The possibility of creating a family has become a reality for couples across the globe, thanks to the increasing viability and accessibility of surrogacy. Over the past few decades, this option has gained remarkable popularity and acceptance, bringing immeasurable happiness to numerous parents who have achieved their dream of building a loving home, all made possible by the groundbreaking advancements in conception developed by dedicated doctors.
Furthermore, the presence of specialized agencies has simplified the process of connecting intended parents with highly qualified experts who can address their specific needs. These agencies play a crucial role in facilitating the collaboration between parents and experts, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey toward fulfilling their desires.
While numerous international agencies offer their services across various countries, the presence of certain local legislations can pose challenges for these agencies to operate in the country where the intended parents are located. This legal complexity can create obstacles in facilitating seamless assistance for parents seeking to start a family.
As an illustration, surrogacy is prohibited in China, while Brazil offers a viable option for intended parents. However, the presence of lengthy waiting lists in Brazil diminishes its appeal and accessibility, presenting challenges for those seeking this path to parenthood.
In India, surrogacy is legally permissible, but only for heterosexual couples and residents. As a result, individuals in relationships with foreigners or same-sex couples desiring assisted gestation would be obliged to seek options outside their country’s borders to undertake this procedure.
To navigate these complexities, agencies play a crucial role in linking clients with clinics situated in countries where surrogacy is permitted, ensuring that individuals can enter without facing any form of discrimination. This approach provides intended parents with the opportunity to explore options in countries where surrogacy laws are more accommodating and inclusive.
While connecting clients with clinics in different countries where surrogacy is allowed can be a solution, it is important to note that legislation regarding the specific services required by intentional parents can vary significantly from one country to another.
Laws can be restrictive depending on sexual orientation, nationality, or purchasing power, so each destination represents a series of opportunities and disadvantages for each client, depending on their particular case that needs to be carefully evaluated.
Choosing the ideal country for surrogacy can be a complex task in this context. In this article, we will guide you through the best destinations that offer a combination of highly skilled specialists, seamless procedures, and a legal framework that minimizes potential complications.
1. Colombia
Surrogacy in Colombia has gained popularity among international agencies, positioning it as one of the preferred destinations for intended parents.
In addition to its open-door policy for foreigners, Colombia prides itself on being one of the most inclusive countries globally, embracing diverse communities. Moreover, Colombia offers competitive and affordable pricing options, making it a desirable destination for couples or intended parents from all corners of the world.
Family Aims, an international agency specializing in surrogacy, maintains a strong partnership with Babynova Clinic, a prominent medical institution in Colombia. The clinic’s expert medical specialists possess extensive experience in all facets of assisted reproduction, ensuring that intended parents receive exceptional care and guidance throughout the surrogacy process.
Colombia boasts relatively short waiting lists for surrogacy, typically ranging between 2 and 3 months. This not only offers intentional parents a prompt opportunity to start their journey but also helps reduce the overall cost of the process, estimated to be around 65,000 USD. These advantages position Colombia as an ideal destination for individuals seeking surrogacy, regardless of their nationality or origin.
2. United States
This destination is one of the most frequented by the local population of intentional parents. The country is also quite open, according to the inclusion of couples without discrimination, which also offers multiple clinics specialized in each method of assisted reproduction for the needs of each person.
While agencies operating in Colombia may have an international presence, their primary focus is often on the local market. Foreigners may encounter challenges in accessing the necessary legal documentation, which can make the process more difficult for them.
The nationality of intended parents can affect their surrogacy plans, as specific visas may be required, and the cost or accessibility of these visas can vary. In addition, considering the differing legislation across states, it becomes important to choose a city within the country that does not impose penalties on surrogacy practices.
Consequently, the requirement to travel and obtain additional documentation adds a significant cost burden to the surrogacy treatment budget.
As a consequence, agencies are unable to offer a definitive cost for the surrogacy procedure, considering the variables involved. Non-US citizens without social security face additional expenses, such as the number of fertilization attempts and supplementary tests, which can significantly escalate the overall budget.
3. Georgia
In this particular country, surrogacy is permitted exclusively for heterosexual couples who have been in a committed relationship for a minimum duration of one year.
The legislation in Georgia specifies that surrogacy is only available for intentional mothers who either do not have a uterus or have significant deformities that prevent them from conceiving. Despite the affordable prices in Georgia, which are around 55,000 USD, the new legislation implemented in 2024 will completely restrict foreigners from traveling to the country for surrogacy purposes. This limitation significantly narrows the scope and options for foreign couples, including same-sex couples.
4. Cyprus
Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled medical personnel, this European destination is a top choice among couples seeking surrogacy. Its appealing tourist attractions further enhance its reputation, making it an ideal place to fulfill the dream of starting a family.
The significant demand for surrogacy in this country contributes to higher costs compared to alternative destinations, despite its appeal and desirability for intended parents.
In addition, it also represents difficulties in access for citizens who don’t belong to the European Union, which can increase the budget calculated by the intended parents at the time of the procedures that allow them free access to the country, as well as the management of the newborn’s nationality documentation.
Another factor that can impact the surrogacy process and budget is the limited local population, which often leads clinics to rely on foreign carriers. In such cases, these carriers may need to travel to another country to give birth, resulting in additional expenses that can increase the initial estimate of 65,000 USD for surrogacy.
5. Mexico
Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that allows surrogacy, with clear regulations currently established in Guadalajara, Sinaloa, and Tabasco.
As a result, individuals interested in surrogacy may face the need to travel to specific regions or navigate the legal process in alternative states, which can introduce complexities and uncertainties. The growing demand for surrogacy in Mexico, combined with legal restrictions in other states, has led to increased costs, with a base price of approximately 75,000 USD. Furthermore, the success rates in Mexico are not as abundant or consistent, partly attributed to the comparatively lower training level of the staff. One of the main challenges faced by family management agencies is connecting their clients with specialized clinics in the country, resulting in a potentially cumbersome and more expensive process for foreigners.
Choose the ideal destination to guarantee success
While there is no one definitive destination that guarantees a fast and trouble-free surrogacy experience, there are multiple options available to select the one that aligns best with each couple’s needs. Initiating a family is a lengthy process that demands ample time and thorough planning, commencing well before conception. Hence, if you or someone you know wishes to embark on the surrogacy path towards parenthood, seeking advice from medical and legal experts is highly recommended to ensure well-informed decisions.