Building a family as a gay couple is a beautiful journey, and surrogacy offers one of the most direct paths to parenthood. This guide covers everything you need to know—from choosing the right destination to navigating legal parentage for both partners.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Surrogacy Destinations
Not all surrogacy destinations welcome same-sex couples equally. Here are your best options:
1. United States (Certain States)
The USA offers the strongest legal protections for LGBTQ+ parents. California, Connecticut, Washington, Nevada, and Oregon all provide:
- Pre-birth orders naming both parents
- Full legal parentage from birth
- No adoption required by non-genetic parent
- US citizenship for your child
Cost: $120,000 - $200,000
2. Colombia
Colombia is the most affordable LGBTQ+ friendly option, offering:
- Full legal recognition since same-sex marriage legalization in 2016
- Both parents listed on birth certificate after court process
- No genetic link required (double donation possible)
- Convenient time zone for North American parents
Cost: $50,000 - $70,000
3. Canada
Canada offers a supportive environment with altruistic surrogacy:
- Strong LGBTQ+ legal protections
- Altruistic model (no surrogate compensation beyond expenses)
- Longer wait times for surrogate matching
- Familiar legal system for US/UK parents
Cost: $80,000 - $120,000
The Egg Donation Decision
As a gay male couple, you'll need an egg donor. Key decisions include:
- Known vs. Anonymous Donor: Some couples choose a friend or family member; others prefer anonymity
- Whose Sperm: You can use one partner's sperm, or create embryos with both partners' sperm and transfer together
- Split Embryos: Some couples create embryos with each partner's sperm for multiple children
Legal Parentage for Same-Sex Couples
Securing legal parentage for both partners is critical. The process varies by destination:
Pre-Birth Orders (USA)
In surrogacy-friendly US states, you can obtain a court order during pregnancy that names both parents. Your names go directly on the birth certificate—the surrogate's name never appears.
Post-Birth Court Orders (Colombia)
Colombia requires a court process after birth to establish legal parentage. This takes 2-6 weeks but results in both parents on the birth certificate.
Second-Parent Adoption
In some jurisdictions, the non-genetic parent may need to complete a second-parent adoption. This is an additional legal step but provides full security.
Bringing Your Baby Home
For international surrogacy, you'll need to navigate citizenship and travel documents:
- Apply for your child's passport or emergency travel document
- Complete any embassy citizenship requirements
- Obtain the birth certificate with both parents' names
- Prepare for the journey home with your new family
Finding LGBTQ+ Supportive Agencies
Not all agencies genuinely support LGBTQ+ families. Look for:
- Explicit LGBTQ+ inclusion on their website
- Track record of successful same-sex surrogacies
- Staff who understand your specific needs
- Connections with LGBTQ+ friendly legal counsel
GlobalStork only lists agencies that have demonstrated genuine support for all family types.
Next Steps
Ready to explore your options? Create a free GlobalStork profile and we'll match you with LGBTQ+ friendly agencies and surrogates who are excited to help you build your family.