First-time surrogates in Kentucky earn $40,000–$55,000 base compensation plus monthly allowances. See full breakdown below.
| Base Compensation | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $47,000 – $73,000 |
| Base Compensation | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $57,000 – $88,000 |
Kentucky's restriction is narrower than its reputation, and the distinction matters to you directly. KRS 199.590(4) prohibits compensating a woman for artificial insemination followed by termination of her parental rights, and voids such contracts. By its own terms that reaches traditional surrogacy — where the carrier's own egg is used. It does not, by its text, reach gestational surrogacy using an embryo created from other people's gametes.
Compensated gestational surrogacy happens in Kentucky, but no statute affirmatively blesses it. You are relying on the absence of a prohibition rather than the presence of a permission. Note that at least one widely-read secondary summary asserts KRS 199.590 targets gestational surrogacy — that reading conflicts with the statutory text and with Kentucky practice.
HB 697, filed February 2026, would make it unlawful to enter, solicit or enforce a commercial surrogacy agreement anywhere in Kentucky or with a Kentucky resident, void such contracts regardless of where signed, and impose felony penalties. It was referred to House Judiciary in March 2026 with no further recorded action — it has not passed, but neither has it been formally killed. Notably, the bill exempts surrogates themselves from the criminal penalties; exposure falls on agencies, intermediaries and intended parents. Treat this as live risk and ask your attorney where it stands before signing.
Pre-birth orders are granted, with venue fixed by the delivery hospital — motions to waive venue are not accepted, so you cannot choose a friendlier county. Married intended parents fare reliably; outcomes for unmarried and same-sex couples depend on the individual judge. Amended birth certificates typically issue about 30 business days after delivery.
The criteria below are agency screening standards, not state law. No statute here sets a minimum age, requires a prior birth, or mandates medical or psychological evaluation. Agencies apply these criteria (largely from ASRM practice guidance) and they determine whether your application proceeds — but they are policy, and some are negotiable.
Final eligibility is determined by the agency's medical team.
Complete application in 10–15 minutes. Agency contacts you within 48 hours.
Physical exam, bloodwork, and uterine evaluation — paid for by the agency.
Review profiles and meet potential intended parents. You always have the right to say no.
Surrogacy agreement reviewed by your own attorney, funded by the agency.
Monthly compensation begins immediately after transfer. All medical costs covered.
Remaining compensation disbursed around delivery. Post-delivery allowances continue up to 6 weeks.
Gestational surrogacy is practiced in Kentucky without express statutory authorization. Kentucky law bans paying a woman for traditional surrogacy, using her own egg. A bill that would criminalize commercial surrogacy is pending.
Typically yes. Most agencies require you to live in the state where you carry the pregnancy, as medical care and legal jurisdiction are state-specific.
Base compensation is generally taxable at the federal level. Expense reimbursements (travel, maternity clothes) are typically not taxable. Consult a tax professional for Kentucky-specific guidance.
18–24 months from application to delivery: matching (1–6 months), medical screening, legal review, and the full pregnancy term.
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