How to choose the best destination for gestational surrogacy: 5 options to consider
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.
Although this is a solution, the legislation of each country varies considerably depending on the service that the intentional parents require.
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, works closely with Colombian medical specialists from Babynova Clinic, recognized for their experience in all areas of assisted reproduction.
Surrogacy in Colombia offers the advantage of relatively short waiting lists, typically lasting between 2 and 3 months. This not only allows intentional parents to proceed promptly but also contributes to a more cost-effective process, with an estimated total cost of around 65,000 USD. These benefits position Colombia as an excellent destination for those considering surrogacy, regardless of their background or country of 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.
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.
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.
Even so, the demand that exists in this country for surrogacy is high so their costs are more expensive 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
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.