Opting for surrogacy is not easy for any couple. It’s known beforehand that embarking on this life project can be an exhausting and demanding process for those who dream of becoming parents.
Therefore, in addition to cultivating inner strength, love, and patience to navigate the potential challenges that may arise, it is essential to have adequate financial readiness for the entire surrogacy journey.
Although it is understandable why surrogacy is an expensive process, no matter which destination you choose to carry it out, many intended parents wonder where it’s possible to save money.
Within this article, you will find a curated collection of the finest surrogacy destinations, focusing on those that provide greater affordability. The selection takes into consideration the advantages and disadvantages associated with each country.
1. Colombia
Colombia has gained popularity as a favored surrogacy destination due to its inclusive, accessible, and cost-effective nature. Family Aims, renowned as one of the top international surrogacy agencies, offers comprehensive assistance by overseeing the intended parents’ stay and managing the legal and clinical processes in the country. They also make diligent efforts to ensure that the costs remain within the agreed-upon initial budget for the surrogacy journey.
The commendable track record of Babynova Clinic by Novafem, a partner clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, serves as a strong endorsement of the exceptional experience offered.
Surrogacy waiting lists in Colombia are notably shorter, with an extension of 2 to 3 months compared to other clinics worldwide. This provides a significant advantage for parents who are keen to initiate the process expeditiously.
And also helps to reduce the overall cost, which starts at $65,000 USD, making Colombia an attractive option for those looking for low-cost surrogacy with greater accessibility.
2. United States
Despite being one of the countries with a thriving surrogacy industry and housing expert agencies and specialized clinics, surrogacy treatments in the United States can be financially burdensome for foreigners. Additionally, foreign intended parents often face the challenge of obtaining a specific visa, which can be expensive or, in certain cases, completely unattainable depending on their nationality.
This destination is even more expensive for residents who have to move between states, as surrogacy is not regulated throughout the country in the same way. These moves generate expenses that increase the overall surrogacy budget.
It is also important to keep in mind that, in addition to the costs related to the visa and requirements of each state legislation, the number of attempts included in each plan and the additional tests, can be factors of a high increase in expenses.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the costs for surrogacy can potentially surpass 200,000 USD, and this amount may increase based on the chosen surrogacy method and the number of attempts included in the process.
3. Georgia
Surrogacy in Georgia is known for its affordability, but it’s crucial to understand that this option is restricted to heterosexual couples who have a minimum of one year of relationship. The base costs for surrogacy in Georgia is 55,000 USD. However, the introduction of new legislation in 2024 has prohibited foreigners from pursuing surrogacy in the country. As a result, access to this treatment is now limited to same-sex couples and foreigners who have decided to pursue surrogacy specifically within Georgia.
Considering the current restrictive legislation in Georgia, which imposes various complications even for the country’s residents, this destination may be a viable option in terms of legality but proves to be challenging for those interested in accessing surrogacy services.
4. Cyprus
Affordable surrogacy options are available in certain European countries for their residents. For instance, Cyprus is known for its specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at prices around 65,000 USD, making it an appealing destination for individuals seeking more budget-friendly surrogacy options in Europe.
However, due to the high demand for surrogacy procedures and its scarce local population, candidates are limited, often forcing a bigger search outside the country for surrogates to carry out the procedure.
As a result of this restriction, foreigners who seek to become gestational carriers are required to travel to a different country to give birth to the newborn. This, in turn, raises the costs, risks, and legal fees associated with the surrogacy process.
Additionally, intended parents who are not European nationals face a substantial amount of paperwork, which incurs extra costs to access certain services and ensure unrestricted mobility throughout the various stages of the surrogacy process.
Therefore, surrogacy in this country is an option that requires careful financial planning.
5. Mexico
In Latin America, Mexico stands out as one of the limited number of countries where surrogacy is permitted; however, clear regulations are only established in a few states.
This implies that those interested must travel to these regions to perform the procedure, or give it a try in some other state with the uncertainty of the legal process.
Furthermore, the rising demand for surrogacy services, coupled with legal restrictions in other parts of the country, drives up the cost of the process to approximately 55,000 USD. Additionally, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not always possess specialized expertise.
Additionally, accessing the baby’s documentation may pose legal challenges as the surrogacy procedure is not legalized in all states, thereby resulting in increased expenses due to additional documentation requirements and transportation issues.
For residents residing in proximity to states where surrogacy is permitted, the absence of specialized training in certain healthcare facilities can introduce complexities for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time. This lack of training raises concerns regarding the availability of necessary social security guarantees, unlike what is offered in other countries.
Although surrogacy is permitted in the mentioned states, the demand for this procedure is generally low since these states are not popular tourist destinations and lack significant economic investment. Consequently, this may discourage foreigners from considering these states as the ideal destination for surrogacy.
Affordable prices for everyone
For many couples, creating a family is an incredibly meaningful endeavor, and they are willing to spare no expense, considering it the most beautiful and rewarding project they can embark on together.
However, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place and be prepared for any potential challenges that could arise. This is crucial to minimize complications that may affect the emotional and financial stability of the individuals involved.
Hence, while there are numerous surrogacy options available, it is crucial to make a thoughtful and informed decision, considering the larger perspective beyond just selecting a destination based on affordable prices. It is important to contemplate which option provides the greatest prospects for realizing the dream of parenthood.