Choosing where to pursue surrogacy is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Each destination offers different advantages in terms of cost, legal protections, inclusivity, and logistics.
Decision Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific countries, consider these key factors:
- Budget: Costs range from $40,000 to $200,000+ depending on destination
- Family Type: Not all destinations welcome LGBTQ+ couples or single parents
- Legal Security: Some countries offer pre-birth orders; others require post-birth court processes
- Travel Requirements: How often will you need to visit? How long must you stay at birth?
- Language & Culture: Communication ease and cultural familiarity
Destination Comparison
United States
Best For: Those prioritizing maximum legal security and LGBTQ+ families
Cost: $120,000 - $200,000
Pros: Strongest legal protections, pre-birth orders, inclusive of all family types, world-class medical care, US citizenship for baby
Cons: Highest cost, varies significantly by state
Colombia
Best For: LGBTQ+ couples and single parents seeking affordable, inclusive surrogacy
Cost: $50,000 - $70,000
Pros: Fully LGBTQ+ friendly, no genetic link required, same time zones as North America, world-class clinics
Cons: Post-birth court process required, longer timeline
Ukraine
Best For: Married heterosexual couples seeking affordable surrogacy with clear legal framework
Cost: $45,000 - $65,000
Pros: Established legal framework since 2002, experienced clinics, intended parents on birth certificate from birth
Cons: Only available to married heterosexual couples, not LGBTQ+ or single-parent friendly
Georgia (Country)
Best For: Married couples and single women seeking the most affordable option
Cost: $40,000 - $55,000
Pros: Lowest costs, legal parentage from conception, open to single women
Cons: Not available to LGBTQ+ couples or single men, less developed infrastructure
Mexico (Sinaloa)
Best For: North American couples seeking proximity and moderate costs
Cost: $55,000 - $80,000
Pros: Close to USA, explicit surrogacy legislation in Sinaloa, Spanish-speaking staff
Cons: Limited LGBTQ+ options, court approval required before transfer
Quick Comparison Table
| Country | Cost Range | LGBTQ+ Friendly | Single Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $120,000-$200,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Colombia | $50,000-$70,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Ukraine | $45,000-$65,000 | No | No |
| Georgia | $40,000-$55,000 | No | Women Only |
| Mexico | $55,000-$80,000 | Limited | Limited |
Next Steps
Ready to explore your options? Visit our country guides for detailed information on each destination, or create your free GlobalStork profile to get personalized recommendations.