Opting for surrogacy is a decision that comes with its own set of difficulties for couples. It is well understood that embarking on this life endeavor can be an arduous and demanding process, testing the resilience and determination of those who have the cherished aspiration 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.
This article showcases a compilation of the top destinations that offer more economical options for surrogacy, carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each country.
1. Colombia
With its reputation for inclusiveness, accessibility, and affordability, Colombia has become a sought-after choice for surrogacy. Family Aims, a highly regarded international surrogacy agency, provides exceptional support by managing various aspects of the intended parents’ stay, as well as handling legal and clinical procedures within the country. Notably, they strive to make necessary arrangements to keep the costs aligned with the initial budget agreed upon at the commencement of the surrogacy process.
Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.
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.
Moreover, the decreased waiting time in Colombia plays a crucial role in lowering the overall cost of surrogacy. With a starting price of $65,000 USD, Colombia becomes an enticing choice for those in search of accessible and cost-effective surrogacy options.
2. United States
While the United States offers a wide range of surrogacy options through its extensive network of expert agencies and specialized clinics, the cost of surrogacy treatments in the country can pose a significant financial challenge for foreign intended parents. Moreover, obtaining a specific visa for surrogacy purposes can be a costly endeavor or, in some instances, entirely out of reach depending on the nationality of the intended parents.
Surrogacy within the United States can be an expensive option, even for residents who have to navigate interstate moves. The absence of standardized regulations for surrogacy across the country leads to additional costs associated with these relocations, ultimately contributing to an increase in 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.
Therefore, it is to be taken into account that the costs may even exceed 200,000 USD, a figure that may increase depending on the surrogacy method chosen, as well as on the number of attempts included.
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.
Nevertheless, the high demand for surrogacy procedures coupled with a small local population results in limited candidate availability. As a consequence, there is often a need to expand the search beyond the country’s borders to find suitable surrogates to carry out the procedure.
This limitation forces foreigners who wish to serve as gestational carriers to travel abroad to deliver the newborn. Consequently, this increases the expenses, risks, and legal fees associated with surrogacy.
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
Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that allows surrogacy, but regulations are only clear in a few states.
This indicates that individuals interested in surrogacy must travel to these specific regions to undergo the procedure, or take the risk of attempting it in another state with uncertain legal processes.
In addition, the increase in demand for this service and legal limitations in the rest of the country make the process more expensive, around 55 000 USD, and unlike other surrogacy places, the staff is not always specialized.
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.
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.
Despite surrogacy being allowed in the indicated states, the demand for this procedure there is usually quite low as they are not tourist destinations, and don’t have great economic investment, which may dissuade foreigners from choosing this destination as the ideal one 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.
However, it’s vital to be able to have a plan and anticipate any setback that may generate complications in any of its members, as well as affect the emotional and economic stability of its members.
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.
