International Surrogacy Guide For Intended Parents

International surrogacy can be a fantastic way of building families if done carefully and with thorough research.

International surrogacy involves intended parents seeking surrogacy arrangements outside their home country. This practice has gained popularity due to various factors such as legal restrictions, cost considerations, and the availability of surrogacy-friendly destinations. Understanding the key aspects of international surrogacy is crucial before embarking on this journey.

There has been an upward trend for international surrogacy, and it is on the rise. There is a massive benefit for the intended parents along with leisure travel. There are few countries that offer explicit surrogacy legislation along with the cheapest surrogacy destinations.

Gestational surrogacy itself is an exhaustive and complicated process. It comes with lots of emotional and financial burdens. The idea of creating a new life in some unknown country is scary with so much emotional, financial, medical, and legal enterprise involved. Nevertheless, each month, thousands of prospective parents do it.

The increasing popularity of international surrogacy can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in reproductive technologies, changing social norms, affordable surrogacy abroad, implicit legal framework, and the desire for a more accessible and diverse range of options for starting a family.

For some, it is the best decision of their life, and enjoys parenthood without many hiccups. Unfortunately, for some, it is a nightmare.

So, what does international surrogacy mean?

It is a process where prospective Intended Parents choose to do their surrogacy process in some other country other than their home country. This can be due to :

Domestic surrogacy is not allowed in their country, like China or Singapore
Or if surrogacy cost is exceptionally high, as in the US
In recent years, more and more childless couples are choosing to do gestational surrogacy in other countries due to lower international surrogacy costs.

Benefits of International Surrogacy

Affordable Surrogacy Costs: International surrogacy cost is a fraction of surrogacy cost in the USA. Surrogacy countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Georgia offer surrogacy for as low as 70%. Furthermore, these countries do offer fixed fee all-inclusive surrogacy programs for egg donor surrogacy journeys.
Medical Expertise and Infrastructure: The availability of well-established fertility clinics, experienced medical professionals, and advanced reproductive technologies can influence the choice of a surrogacy destination. Countries known for their expertise in assisted reproduction and comprehensive medical care attract intended parents seeking the highest level of medical support.
Expanded Opportunities: International surrogacy opens up a world of possibilities for intended parents who may face limitations or legal restrictions in their home country. It provides an avenue for individuals or couples to fulfill their dreams of having a child, regardless of their sexual orientation, marital status, or medical conditions.
Global Surrogate and Egg Donor Selection: Pursuing surrogacy internationally allows intended parents to choose from a wider pool of surrogate mothers. This offers the opportunity to find a surrogate who aligns with their values, preferences, and medical requirements, increasing the chances of a successful and harmonious surrogacy journey.
Legal Security: In some countries, surrogacy laws are more favorable and provide stronger legal protection for intended parents. By opting for international surrogacy, individuals or couples can benefit from jurisdictions that explicitly recognize and enforce surrogacy agreements, reducing the risk of legal complications or custody disputes. Some surrogacy-friendly countries like Georgia and Ukraine offer safe and secure surrogacy for hetero couples. Similarly, friendly gay surrogacy countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina offer affordable and legally safe surrogacy options for single males and gay parents.

Challenges of International Surrogacy

Legal Complexities: Engaging in international surrogacy entails navigating a complex web of laws and regulations. Each country has its own set of legal frameworks and requirements, which can vary significantly. Intended parents must carefully research and understand the legal landscape of both their home country and the chosen surrogacy destination to ensure compliance and avoid potential complications.
Financial Considerations: International surrogacy can be a substantial financial investment. In addition to agency fees, medical expenses, and surrogate compensation, there may be additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and legal fees. Intended parents must thoroughly assess their financial capabilities and plan accordingly to ensure they can afford the entire process.
Cultural and Language Barriers: Pursuing surrogacy in a different country can present challenges related to cultural differences and language barriers. Communication and understanding may be more complex, requiring effective cross-cultural communication strategies and potentially the assistance of interpreters or translators to ensure clear and accurate information exchange throughout the surrogacy journey.

