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.

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

Although many international agencies provide their services in different countries, some local legislations make it difficult for these agencies to operate in the country where the parents are established.

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.

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.

All these complications make the agencies connect the clients with clinics in different countries where surrogacy is allowed and everyone can enter freely without any discrimination.

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.

Choosing the ideal country for surrogacy can be a complex task in this context. In this article, we will guide you through the best destinations that offer a combination of highly skilled specialists, seamless procedures, and a legal framework that minimizes potential complications.

1. Colombia

Colombia has emerged as a favored destination among international agencies providing surrogacy services.

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.

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 nationality, intended parents may need specific visas, which can be expensive or outright inaccessible for some citizens. And in internal policies, since the legislation of each state is different, we must look for a city that does not penalize the practice.

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

Due to these factors, agencies cannot provide a guaranteed final cost for the surrogacy procedure. Moreover, for non-US citizens without social security, the number of fertilization attempts and additional tests can incur extra expenses, further increasing the overall budget.

3. Georgia

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

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 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

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.