Opting for surrogacy is a decision that comes with its own difficulties for couples in Dunedin (New Zealand). It is well known that embarking on this task of life can be an arduous and demanding process, testing the resilience and determination of those who have the cherished aspiration of becoming 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.
Within this article, you will find a curated collection of the finest surrogacy destinations, focusing on those that provide greater affordability. The selection takes into consideration the advantages and disadvantages associated with each country.
1. Colombia
Colombia has gained recognition as a top choice for surrogacy, known for its welcoming environment, easy accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Family Aims, a prominent international surrogacy agency, provides comprehensive assistance to prospective parents from Dunedin (New Zealand), overseeing all legal and medical processes within Colombia. Their commitment to maintaining costs within the agreed-upon budget underscores their dedication to facilitating a smooth surrogacy journey.
The exceptional reputation of Babynova Clinic by Novafem, an affiliated clinic with vast expertise in assisted gestation, adds further credibility to the remarkable experience provided.
Waiting lists for surrogacy in Colombia are offering 2 to 3 months longer, that’s short compared to other clinics around the world. This is an advantage for parents who want to start the process as soon as possible.
Moreover, the decreased waiting time in Colombia plays a crucial role in lowering the overall cost of surrogacy. With a starting price of $65,000 USD, Colombia becomes an enticing choice for those in search of accessible and cost-effective surrogacy options.
2. United States
Although the United States is one of the countries with the largest surrogacy offer in the world and has expert agencies and specialized clinics, surrogacy treatments in this country are often expensive for foreigners, who must obtain a specific visa, (which can be costly or, sometimes, depending on the nationality of the intended parents, completely inaccessible).
Surrogacy within the United States can be an expensive option, even for residents who have to navigate interstate moves. The absence of standardized regulations for surrogacy across the country leads to additional costs associated with these relocations, ultimately contributing to an increase in the overall surrogacy budget.
It is worth noting that, in addition to visa expenses and adhering to state legislation requirements, the number of attempts stipulated in each surrogacy plan and the necessity for supplementary tests can be significant factors that drive up overall expenses.
It is essential to consider that the expenses associated with surrogacy can surpass 200,000 USD, a figure that can vary depending on the chosen surrogacy method and the number of attempts included in the process.
3. Georgia
Surrogacy in Georgia offers affordability, yet it’s important to note that this option is exclusively available to heterosexual couples with a relationship of at least one year.
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
Some European countries offer very affordable options for their residents. Cyprus, for example, has clinics specialized in surrogacy procedures with prices around 65,000 USD.
However, due to the high demand for surrogacy procedures and its scarce local population, candidates are limited, often forcing a bigger search outside the country for surrogates to carry out the procedure.
This limitation forces foreigners who wish to serve as gestational carriers to travel abroad to deliver the newborn. Consequently, this increases the expenses, risks, and legal fees associated with surrogacy.
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.
Consequently, surrogacy in this country necessitates meticulous financial planning as an essential factor to consider.
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.
Moreover, obtaining the necessary documentation for the baby can be compromised due to legal limitations in certain states where surrogacy is not fully legalized. This situation leads to increased expenses due to the need for additional documentation and potential transportation complications.
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.
Although surrogacy is permitted in the mentioned states, the demand for this procedure is generally low since these states are not popular tourist destinations and lack significant economic investment. Consequently, this may discourage foreigners from considering these states as the ideal destination for surrogacy.
Competitive pricing for residents of Dunedin (New Zealand)
For many couples, creating a family is an incredibly meaningful endeavor, and they are willing to spare no expense, considering it the most beautiful and rewarding project they can embark on 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.
With a multitude of surrogacy options available, it’s vital to make a well-considered decision that extends beyond mere pricing. It’s important to select a destination that maximizes the likelihood of realizing the dream of parenthood, particularly for residents of Dunedin (New Zealand).