Discover the Best Countries for Gestational Surrogacy: Top 5 Picks

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.

In addition, the presence of specialized agencies has facilitated the connection between these intentional parents and the most qualified experts to solve their needs.

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.

For example, in China surrogacy is not allowed, unlike Brazil, where it’s a viable option. However, there are very long waiting lists for intentional parents in Brazil, which makes it a less attractive and accessible option.

Surrogacy is permitted in India, but it is restricted exclusively to heterosexual and local couples. Consequently, parents who are in a relationship with foreigners or same-sex couples seeking assisted gestation would be compelled to leave their country to pursue this process.

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 about surrogacy can vary significantly, imposing restrictions based on factors such as sexual orientation, nationality, or financial capacity. As a result, each destination presents a distinct combination of advantages and disadvantages for clients, underscoring the necessity to thoroughly assess their cases and requirements.

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.

In addition to allowing freedom of access and stay for foreigners, it is one of the most inclusive countries with a community in the world, it also has affordable prices for couples or intended parents from all over the world.

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

Among the local population of intentional parents, Colombia stands out as a highly sought-after destination. The country’s inclusive environment ensures that couples are not discriminated against based on their background. Moreover, Colombia is home to multiple specialized clinics that offer a comprehensive array of assisted reproduction methods, catering to the specific requirements of each person.

However, although agencies operating in this country also tend to have an international reach, their target audience is local, as foreigners may have difficulty accessing legal documentation.

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 particular country, surrogacy is permitted exclusively for heterosexual couples who have been in a committed relationship for a minimum duration of one year.

Georgia’s legislation determines that the intentional mother can only opt for surrogacy when she lacks a uterus or has one with notable deformities that prevent her from procreating. Although the prices in Georgia seem to point to being an ideal destination for the low costs are around 55,000 USD. The new legislation will completely prevent any foreigner from traveling to this country to carry out surrogacy from 2024, limiting the scope and options for foreign or 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.

Additionally, for individuals who are not citizens of the European Union, accessing this country may pose difficulties, leading to potential budgetary implications for intended parents. This includes costs associated with procedures required to obtain free access to the country, as well as the complexities associated with managing 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

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.