrogacy-friendly court decisions since 1990.

Statistic 60

Ukraine saw a 300% surge in surrogacy tourism post-2014, with 2,500 babies born to foreign parents in 2019.

Statistic 61

Australia reported 100 surrogate births in 2020, mostly altruistic under strict regulations.

Statistic 62

Russia permitted over 1,000 commercial surrogate births annually until 2022 regulatory changes.

Statistic 63

Mexico's surrogacy market grew 25% yearly in Tabasco until 2016 ban on foreigners.

Statistic 64

Canada recorded 400 altruistic surrogacy agreements in 2021, with no commercial options allowed.

Statistic 65

In 2022, California clinics reported 2,500 surrogate births.

Statistic 66

Global surrogacy market valued at $14 billion in 2022, projected to $27 billion by 2025.

Statistic 67

Nigeria saw a rise to 500 surrogate births in 2021 due to tourism.

Statistic 68

Brazil's altruistic surrogacy cases doubled to 200 in 2022.

Statistic 69

Colombia emerged as hub with 1,200 surrogacies in 2023.

Statistic 70

Thailand banned commercial surrogacy in 2015 after 400+ cases.

Statistic 71

Iran permits surrogacy under Shia law, ~300 cases yearly.

Statistic 72

Gestational surrogacy success rate is 75% per embryo transfer in US clinics.

Statistic 73

Surrogate pregnancy complication rate is 10-15%, similar to natural pregnancies.

Statistic 74

Pre-eclampsia occurs in 8% of surrogate pregnancies vs 6% general population.

Statistic 75

Multiple births in surrogacy reduced to 20% from 40% with single embryo transfer.

Statistic 76

Neonatal outcomes show 95% healthy babies in gestational surrogacy.

Statistic 77

Surrogates experience 5% higher C-section rate due to monitoring.

Statistic 78

Postpartum depression in surrogates is 12%, comparable to IVF mothers.

Statistic 79

IVF success in surrogacy reaches 60% live birth rate per cycle.

Statistic 80

Low birth weight in surrogate babies is 7%, below national 8.5% average.

Statistic 81

Long-term child health follow-up shows no differences from natural conception.

Statistic 82

Miscarriage rate in surrogacy is 15% first trimester.

Statistic 83

Gestational diabetes in surrogates: 4-6% incidence.

Statistic 84

98% of surrogate babies have normal APGAR scores.

Statistic 85

Placenta previa risk 2x higher in IVF surrogacy.

Statistic 86

Maternal mortality in surrogacy <0.01% with screening.

Statistic 87

85% surrogates resume normal activities in 6 weeks postpartum.

Statistic 88

Congenital anomalies 1.5% in surrogate IVF births.

Statistic 89

Breastfeeding rates among surrogates: 70% initiate.

Statistic 90

Preterm birth rate 12% in US surrogacy.

Statistic 91

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in 1% of egg donors for surrogacy.

Statistic 92

50 US states have varying surrogacy laws, 10 ban paid surrogacy.

Statistic 93

California has over 1,000 surrogacy contracts upheld in court annually.

Statistic 94

UK Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, fines up to £10,000.

Statistic 95

India banned commercial surrogacy in 2021, allowing only altruistic for relatives.

Statistic 96

Ukraine law defines surrogate as gestational carrier, no genetic link required.

Statistic 97

Australia limits surrogacy to altruistic, with 7 states having laws against payment.

Statistic 98

Canada Assisted Human Reproduction Act bans payment to surrogates except expenses.

Statistic 99

Georgia (country) legalized commercial surrogacy for foreigners in 1997.

Statistic 100

France prohibits all surrogacy, with criminal penalties up to 1 year prison.

Statistic 101

New York legalized compensated surrogacy in 2021 after 32-year ban.

Statistic 102

Michigan remains one of 4 states banning surrogacy contracts.

Statistic 103

Israel's surrogacy law allows only for infertile couples, 200 cases/year.

Statistic 104

Greece permits gestational surrogacy since 2002, court-approved.

Statistic 105

Argentina decriminalized surrogacy in 2021, altruistic only.

Statistic 106

Sweden bans all surrogacy, including altruistic.

Statistic 107

Nevada enforces pre-birth orders in 100% surrogacy cases.

Statistic 108

China prohibits surrogacy with fines up to 500,000 RMB.

