Choosing surrogacy is a challenging decision for any couple. It is widely acknowledged that embarking on this journey can be physically and emotionally draining, requiring significant effort and dedication from those who aspire to fulfill their dream of parenthood.
Hence, apart from mustering strength, love, and patience to confront the potential obstacles along the way, it is equally important to be financially prepared for the entirety of the surrogacy process.
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 become a popular destination for surrogacy, thanks to its inclusiveness, accessibility, and affordability. Family Aims is one of the most prestigious international surrogacy agencies and takes care of managing the stay and the legal and clinical procedures of the intended parents in the country. Not only that, but it also makes the necessary arrangements to keep the costs within the initial budget agreed upon when undertaking surrogacy.
Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.
Waiting lists for surrogacy in Colombia are offering 2 to 3 months longer, that’s short compared to other clinics around the world. This is an advantage for parents who want to start the process as soon as possible.
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 worth noting that, in addition to visa expenses and adhering to state legislation requirements, the number of attempts stipulated in each surrogacy plan and the necessity for supplementary tests can be significant factors that drive up overall expenses.
It is essential to consider that the expenses associated with surrogacy can surpass 200,000 USD, a figure that can vary depending 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
Several European countries provide their residents with highly affordable surrogacy options. Cyprus, for instance, is host to specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at approximately 65,000 USD, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking cost-effective surrogacy within Europe.
However, given the significant demand for surrogacy procedures and the limited local population, the availability of suitable candidates is often restricted. This frequently necessitates a broader search outside the country to find surrogates willing to undergo the procedure.
This limitation results in foreigners who apply for being gestational carriers, but they must travel to another country to give birth to the newborn, which increases the costs and the risks of surrogacy, as well as the legal fees.
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.
Hence, opting for surrogacy in this country demands thorough financial planning to be undertaken.
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.
As a result, those interested in surrogacy are required to travel to these particular regions to pursue the procedure, or explore the option of attempting it in another state, which introduces uncertainty regarding the legal process.
Moreover, the growing demand for this service, combined with legal constraints in other regions of the country, results in increased expenses for the process, averaging around 55,000 USD. Furthermore, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not consistently possess specialized training or expertise.
Moreover, obtaining the necessary documentation for the baby can be compromised due to legal limitations in certain states where surrogacy is not fully legalized. This situation leads to increased expenses due to the need for additional documentation and potential transportation complications.
Although for residents living near states where surrogacy is allowed, the lack of training in some healthcare facilities may add complications for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time, as they do not have the necessary guarantees of social security, like 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
When couples aspire to start a family, they often hesitate to cut corners on expenses as it is considered the most precious and fulfilling endeavor they can undertake together.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to develop a well-thought-out plan and be prepared for any obstacles that may arise, potentially causing complications for individuals involved and impacting their emotional and financial well-being.
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.
