Choosing surrogacy is a decision fraught with challenges for couples in Australia. It’s widely acknowledged that embarking on this life-changing journey can be a strenuous and demanding process, one that rigorously tests the resilience and determination of aspiring 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.
In this article, we present a selection of the best destinations to make surrogacy more affordable, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each country.
1. Colombia
Colombia has emerged as a premier choice for surrogacy, renowned for its inclusive, accessible, and affordable options. Family Aims, a highly respected international surrogacy agency, offers exceptional support to intended parents from various countries, managing their stay and handling legal and clinical procedures in Colombia. Their commitment to keeping costs in line with the initial budget agreed upon at the start of the surrogacy process sets them apart, ensuring a smooth and financially manageable experience for all involved.
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 crucial to consider that, apart from visa costs and complying with state legislation requirements, the number of attempts included in each surrogacy plan and the need for additional tests can significantly contribute to a substantial 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 affordable, but you must know that this treatment is only for heterosexual couples with more than one year of relationship.
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 cost 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.
Given the presence of strict legislation in Georgia, which poses multiple complications for both local residents and foreigners, this destination offers a potential option due to its legal framework, but it remains difficult to access for individuals interested in pursuing surrogacy.
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, 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
Among the Latin American nations, Mexico stands as one of the exceptions that permits surrogacy, although comprehensive regulations are only clearly defined in a handful of 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.
Competitive pricing for residents of Australia
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.
When choosing a surrogacy destinations, it’s vital to look beyond pricing. Consider which location offers the best chance of fulfilling your dream of parenthood, particularly for residents of Australia.