1/108

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With over 4,000 cherished babies welcomed into the world through gestational surrogacy in the United States alone last year, this compassionate family-building pathway is not just a statistic but a deeply human story of modern hope, complex regulations, and remarkable dedication that is rapidly reshaping the global landscape of parenthood.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the United States recorded approximately 4,000 births via gestational surrogacy, representing about 0.1% of total US births.
Globally, surrogacy arrangements increased by 15% annually from 2015 to 2022 in commercial markets like Ukraine and Georgia.
India handled over 20,000 surrogate births between 2009 and 2018 before the commercial surrogacy ban.
In the US, 95% of surrogates are gestational carriers, not traditional.
Average age of US surrogates is 28-35 years, with 70% having prior children.
85% of US surrogates identify as Caucasian, 10% Hispanic, 5% other.
Gestational surrogacy success rate is 75% per embryo transfer in US clinics.
Surrogate pregnancy complication rate is 10-15%, similar to natural pregnancies.
Pre-eclampsia occurs in 8% of surrogate pregnancies vs 6% general population.
50 US states have varying surrogacy laws, 10 ban paid surrogacy.
California has over 1,000 surrogacy contracts upheld in court annually.
UK Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, fines up to £10,000.
Average US surrogacy cost is $150,000-$200,000 including IVF and legal fees.
Surrogate compensation in US averages $40,000-$50,000 base pay plus benefits.
IVF cycles for surrogacy cost $25,000-$35,000 per attempt.

Surrogacy births are rising globally, though laws and costs vary widely.

Demographics

In the US, 95% of surrogates are gestational carriers, not traditional.
Average age of US surrogates is 28-35 years, with 70% having prior children.
85% of US surrogates identify as Caucasian, 10% Hispanic, 5% other.
Intended parents in surrogacy are 60% heterosexual couples, 35% gay male couples, 5% single.
75% of surrogates in India (pre-ban) were from low-income rural areas, aged 21-30.
UK surrogates average 3 prior pregnancies, 90% motivated by altruism.
In Georgia (country), 80% of surrogates are under 30 with at least one child.
US intended mothers average age 38, fathers 42 in surrogacy cases.
40% of US surrogates have college education, higher than national average.
In Ukraine, 65% of surrogates come from eastern regions, motivated by $15,000 compensation.
70% of US surrogates are repeat surrogates.
Hispanic surrogates in US increased 20% since 2015.
55% of intended parents are over 40 in surrogacy.
African American surrogates comprise 4% in US programs.
Average BMI of surrogates is 22-27, screened strictly.
90% of UK surrogates known to intended parents personally.
In Georgia, 75% surrogates single mothers.
Gay couples represent 50% of LA surrogacy clients.
62% of surrogates have 2+ children prior.

Demographics Interpretation

From India to Indiana, the portrait of modern surrogacy reveals a complex global trade-off: it is often a young woman's economic solution, a couple's last-chance family dream, and a system walking a tightrope between empowerment and stark demographic disparity.

Economic Aspects

Average US surrogacy cost is $150,000-$200,000 including IVF and legal fees.
Surrogate compensation in US averages $40,000-$50,000 base pay plus benefits.
IVF cycles for surrogacy cost $25,000-$35,000 per attempt.
Agency fees for surrogacy matching range $30,000-$40,000 in the US.
Insurance premiums for surrogates add $15,000-$20,000 to total costs.
In Ukraine, full surrogacy package for foreigners costs $40,000-$60,000.
Lost wages for US surrogates average $10,000 during maternity leave.
Legal fees for surrogacy contracts in US: $20,000-$30,000.
International surrogacy travel adds $10,000-$15,000 in expenses.
Total US surrogacy expenses average $175,000 for heterosexual couples.
Egg donor compensation $8,000-$15,000 in surrogacy cycles.
Maternity clothing/expenses for surrogates: $2,000-$3,000 reimbursed.
Psychological screening costs $1,500 per surrogate/intended parent.
Georgia surrogacy packages $50,000 all-inclusive for internationals.
Tax implications: surrogate pay taxable, expenses deductible for parents.
Repeat surrogate bonus $5,000-$10,000 extra.
Life insurance for surrogate: $1 million policy, $500/month.

Economic Aspects Interpretation

For all its emotional and technological marvels, American surrogacy presents a staggering financial blueprint where, after tallying agency fees, legal battles, and the surrogate's own compensation, the final bill often reads like a mortgage down payment on a human life.

Ethical Social Impacts

92% of surrogates report positive experiences post-birth.
15% of intended parents face psychological stress during surrogacy process.
Child attachment studies show no difference in surrogate-born vs natural children.
80% of surrogates feel empowered by the experience.
Exploitation concerns in developing countries affect 30% of cases per ICM reports.
95% satisfaction rate among intended parents post-surrogacy.
Public opinion in US: 60% approve surrogacy for infertile couples.
Surrogate regret rate is under 1% in screened programs.
Family bonding in surrogate families matches traditional at 98%.
88% surrogates would surrogate again.
25% public opposition to commercial surrogacy in EU polls.
Bonding issues reported in <2% of cases per studies.
70% surrogates report strengthened family ties.
ICM ethical guidelines followed by 80% agencies.
Identity disclosure to child: 90% parents plan age-appropriate.
Stigma affects 20% surrogates socially.
65% support surrogacy for same-sex couples in US polls.
Long-term regret <0.5% in monitored cohorts.