While international surrogacy offers a promising path to parenthood for many individuals and couples, it is essential to approach it with careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the associated benefits and challenges. By being well-informed and working with experienced professionals, intended parents can navigate the complexities and embark on a rewarding surrogacy journey that brings them the joy of building a family.

Choosing the Right International Surrogacy Agency

When embarking on the journey of international surrogacy, selecting the right agency is paramount to ensure a smooth and successful experience. A reputable and experienced agency can provide invaluable support, guidance, and expertise throughout the process. Here are some key points to consider when choosing the right international surrogacy agency:

Importance of Selecting a Reputable and Experienced Agency

Choosing a reputable and experienced agency lays the foundation for a well-managed and legally compliant surrogacy journey. A trusted agency will have a proven track record of successfully facilitating surrogacy arrangements and ensuring the well-being of all parties involved. They will prioritize the best interests of both the intended parents and the surrogate, providing comprehensive support and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise.

Criteria to Consider When Choosing an Agency

Track record: Evaluate the agency’s success rate and history of completed surrogacy arrangements. Look for testimonials, reviews, and case studies from previous clients to gain insight into their level of professionalism and expertise.
Transparency: Transparency is crucial in surrogacy. A reputable agency should be open and honest about its processes, fees, and any potential risks or limitations. Clear communication from the beginning helps build trust and ensures that all parties have realistic expectations.
Ethical practices: It’s essential to choose an agency that upholds ethical standards and follows guidelines set by professional organizations, such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) or the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Ethical practices prioritize the well-being and rights of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.

Tips for Conducting Thorough Research and Due Diligence

Seek recommendations: Reach out to trusted medical professionals, fertility clinics, or individuals who have gone through the surrogacy process. They may provide valuable insights and recommend reputable agencies based on their personal experiences.
Check accreditation and affiliations: Verify if the agency is accredited by recognized organizations in the field of reproductive medicine and surrogacy. Affiliations with reputable clinics and medical professionals can also be indicators of a reliable agency.
Consultation and interview: Schedule consultations or interviews with potential agencies to discuss your surrogacy goals and ask pertinent questions. Inquire about their screening processes for surrogates, their support services, and their approach to addressing legal and medical aspects of international surrogacy.
Financial transparency: Request a breakdown of the agency’s fees and services. Ensure that there are no hidden costs or unexpected expenses that may arise during the process. A reputable agency will provide a clear and transparent financial agreement.
Legal expertise: Inquire about the agency’s legal expertise and its ability to navigate the complex legal aspects of international surrogacy. They should have a thorough understanding of the legal requirements in both the intended parents’ home country and the destination country.

Legal Considerations and Regulations For Surrogacy Abroad

Legal framework: Research the legal status of surrogacy in your home country and the destination country. Some countries prohibit surrogacy altogether, while others have specific regulations and requirements.
Immigration and citizenship: Familiarize yourself with the immigration and citizenship laws of the destination country to ensure a smooth process for the child’s legal status.
Contracts and agreements: Consult with legal professionals experienced in international surrogacy to draft and review contracts that protect the rights and obligations of all parties involved.
Parental rights: Understand the procedures and legal requirements for establishing parental rights in the destination country and ensure they align with your expectations.

Which countries have banned surrogacy?

Countries where surrogacy is prohibited:

There was a time when Asian countries like India and Thailand were a hub for international surrogacy, but not anymore. During this time, international surrogacy meant going to India or Thailand, as these two nations were offering affordable quality medical services with a considerable number of young and healthy surrogates. Adequate legal protection for intended parents and the cheapest surrogacy cost was the main reason for their popularity.

Nevertheless, a few adverse media reports and irregular malpractices make it quite visible for the government to ban surrogacy services for foreigners in these countries.

The other alternative surrogacy destination like Nepal and Cambodia came into existence, but could not last more than a year or two. There was a time when most of the Indian IVF Clinics put their attention toward Nepal so that they can continue their operation in the nearby small country. As soon as surrogacy in Nepal was getting popular, the local Government stopped it, owing to international pressure and no experience with this new concept.

