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How Much Does Embryo Adoption Cost?

One of the reasons embryo adoption stood out to Julie and I from the beginning is the price tag. In general, it is more affordable than other types of adoption.

What's more affordable? All told, we spent approximately $14,500 on our adoption journey. This includes expenses such as:
  • Adoption agency fees (e.g. application phase, drawing up the contract between your family and your placing family, the matching process, etc.)
  • Home study
  • Embryo shipping
  • Embryo transfer
  • Pre- and post-transfer fertility clinic visits plus fuel to/from (our clinic was located about 2 hours from our home)
You can dig into the numbers in more detail by viewing this infographic for our agency, Nightlight® Christian Adoptions, or by viewing this breakdown from the Embryo Adoption Awareness Center. The center also has put together a webinar on the cost topic, which I've embedded below.

To be clear, these costs assume a successful pregnancy that is carried to term. Recent research -- admittedly one study versus many -- suggests a live birth rate of 34% for frozen embryos. Sadly, this means there are many frozen embryo transfers that do not result in a successful pregnancy and subsequent delivery. If a couple seeks to continue pursuing embryo adoption after an unsuccessful transfer, you can see how costs can increase beyond the average.

Because I don't recommend debt to anyone, my advice is to get your family's budget squared away and begin setting aside money to pay for your adoption. (It's easier said than done. Believe me, I know from personal experience.) Some good resources include the blog archive of Julie Gumm, who shares practical advice for adoption financing. You can also check out her Q&A with Dave Ramsey's team here.

There's no question adoption isn't an easy undertaking, emotionally or financially. But if you and your spouse have it in your heart to move forward, getting the capital in place to expand your family is an extremely rewarding process. The investment you make now in extra hours or in building extra income will pay incredible dividends when you hold your baby in your arms.

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