Key Things to Compare When Choosing an International Surrogacy Destination: Tips from an Independent Surrogacy Consultant

One of the most important choices intended parents will make on their path to parenthood is selecting a surrogacy destination.  The location of the process might significantly affect the result since surrogacy is a very emotional experience. As an independent surrogacy consultant, I've worked with many clients who are weighing the pros and cons of various international surrogacy programs and destinations. Below in this article from The Surrogacy Insider, I've compiled five key factors to compare and contrast when choosing the best country for surrogacy for your family-building process.

1. The Legal Status of Surrogacy in That Country

Legal systems around surrogacy differ greatly between countries.  While some places may have restrictions or even complete bans, others have pretty clear, supporting laws that simplify the surrogacy process.  Ensuring a flawless and legal process depends on knowing the legalities of surrogacy in your possible country of destination.

• Countries with supportive laws: Some countries, like the United States (dependent on the state), Canada (dependent on the province), have legislation safeguarding the rights of the surrogate as well as the intended parents. These destinations welcome all types of intended parents, which also offers a legal framework guaranteeing the establishment of parental rights often prior to the birth of the child.

  
  

• Countries with restrictive laws: Other countries, for example, India and Thailand, have either stopped surrogacy initiatives or imposed restrictions, so limiting access to overseas intended parents.  Others, such as Greece and Georgia, call for particular standards (e.g., being a heterosexual couple).  Some nations, like Germany and France, completely view surrogacy as illegal or highly regulated, thus it is prohibited.

  
  

• Legal steps to consider: Research the legal requirements for surrogacy in the country for surrogacy you are looking at carefully, including any post-birth legal procedures, including parental rights, birthright citizenship, and the process for bringing the baby home.

2. Budget: The Cost of Surrogacy

Another big consideration is the financial side of surrogacy.  Although budgets for the whole process vary greatly from country to country, knowing your total surrogacy budget will help you to guarantee your financial readiness for the whole procedure.

• Costs vary by destination: Due mostly to the legal fees, surrogate compensation, and medical costs, surrogacy usually falls on the higher end of the cost range in countries. like the United States and Canada. Conversely, countries. like Colombia, Mexico, and Ukraine could present more reasonably priced choices without sacrificing the standard of treatment.

  
  

• What’s included in the budget: Inquire about the components of the overall cost that are included/excluded in the package you are proceeding with.  Legal fees in your home country, medical insurance, travel, accommodation, and post-birth expenses could be among your extra costs.  Before deciding on a surrogacy agency or clinic, be sure you clearly know what you will be paying for.

  
  

Contingency costs: Keep in mind that while you may get an initial cost estimate, surrogacy often comes with unexpected expenses. There may be unforeseen complications, medical procedures, or delays, so it's always a good idea to have a contingency fund when choosing the best country for surrogacy for your needs.

3. The Importance of Timelines

When it comes to surrogacy, timelines are absolutely important; each country will have a somewhat different one depending on local laws, medical procedures, availability of surrogates and egg donors.  One should have a reasonable expectation of the duration of the process and the possible reasons of delays.

• Surrogacy duration: Although medical considerations, legal procedures, and the availability of egg donors and surrogates will all affect a surrogacy journey, in my experience, it usually lasts 18 to 20 months.  While some international surrogacy programs have faster turnaround times since the procedure is well-established, others might take longer depending on more rigorous legal procedures or waiting times for surrogates.

  
  

• Impact of local regulations: For instance, in some countries establishing parental rights could be achieved before birth, while others allow the legal process to establish parental rights to last months after birth. Investigating the particular medical and legal processes in your chosen country for surrogacy will help you to better estimate your expected timeline.

  
  

Flexibility: Recall that timelines are flexible, thus during the surrogacy process you should be patient and flexible.  Because of the complexity of the legal environment or availability of surrogates, or other steps that need to be completed at the start, in some countries waiting times will be longer even if the actual procedures are provided faster.

4. Availability of Certain Types of Egg Donors

In some cases, intended parents may require specific types of egg donors (e.g., Caucasian, Asian, or those with particular physical attributes). It's essential to know how readily available egg donors are in the country for surrogacy that you're considering.

• Egg donor availability: Large, varied egg donor pools abound in countries like the United States and Ukraine.  For intended parents seeking particular donor traits, databases in these countries often offer more choices.

  
  

• Donor anonymity vs. openness: Egg donating may be open or anonymous, depending on the country’s regulations and donor aspirations. While some countries mandate that the identity of the egg donor be kept private, others allow more transparency, so the child might be able to contact the donor in later years. You will have to think about the kind of layout that would be ideal for your family.

  
  

• Regulations surrounding egg donation: Be aware of the regulations surrounding egg donation in your chosen destination. While some countries may have policies prohibiting donors from receiving specific compensation, others may have limits on the frequency of donations allowed.

  
  

5. Logistics: Living and Working Abroad Post-Birth

After the birth of your baby, you may need to spend several weeks, or even a few months, in the destination country. This period will involve logistics like ensuring the baby's documentation is in order and making sure the child’s birth certificate and citizenship are established.

• Post-birth considerations: Some countries might require intended parents to remain for a protracted period following birth to finish the legal processes securing the child's passport and citizenship. This might take a few weeks, or a couple of months.

  
  

• Time zones and work schedules: If you intend to travel for surrogacy, take time off or work remotely and consider the time zone variances. 

  
  

• Accommodation and daily life: Anticipate the expenses and logistics of remaining overseas. To make your stay more pleasant, you may have to research areas and districts that suit your lifestyle best. 

  
  

• Health insurance and healthcare: You might want to arrange for specific health insurance coverage for your child and yourself throughout your stay. Knowing the local healthcare system is absolutely essential, particularly in case of post-birth medical emergencies.

  
  

Making Your Decision: Personal Support for Your Journey

Choosing a surrogacy destination is a difficult choice best approached with great thought. Spend some time comparing and contrasting important elements, including legal specifics, expenses, timelines, availability of egg donors, and post-birth logistics. Making a well-informed choice will help guarantee a more successful and seamless surrogacy journey, providing the peace of mind required as you start this transforming journey.

As an independent surrogacy consultant, I'm here to guide you through the various international surrogacy programs available. If you have any questions or need help navigating the intricacies of choosing the right surrogacy destination, feel free to reach out to our contacts!