Surrogacy is fast becoming a popular option for couples and individuals unable to conceive naturally. While many pursue this path in their own country of residence, others have started to look at surrogacy abroad as an option because of the lower costs, more favorable legal frameworks, and even wider availability of surrogate mothers. However, international surrogacy does come with its own set of challenges you should be aware of.
Why Consider Surrogacy Abroad?
Surrogacy abroad is often seen as a more attractive option for those facing barriers to surrogacy in their home countries. These barriers could be anything from legal restrictions and high costs to limited access to surrogate mothers.
Countries like the US, for example, are known for having comprehensive surrogacy laws, but the costs can range greatly and fall between $100,000 and $150,000. This financial burden can be a deterrent for many prospective parents.
In contrast, there are countries like Ukraine and Georgia that have proven to be popular destinations for surrogacy because of their significantly lower costs. Intended parents can save thousands of dollars by choosing these countries, where surrogacy laws are often much more flexible.
You will also find, in many cases, that these countries also provide easier access to surrogates. Sometimes, you will find that the demand for surrogates in some regions makes it difficult for some intended parents to find a suitable match.
Choosing the Right Country for Surrogacy Abroad
Before you choose to pursue surrogacy abroad, you should thoroughly research the legal and regulatory frameworks of other countries. Not all countries permit commercial surrogacy, and even those that do, the laws can vary. Here’s a look at some of the most popular destinations for surrogacy abroad:
Ukraine: Ukraine is a popular choice because of its well-established legal framework for surrogacy. Commercial surrogacy is legal, and both intended parents and surrogates are protected under Ukrainian law. The law also grants full parental rights to the intended parents as soon as the baby is born. Costs in Ukraine are also significantly lower compared to Western countries like the US.
Georgia: Like Ukraine, Georgia also has favorable laws for international surrogacy. Surrogacy is legal, and the intended parents are listed on the birth certificate from the beginning, which simplifies the legal process when it comes time to take the child home.
Mexico: While surrogacy was once unrestricted in Mexico, recent changes in legislation have limited surrogacy to altruistic cases in certain regions of the country. For this reason, it is important to work closely with a reputable surrogacy agency to ensure that all legal requirements are met if this is the country of interest to you.
India: India has been a popular surrogacy destination for many years, but the country has implemented more restrictive laws in recent years. Currently, surrogacy is limited to altruistic cases, and only Indian citizens are eligible to participate.
United States: While the US is one of the most expensive countries for surrogacy, as we have already touched on, it remains a popular option due to the legal framework and the availability of surrogacy-friendly states like California. Many surrogacy agencies operate in the US, and provide high-quality services for domestic and international clients.
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Surrogacy Abroad
When you choose to pursue surrogacy abroad, the legal complexities, as you know, can be pretty significant depending on where you choose to take your surrogacy journey. Some of the more common legal factors you want to take into consideration include the following:
- Parentage laws: In some countries, surrogacy laws require that the surrogate mother be listed as the legal parent, even after the baby is born. This can complicate the process of transferring legal parentage to the intended parents and may result in lengthy legal proceedings.
- Citizenship: Another critical issue is the child’s citizenship. Not all countries automatically grant citizenship to children born via surrogacy, especially in cases where the intended parents are from another country. Be sure to consult with an immigration lawyer or a surrogacy agency that specializes in international surrogacy to ensure that the child can obtain citizenship in your home country.
- Ethical concerns: International surrogacy often raises ethical concerns related to exploitation, especially in countries where surrogate mothers may come from low-income backgrounds. It’s essential to work with a reputable surrogacy agency that ensures fair compensation and care for surrogates throughout the process.
Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency
One of the most important decisions in the international surrogacy journey is selecting a reliable surrogacy agency. A good surrogacy agency will guide you through the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of the surrogacy process, ensuring that both intended parents and surrogates are well-supported.
Choosing surrogacy abroad is a big, life-changing decision and isn’t one to make lightly. It requires some careful planning, research, and support. Working with a trusted international surrogacy agency ensures that you receive the guidance you need every step of the way.