Top 5 best destinations for gestational surrogacy

In recent decades, surrogacy has emerged as a viable and accessible option for couples worldwide, enabling them to fulfill their dream of starting a family regardless of their location. This method has gained widespread acceptance and popularity, bringing immense joy to countless parents who have successfully built their homes with the invaluable support of doctors pioneering new methods of conception.

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.

To exemplify, China does not permit surrogacy, whereas Brazil provides a viable avenue for intentional parents. Nevertheless, the significant backlog of cases and extensive waiting lists in Brazil make it a less attractive and accessible option for those in search of surrogacy as a means to start a family.

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 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.

In this context, it can be difficult to choose which country to carry out surrogacy. In this article, we will tell you which are the best destinations to carry out the procedure with the best specialists and without legal problems.

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, works closely with Colombian medical specialists from Babynova Clinic, recognized for their experience in all areas of assisted reproduction.

The waiting lists in Colombia are relatively short, ranging between 2 and 3 months. This not only provides a prompt opportunity for intentional parents but also reduces the total cost of the process, estimated at around 65,000 USD. These advantages make this country an ideal destination for those who want to resort to surrogacy, regardless of their 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.

Although agencies in Colombia may have a global reach, their main target audience is typically the local population. Foreign individuals may face obstacles in obtaining the required legal documentation, which can pose difficulties for them when pursuing surrogacy in the country.

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.

This entails a considerable increase in the budget by having to travel and request additional documentation to be able to complete the treatment.

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 country, surrogacy is exclusively allowed for heterosexual couples with more than 1 year of relationship.

In Georgia, the current legislation permits intentional mothers to pursue surrogacy only if they lack a functioning uterus or have substantial deformities that hinder their ability to conceive. Although Georgia is known for its comparatively low costs, with prices averaging around 55,000 USD, the new legislation enacted from 2024 onwards will entirely prevent foreign individuals from traveling to the country for surrogacy. As a result, this legislative change significantly restricts the opportunities and choices available to foreign and same-sex couples.

4. Cyprus

This is one of the favorite destinations in Europe for its modern facilities and expert medical staff that greatly facilitates surrogacy. In addition to being one of the favorite destinations of couples for its tourist value, this makes it a dream place to start 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.

Furthermore, non-European Union citizens may encounter challenges in accessing this country, which can result in increased budget considerations for intended parents. This includes the expenses associated with procedures to obtain free access to the country and the management of the newborn’s nationality documentation.

Another factor that can alter the process and the budget is that the small local population makes clinics turn to foreign carriers , who then have to travel to another country to give birth. These items  increase the estimate of 65,000 USD for surrogacy towards other unforeseen expenses.

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

Although there is no single preferred destination that ensures quick and hassle-free surrogacy, there are options to choose the one that best suits each couple. Starting a family is a long process, which requires a lot of time and meticulous planning that begins long before conception. So, if you or someone you know desires to start a journey to parenthood through surrogacy, the best advice is to consult with medical and legal professionals to make the most accurate decisions.