Same way when surrogacy in Thailand came to a halt, local Thailand surrogacy agencies moved their focus to surrogacy in Cambodia. New IVF Clinics opened with the hope of offering surrogacy to international couples. But again, the absence of surrogacy laws fear of human trafficking, and overuse of the surrogacy services by many agents led to banning of the surrogacy in Cambodia.

Surrogacy in India is also seeing its last day. The Indian government banned foreign surrogacy in Oct 2015. Now, they are in the process of passing a surrogacy bill 2016, to stop commercial surrogacy for its citizens as well.

Besides this, surrogacy in Russia is also stopped for foreign couples and only local Russians can do surrogacy.

Furthermore, recently there has been an announcement by the prime minister of Georiga, that they plan to stop foreign surrogacy in Georiga from January 2024. How the situation develops, needs to be seen.

Sure, here’s the information on international surrogacy laws organized in a table format:

Country	Eligibility for Surrogacy	Types of Surrogacy Allowed	Legal Protection for Intended Parents	Accessibility for Foreigners	Advertising for Surrogates
Australia	Altruistic surrogacy only	No donor or surrogate matching	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not legal
Canada	Altruistic surrogacy only	Not applicable	Not applicable	Altruistic surrogacy allowed	Not applicable
Greece	Heterosexual couples, single females	Not applicable	Not applicable	Foreign nationals allowed	Not applicable
Georgia	Heterosexual couples (including foreigners)	Compensated surrogacy	Well protected	Foreigners allowed	Not applicable
Ukraine	Heterosexual couples (including foreigners)	Compensated surrogacy	Well protected	Foreigners allowed	Not applicable
India	Indian citizens only	Commercial surrogacy allowed	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Israel	Heterosexual Israeli citizens	Altruistic surrogacy only	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Kenya	Locals and foreigners	Compensated surrogacy	Not legally protected	Not applicable	Not applicable
Laos	Foreigners only	Compensated surrogacy	Not legally protected	Foreigners allowed	Not applicable
Nigeria	Heterosexual Nigerian citizens	Altruistic and commercial surrogacy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
South Africa	Heterosexual South African residents	Altruistic surrogacy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Thailand	Heterosexual Thai couples	Altruistic surrogacy only	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
UK	Not applicable	Altruistic surrogacy only	Not applicable	Foreigners cannot access	Not legal
USA	Gay and heterosexual foreigners	All forms of surrogacy	Well regulated	Foreigners allowed	Not applicable

International Surrogacy Options Worldwide That We Offer Currently

IVF Conceptions is a dedicated group of professionals focused on providing comprehensive support and guidance to individuals and couples navigating the complex journey of infertility and Surrogacy parenthood.

With expertise in fields such as reproductive medicine, psychology, third-party reproduction, international surrogacy, and global legal framework, the team offers dedicated and comprehensive support.

International surrogacy cost:

The cost of surrogacy worldwide varies as per the location and cost of medical procedures and surrogate compensation. Every surrogacy destination has its own pros and cons, and it is crucial to carefully consider each option. While the United States boasts excellent clinics and a favorable legal environment, the cost of surrogacy there can be prohibitively high for many couples. On the other hand, international destinations offer gestational surrogacy at a significantly lower cost compared to the U.S., but they come with various inconveniences, and finding a trustworthy partner can pose a challenge. Below are some of the international surrogacy countries where we assist our intended parents.

International Surrogacy Cost in 2023

#1. USA (Los Angeles)- For All Parents

How much does surrogacy cost in the USA? The average cost of services in the USA ranges from $130,000 to $150,000.

IVF & surrogacy is done in one of the leading fertility and best clinics in LA. The full package includes your surrogate, clinic procedures, & legal fees. Available to all married couples, singles, and LGBT couples seeking surrogacy.

#2. Guarantee Surrogacy Baby Cost in Colombia, Bogota- For all parents

How much does gay surrogacy cost in Colombia? – The cost of IVF, egg donor, and surrogacy with an all-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby is $65,000.

