Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry? Surrogacy Compensation Explained

Yes, surrogates do receive compensation even if they miscarry.
This is one of the most important questions aspiring surrogates ask — and it’s completely valid. When a woman chooses to carry a child for another family, the emotional and physical commitment is immense. Understandably, she wants to know that her efforts and risks are recognized, even in the unfortunate event of a pregnancy loss.

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we believe in total transparency, fairness, and emotional support. This article explains exactly how surrogate pay works in the case of miscarriage, what factors determine compensation, and how we support surrogates every step of the way — including during emotionally difficult times.

Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry?

Yes. Surrogates receive partial or full compensation based on how far along the pregnancy was at the time of the miscarriage.

Most surrogacy contracts include structured compensation milestones. If a miscarriage occurs:

• After pregnancy confirmation: the surrogate receives base compensation for the time and effort already completed.

• In the first trimester: a portion of the total base pay is issued, plus all reimbursable expenses.

• In the second or third trimester: surrogates often receive a larger portion — or all — of their base compensation.

Surrogates also receive:

• Payment for completed medical milestones (injections, embryo transfer, etc.)

• Reimbursement for all expenses (travel, lost wages, etc.)

• Access to counseling and emotional support

Los Angeles Surrogacy ensures that you are never left uncompensated or unsupported, regardless of the pregnancy outcome.

What Is a Surrogate Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. It is a relatively common outcome in pregnancy — even among healthy women — and often occurs through no fault of the surrogate.

There are many reasons a miscarriage might occur in a surrogacy arrangement, including:

• Embryo quality

• Uterine lining development

• Hormone imbalance

• Genetic abnormalities

• Random chromosomal issues

It’s important to remember: miscarriage does not disqualify you from future surrogacy and does not diminish the value of your contribution.

How Surrogate Compensation Works

To understand how payment is handled after a miscarriage, it’s helpful to break down how surrogate compensation is structured.

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, surrogate pay typically includes:

Surrogates do not need to repay compensation if a miscarriage occurs. And any pay already earned up to that point is retained.

Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry Before Pregnancy Is Confirmed?

Sometimes.
If the embryo transfer has occurred but pregnancy is not confirmed, compensation is usually limited to:

• Transfer fee (typically $500–$1,000)

• Medications/injection fees

• Travel reimbursement

• Meal and childcare expenses

• Daily allowances

You will not receive base monthly compensation in this case since pregnancy was never medically confirmed, but you are always compensated for procedures completed up to that point.

Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry in the First Trimester?

Yes, a portion of base compensation is paid if a miscarriage occurs after pregnancy is confirmed but before 12 weeks.

Typical surrogacy contracts (including those at Los Angeles Surrogacy) will:

• Begin issuing monthly base payments after heartbeat confirmation (around 6–8 weeks).

• Prorate base compensation if miscarriage occurs shortly after confirmation.

• Continue reimbursing all eligible expenses.

You will not be responsible for refunding any base pay already received. The loss is not your fault, and intended parents understand this risk.

Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry in the Second or Third Trimester?

Yes. Surrogates typically receive most or all of their full base compensation.

At this point in the pregnancy:

• The surrogate has fulfilled the majority of the gestational commitment.

• Medical risks and emotional stress have increased.

• Time off work or longer recovery may be necessary.

Contracts often stipulate that:

• Full base compensation is guaranteed after a certain gestational week (e.g., 24 or 28 weeks).

• If miscarriage or stillbirth occurs later in pregnancy, payment continues as if the pregnancy were delivered.

Los Angeles Surrogacy’s legal partners ensure that these terms are clearly defined and protected in your contract.

What About Other Payments?

In addition to base compensation, surrogates who miscarry still receive full:

• Embryo transfer compensation

• Medication/injection compensation

• Mock cycle compensation

• Monthly allowance up to that point

• Lost wage reimbursement

• Childcare or housekeeping reimbursement

• Travel reimbursement

• Legal fees coverage

No surrogate is ever left out-of-pocket due to miscarriage. That is a core commitment we uphold at Los Angeles Surrogacy.

Emotional Support After Miscarriage

Miscarriage can be emotionally difficult — even for experienced surrogates. At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we make sure you’re never alone.

We provide:

• Free counseling referrals to fertility-competent therapists

• Check-ins from your case manager

• A supportive surrogate community

• Time off between cycles to recover emotionally and physically

We understand that even though surrogates don’t intend to parent the child, they still feel connected and responsible. That’s why our support systems go beyond compensation — we offer compassion, care, and understanding.

Will a Miscarriage Affect My Ability to Be a Surrogate Again?

Not necessarily.
In fact, many surrogates go on to complete successful pregnancies after an early miscarriage.

Agencies and clinics evaluate:

• Cause of the miscarriage

• Surrogate’s medical profile

• Willingness to proceed

• Psychological readiness

Unless multiple losses occur or an underlying medical condition is discovered, one miscarriage rarely disqualifies a woman from future surrogacy.

How Los Angeles Surrogacy Handles Miscarriage Situations

Here’s how we walk with you through every stage:

Before Pregnancy

• Your contract is drafted to clearly define compensation in case of miscarriage.

• We explain these clauses in plain English.

• Your case manager walks you through what happens in various scenarios.

If Miscarriage Occurs

• Your base pay continues (prorated or full).

• All expenses are reimbursed.

• You are referred to an approved counselor, if needed.

• We coordinate with the fertility clinic and legal team on your behalf.

• You’re given time and space to recover before deciding whether to match again.

After Miscarriage

• We support you through your decision — whether to try again or not.

• You’re connected to other surrogates for peer support.

• Your case manager remains available for ongoing questions or emotional needs.

Legal Protection for Surrogates

California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S., and all surrogate agreements are reviewed by:

• A separate attorney representing the surrogate (paid for by intended parents)

• Surrogacy-specialized law firms who know how to protect your rights

These contracts outline:

• What happens in the event of miscarriage

• What medical decisions are made (by the intended parents)

• What support and compensation is provided to you

We never let a surrogate begin her journey without airtight legal protection.

Key Takeaways

✅ Yes, surrogates are paid even if they miscarry, with compensation scaled to the stage of pregnancy.

✅ You will never have to repay earned base pay or milestone payments.

✅ All expenses, procedures, and travel are reimbursed regardless of outcome.

✅ You receive emotional support and access to counseling after loss.

✅ A miscarriage does not disqualify you from becoming a surrogate again in most cases.

✅ Contracts are structured to protect your rights and dignity, even during complications.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to become a surrogate is a selfless and life-changing decision. At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we believe that no woman should ever carry the emotional or financial burden of a miscarriage alone — especially when she is giving so much to help someone else become a parent.

That’s why we ensure:

• Your time, risk, and sacrifice are respected and compensated

• Your emotional health is prioritized

• Your contract protects you in every scenario

If you’ve been thinking about surrogacy and had this concern on your mind, we hope this guide gave you clarity and confidence.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us today at 800-204-7129
Or apply online at LosAngelesSurrogacy.com

You are more than a surrogate. You are a partner, a hero, and a powerful force for good.
Let’s build families — together.

Sources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-loss.html