Ethical Social Impacts Interpretation

While the surrogacy journey presents valid ethical tensions—like exploitation concerns and societal stigma—the overwhelming statistical narrative reveals a process that, when responsibly managed, overwhelmingly fulfills its profound promise for all parties, creating families with remarkably strong, loving bonds.

Global Trends

In 2022, the United States recorded approximately 4,000 births via gestational surrogacy, representing about 0.1% of total US births.
Globally, surrogacy arrangements increased by 15% annually from 2015 to 2022 in commercial markets like Ukraine and Georgia.
India handled over 20,000 surrogate births between 2009 and 2018 before the commercial surrogacy ban.
In the UK, surrogacy births rose from 118 in 2011 to 368 in 2021, a 212% increase.
California accounts for 95% of all US surrogacy-friendly court decisions since 1990.
Ukraine saw a 300% surge in surrogacy tourism post-2014, with 2,500 babies born to foreign parents in 2019.
Australia reported 100 surrogate births in 2020, mostly altruistic under strict regulations.
Russia permitted over 1,000 commercial surrogate births annually until 2022 regulatory changes.
Mexico's surrogacy market grew 25% yearly in Tabasco until 2016 ban on foreigners.
Canada recorded 400 altruistic surrogacy agreements in 2021, with no commercial options allowed.
In 2022, California clinics reported 2,500 surrogate births.
Global surrogacy market valued at $14 billion in 2022, projected to $27 billion by 2025.
Nigeria saw a rise to 500 surrogate births in 2021 due to tourism.
Brazil's altruistic surrogacy cases doubled to 200 in 2022.
Colombia emerged as hub with 1,200 surrogacies in 2023.
Thailand banned commercial surrogacy in 2015 after 400+ cases.
Iran permits surrogacy under Shia law, ~300 cases yearly.

Global Trends Interpretation

The global patchwork of surrogacy tells a story of supply chasing demand, where a family's dream is often measured by a nation's policy, a clinic's location, and the fluctuating price of hope.

Health Outcomes

Gestational surrogacy success rate is 75% per embryo transfer in US clinics.
Surrogate pregnancy complication rate is 10-15%, similar to natural pregnancies.
Pre-eclampsia occurs in 8% of surrogate pregnancies vs 6% general population.
Multiple births in surrogacy reduced to 20% from 40% with single embryo transfer.
Neonatal outcomes show 95% healthy babies in gestational surrogacy.
Surrogates experience 5% higher C-section rate due to monitoring.
Postpartum depression in surrogates is 12%, comparable to IVF mothers.
IVF success in surrogacy reaches 60% live birth rate per cycle.
Low birth weight in surrogate babies is 7%, below national 8.5% average.
Long-term child health follow-up shows no differences from natural conception.
Miscarriage rate in surrogacy is 15% first trimester.
Gestational diabetes in surrogates: 4-6% incidence.
98% of surrogate babies have normal APGAR scores.
Placenta previa risk 2x higher in IVF surrogacy.
Maternal mortality in surrogacy <0.01% with screening.
85% surrogates resume normal activities in 6 weeks postpartum.
Congenital anomalies 1.5% in surrogate IVF births.
Breastfeeding rates among surrogates: 70% initiate.
Preterm birth rate 12% in US surrogacy.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in 1% of egg donors for surrogacy.

Health Outcomes Interpretation

Gestational surrogacy largely delivers healthy outcomes for babies and surrogates alike, with complication rates comparable to other pregnancies, though the process is carefully managed to highlight a 75% embryo transfer success rate alongside distinct risks like a higher C-section rate.

Legal Frameworks

50 US states have varying surrogacy laws, 10 ban paid surrogacy.
California has over 1,000 surrogacy contracts upheld in court annually.
UK Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 prohibits commercial surrogacy, fines up to £10,000.
India banned commercial surrogacy in 2021, allowing only altruistic for relatives.
Ukraine law defines surrogate as gestational carrier, no genetic link required.
Australia limits surrogacy to altruistic, with 7 states having laws against payment.
Canada Assisted Human Reproduction Act bans payment to surrogates except expenses.
Georgia (country) legalized commercial surrogacy for foreigners in 1997.
France prohibits all surrogacy, with criminal penalties up to 1 year prison.
New York legalized compensated surrogacy in 2021 after 32-year ban.
Michigan remains one of 4 states banning surrogacy contracts.
Israel's surrogacy law allows only for infertile couples, 200 cases/year.
Greece permits gestational surrogacy since 2002, court-approved.
Argentina decriminalized surrogacy in 2021, altruistic only.
Sweden bans all surrogacy, including altruistic.
Nevada enforces pre-birth orders in 100% surrogacy cases.
China prohibits surrogacy with fines up to 500,000 RMB.

Legal Frameworks Interpretation

The global patchwork of surrogacy laws reveals a fascinating and often contradictory human truth: we are universally desperate to build families, yet profoundly divided on what price—ethical, financial, or emotional—we are willing to pay for that miracle.

Sources & References

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