#3. Guaranteed Surrogacy Baby Cost in Georgia- For married couples

The secure or guaranteed baby cost in Georgia is 67,000 USD. This is a fixed-price program with unlimited clinic & admin services until you are home with your baby. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Bogota with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.

#4. Guaranteed Surrogacy Baby Cost in Mexico- For all parents.

The guaranteed baby Mexico surrogacy cost is 68,900 USD. Fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services until you are home with your baby. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Mexico City with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.

Which country is best for surrogacy where is surrogacy legal

Gestational surrogacy is a controversial topic. The regulations and laws around it keep changing and are mostly undefined. It is rare to find a country that has explicit legislation for surrogacy.

A few good examples of legal commercial surrogacy countries are Ukraine, Georiga, the USA, and Russia. These countries have clear surrogacy laws and offer safer international surrogacy now.

International surrogacy countries you can trust and opt for:

1. Surrogacy in Ukraine– Secure and trusted option for married couples.

2. Surrogacy in Georgia– Secure and trusted option for married couples.

3. Surrogacy in the USA -surrogacy in the United States is legal, safe, and secure but incredibly costly.

4. Surrogacy in Mexico – Secure and trusted option for single parents, gay couples, and married couples.

5. Surrogacy in Colombia– Secure and trusted option for gay couples or single males, hetero couples, and gay couples.

Read more about International surrogacy

Top 4 cheapest countries for surrogacy in the world

What are the risks of international surrogacy?

Countries where surrogacy is legal(2020)

Best country for gay couple surrogacy

Table with information on countries and their surrogacy laws:

Country	Commercial Surrogacy	Altruistic Surrogacy	Surrogacy Status
Australia	Prohibited	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is legal in all jurisdictions. Commercial surrogacy is a criminal offense.
Canada	Banned	Allowed	Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. Compensation for gestational carriers is limited to approved expenses.
Colombia	Uncertain	Allowed	There are no clear rules, but altruistic surrogacy is performed and well tolerated.
Greece	Banned	Allowed	Heterosexual couples and single females are allowed.
India	Prohibited	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is permitted for certain couples based on medical and age criteria.
Israel	Allowed	Allowed	Gestational surrogacy is legal under the Embryo Carrying Agreements Law.
Kenya	N/A	N/A	No legal regulations/laws for surrogacy in Kenya.
Mexico	Allowed	N/A	Surrogacy, along with ovum and sperm donation, has been legal since 1992.
New Zealand	N/A	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is legal.
Thailand	Banned	N/A	Commercial surrogacy is criminalized under the Medical Council Act.
Ukraine	Allowed	Allowed	Surrogacy and egg/sperm donation are legal and supported by liberal laws.
United Kingdom	N/A	Allowed	Surrogacy laws vary across different states/territories in the UK.
United States	Varies by state	Allowed	Surrogacy laws vary by state, some are surrogacy-friendly, while others restrict or penalize commercial surrogacy.

International surrogacy laws by the country that you should know

AUSTRALIA– Altruistic surrogacy is only available. No donor or surrogate matching is available. Advertising for surrogates is not legal.

CANADA- Only Altruistic surrogacy is available. Foreigners can access surrogacy, but it has to be altruistic.

GREECE- Heterosexual couples and single females are eligible. Foreign nationals are allowed to engage with a prior court order.

GEORGIA- Compensated or commercial surrogacy is only allowed for heterosexual couples, including foreigners. The legal rights of Intended Parents are well protected — the most common hub of surrogacy as of now.

Ukraine- Compensated or commercial surrogacy is only allowed for heterosexual couples, including foreigners. The legal rights of Intended Parents are well protected — the most common hub of surrogacy as of now.

INDIA- Commercial surrogacy is only allowed for Indian citizens as of now.

ISRAEL– Only altruistic surrogacy is available for heterosexual couples, and Israeli citizens.

KENYA- Compensated surrogacy is available to locals and foreigners but not legally protected.

LAOS– Compensated Surrogacy available to foreigners, but no legal protection

NIGERIA– Altruistic and commercial surrogacy is only available for heterosexual- Nigerian citizens.

SOUTH AFRICA – Only Altruistic surrogacy is available to heterosexual South African residents.

