The Cost of Fertility Treatment, Adoption, Surrogacy, and Raising Children

Infertility can be an incredibly expensive venture for those trying to conceive. While a health insurance policy may cover some expenses, that's not always the case.

Personally speaking, my insurance policy will cover the diagnosis of infertility but it will not cover any sort of fertility treatment. Which means that the RE will be able to bill insurance for specific tests like diagnostic lab work and tests (ultrasounds, etc), but when it comes time to begin treatment itself, SS and I are on our own financially.

I've been asked several times about various procedures or possibilities, and it seems as if most have no idea of just how expense and/or time consuming infertility can be. No one can be blamed for not knowing, especially when the costs associated with treatment or adoption/surrogacy aren't often made public.

Fertility clinics rarely publish the costs associated with using their clinics for a given procedure, in part because it's impossible to ball park how much one might spend since it can vary widely from person to person based upon individual factors like condition, availability of eggs/sperm, etc. Another part of why they may not make that information easily accessible is because it can be daunting and prevent individuals or couples from seeking their services when listed costs may not be reflective of what that individual or couple can expect.

Below you'll find a general break down of what one can reasonably expect to spend. It's by no means complete, and may not be reflective of what any given individual may experience because, again, it can vary widely.

Adoption - Adoption is often suggested as an alternative for infertile couples by others, but the reality is that adoption can be incredibly expensive itself. If adopting through a private non-profit or an attorney, one can expect to spend anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. Adoption via a foster program is often much less expensive (generally less than $1,500), but can be even more rigorous and time consuming than using a non-profit. Even with a private non-profit, one may wait for years before being chosen as adoptive parents. With a foster program, there is no guarantee that an infant will ever be placed with you. In short, there is not such thing as "just adopting". It's an exhaustive, expensive process that can take years.

Surrogacy - Like adoption, surrogacy is often suggested as an alternative for infertile couples who want to become parents. But surrogacy is even more expensive than adoption! When using your own sperm/eggs, one can reasonably expect to pay up to $100,000 for a surrogate. If using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, one can expect to pay up to $120,000. In states where surrogates cannot be paid, one might expect to spend $50,000 to $75,000 for a surrogate. And if one were to go directly to a surrogate instead of an agency, the cost might be nearer $30,000. Not exactly a feasible option for many infertile couples, particularly in states where the rules surrounding surrogacy are hazy. I've heard horror stories about surrogates who didn't take care of themselves to the detriment of the child or who made medical choices for the child not approved by the couple. While most surrogates are  amazing women who make the self-less decision to help another, the risks are overwhelming.

Fertility Drugs - Fertility drugs, such as metformin and clomid, are one of the cheapest fertility treatments available, costing anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per cycle. The total cost, of course, depends on the type of drug and the length of use. Herbal supplements, for instance, are lower cost than traditional medications, but may not be as effective. Traditional medications may not do the trick either. And some can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.

IVF/In Vitro - IVF can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 a cycle. the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates the typical cost at a little over $12,000 per cycle, and the typical woman under age 40 can reasonably expect to undergo 3 IVF cycles before achieving a viable pregnancy. Even on the low end... that's an easy $30,000!

IUI/Artificial Insemination - A typical IUI cycle costs between $300 and $700, according to RESOLVE. When medications, monitoring, and related costs are included, one can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 per cycle. If donor sperm is used, the cost increases.

Compared to surrogacy and adoption, attempting to overcome infertility is often the most affordable option. In places where there are few fertility clinics, the costs are often higher, just as they are in places with a higher cost of living. In Arkansas, the cost of living isn't horrible, but we have only 2 clinics in my area. One has less than average success rates for IVF (43% success rate... one should aim for a clinic with at least a 50% or higher success rate), and I can't find that information on the other (which is a red flag to me). Given the unlikelihood of being cleared for IVF and the success rates around here, SS and I are looking into an IUI. If we do get the green light to try IVF at some point, we'll do it elsewhere.

I'm thankful that SS and I are in a financial position where we can afford some treatment for a while. But I've heard a lot of people suggest to others that if one can't afford IVF, surrogacy or adoption, etc, then they shouldn't be trying to conceive because they can't afford a baby. That's just an ignorant statement to make!

The average cost of raising a child, according to the USDA, is $241,000 for 18 years and includes things like housing, transporation, etc. If split evenly between all 18 years, that's $13,333 a year. Most people don't have an extra $30,000 just sitting there at any given time for IVF or adoption, but an average of $13,333 spread out over the course of a year? That's a whole lot easier. Being rich isn't a requirement for parenting. Being financially responsible is... And there is a vast difference between the two.

On a related note, there's no guarantee that one can afford a child even if he or she can afford fertility treatment right now. Job losses, illnesses, tragedies, economic distress, etc can strike anyone, at any time. By the time my nephew was a year old, for instance, his medical costs alone were close to $1,000,000. Yes, you did just count six zeroes. His medical costs alone were close to one million dollars. How many making even $100,000 a year would be prepared to shoulder those costs alone? None, of course! So it's just plain silly to judge anyone else for making the best financial choices they can make for themselves in regard to treatment choices or child-rearing.

For more information on the costs associated with infertility, check out RESOLVE's section on the topic.

xoxo,

Ayden

 

*Statistics listed here are taken from personal experience, the US. Dept. of Agriculture, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, RESOLVE, Adopt.org, and this article on surrogacy.