The Ultimate Guide to Gestational Surrogacy: 5 Countries with the Best Conditions

Nowadays, the possibility of forming a family anywhere in the world has become viable and accessible for all couples thanks to surrogacy. This option has gained popularity and acceptance in the last decades, providing great happiness to numerous parents who have managed to build their homes through the invaluable support of doctors who have developed new methods for conception.

Moreover, the existence of specialized agencies has made it easier for intended parents to establish connections with the most experienced and skilled experts who can effectively address their unique requirements. These agencies act as intermediaries, streamlining the process and enabling intentional parents to access the expertise they need to navigate their journey toward parenthood.

Despite the availability of international agencies providing services in multiple countries, the presence of specific local regulations can present hurdles for these agencies to operate effectively in the intended parents’ country of residence. These legal complexities can impede the smooth operation of agencies and pose challenges for parents in their family-building journey.

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.

Given these challenges, agencies often facilitate connections between clients and clinics in countries where surrogacy is permitted, allowing individuals to freely enter without facing discriminatory barriers. This approach enables intended parents to explore options in countries where surrogacy laws are more favorable and inclusive.

While this approach of connecting clients with clinics in different countries may offer a solution, it is essential to acknowledge that the legislation surrounding the specific services sought by intentional parents can differ greatly between countries.

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.

When it comes to surrogacy, selecting the right country can be a challenging decision. This article aims to provide insights into the best destinations for surrogacy, where you can find top-notch specialists and navigate the process smoothly without encountering legal complications.

1. Colombia

Surrogacy in Colombia has gained popularity among international agencies, positioning it as one of the preferred destinations for intended parents.

Not only does Surrogacy in Colombia offer freedom of access and stay for foreigners, but it also stands out as one of the most inclusive countries in the world, welcoming diverse communities. Additionally, Colombia provides affordable pricing options, making it an attractive choice for couples or intended parents from around the globe.

Family Aims, an international surrogacy agency, collaborates closely with renowned Colombian medical specialists from Babynova Clinic. These specialists are highly experienced in various aspects of assisted reproduction, establishing a reliable partnership to support intended parents throughout their surrogacy journey.

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.

Depending on their nationality, intended parents may encounter challenges related to obtaining specific visas, which can be expensive or even unattainable for some individuals. Furthermore, due to variations in legislation among different states, it is essential to seek a city within the country that does not penalize or restrict surrogacy, ensuring a more favorable environment for the process.

Consequently, the requirement to travel and obtain additional documentation adds a significant cost burden to the surrogacy treatment budget.

For this reason, the agencies do not guarantee the final cost of the procedure. Not to mention that not being a US citizen and not having social security, the number of fertilization attempts can add expenses, as well as any other additional tests, and increase the budget even more.

3. Georgia

Surrogacy in this country is limited to heterosexual couples who have been in a relationship for at least 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

This European country is widely favored for surrogacy due to its modern facilities and exceptional medical professionals, providing significant support throughout the surrogacy journey. Moreover, its captivating tourist attractions make it an enchanting destination, turning it into a dream location for couples looking to create a family.

Despite its popularity and attractiveness as a surrogacy destination, the high demand in this country leads to relatively higher costs compared to other destinations.

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

Among Latin American nations, Mexico distinguishes itself as one of the few countries that legally allows surrogacy, with specific regulations established in cities such as Guadalajara, Sinaloa, and Tabasco.

This means that individuals interested in pursuing surrogacy may need to travel to these specific regions or navigate the legal process in other states with potential uncertainty. The recent demand for this service in the country, as well as the legal restrictions in the rest of the states, raises the costs, which are around 75,000 USD base, the success rates are not very numerous or recurrent, either, because the staff isn’t as well-trained as in other destinations. One of the biggest difficulties that family management agencies find is connecting their clients with specialist clinics in this country, which can result in a tedious and much more expensive process for foreigners.

Choose the ideal destination to guarantee success

Despite the absence of a singular preferred location that guarantees a swift and seamless surrogacy journey, there are various choices to consider that can cater to the unique circumstances of each couple. Creating a family is a time-consuming endeavor that necessitates meticulous planning, commencing well in advance of conception. Therefore, if you or someone you know has the aspiration to embark on a surrogacy journey towards parenthood, it is advisable to consult with medical and legal professionals to make informed decisions based on accurate information.