THAILAND– Only available altruistically to Thailand heterosexual couples.

UK- Only Altruistic surrogacy is available. Advertising for surrogates, not legal foreigners, cannot access surrogacy in the UK.

USA- Gay and heterosexual foreigners can access surrogacy here and one of the most regulated countries for all forms of surrogacy.

Conclusion

So, where is surrogacy legal? It cannot be denied that each year, more and more childless couples or gay couples need the help of a surrogate mother to become parents. The desire to have a baby is so strong and inbuilt that they are ready to take the risk in unregulated surrogacy countries.

It is good to consult a reputed international surrogacy agency or surrogacy professional who can guide and support you with options in legal and best surrogacy countries.

I have personally seen numerous single parents, who almost argue that they can do egg donor surrogacy in Georgia or Ukraine. They have been misled by the IVF clinics or surrogacy agencies that they can, and they are exclusively doing it.

The laws clearly say that only married heterosexual couples can do surrogacy in these countries, but still, some surrogacy clinic offers such services to single parents. Such malpractice affects the overall environment and can be a severe threat to the parent who wishes to do surrogacy lawfully.

That is why I cannot emphasize enough how important it get accurate information when doing surrogacy abroad.

Embarking on an international surrogacy journey requires careful consideration of legal, medical, and ethical aspects. By understanding the process, seeking professional guidance, and fostering open communication, intended parents can navigate the complexities of international surrogacy and increase their chances of a successful and fulfilling experience.

In case you are planning to have a baby via the IVF process or surrogacy process in an international surrogacy destination, please feel free to write to us. We can promise to give you the most updated and accurate information and save you time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Countries where is surrogacy legal

What is international surrogacy?

International surrogacy is a process where intended parents from one country work with a surrogate mother from another country to carry and deliver a baby.

It provides an option for individuals or couples who may face legal or cultural restrictions in their home country or seek more affordable surrogacy options abroad.

How does international surrogacy work?

International surrogacy involves several steps, including finding a reputable international surrogacy agency, selecting a surrogate, undergoing medical and legal processes, and arranging travel and accommodation for the intended parents during key stages of the surrogacy journey.

What are the legal considerations of international surrogacy?

Legal considerations in international surrogacy are crucial due to varying laws and regulations across different countries.

It’s essential to work with an experienced surrogacy agency and legal professionals who are well-versed in the surrogacy laws of both the intended parents’ country and the surrogate’s country to ensure a safe and legally compliant process. Contact us for free surrogacy consulting services.

What countries allow international surrogacy?

Countries that allow international surrogacy vary, and the regulations may change over time. Some popular destinations for international surrogacy include the United States, Ukraine, Greece, Greece, and Georgia. Besides this, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Gautama are gaining momentum.

It’s essential to research and choose a country with favorable surrogacy laws and well-established surrogacy practices.

What are the risks and challenges of international surrogacy?

International surrogacy poses potential risks, such as legal complexities, language barriers, cultural differences, and difficulties in communication and coordination between the intended parents and the surrogate.

Additionally, there might be risks associated with healthcare standards and travel-related issues.

How much does international surrogacy cost?

On average, international surrogacy can range from $60,000 to $70,000 or more. The cost of international surrogacy can vary significantly depending on the chosen country and agency.

Expenses may include surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal fees, medical expenses, travel costs, and more.

What are the eligibility criteria for international surrogacy?

Eligibility criteria for international surrogacy can differ based on the requirements of the chosen surrogacy agency and the regulations of the intended parents’ country and the surrogate’s country. Common eligibility criteria include age, health, marital status, and financial stability.

How long does the international surrogacy process take?

The timeline for international surrogacy can vary depending on multiple factors, including legal processes, medical procedures, and matching with a surrogate. On average, the process can take around 12 to 24 months or more.

What are the ethical concerns related to international surrogacy?

Ethical concerns in international surrogacy may revolve around:

Issues of exploitation,
Lack of informed consent,
Financial incentives,
Potential exploitation of vulnerable women.

References:

International Surrogacy Guide: Your Path to Parenthood Abroad