by Choosing surrogacy is a decision fraught with challenges for couples in Christchurch. 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 arming oneself with strength, love, and patience to face the obstacles that may arise along the way, it’s also necessary to be financially prepared for the whole process.
While the high costs associated with surrogacy are comprehensible regardless of the chosen destination, many intended parents often wonder where they can find opportunities to save money during the process.
This article showcases a compilation of the top destinations that offer more economical options for surrogacy, carefully evaluating the pros and cons of 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 Christchurch, 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.
Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.
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.
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
While the United States offers a wide range of surrogacy options through its extensive network of expert agencies and specialized clinics, the cost of surrogacy treatments in the country can pose a significant financial challenge for foreign intended parents. Moreover, obtaining a specific visa for surrogacy purposes can be a costly endeavor or, in some instances, entirely out of reach depending on the nationality of the intended parents.
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.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the costs for surrogacy can potentially surpass 200,000 USD, and this amount may increase based 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.
The base cost of surrogacy in Georgia is 55,000 USD. However, the new legislation that come into force in 2024 forbids surrogacy for foreigners, which limits access to this treatment to same-sex couples, and foreigners who decide to carry out surrogacy in this country.
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.
Nevertheless, the high demand for surrogacy procedures coupled with a small local population results in limited candidate availability. As a consequence, there is often a need to expand the search beyond the country’s borders to find suitable surrogates to carry out the procedure.
As a result of this restriction, foreigners who seek to become gestational carriers are required to travel to a different country to give birth to the newborn. This, in turn, raises the costs, risks, and legal fees associated with the surrogacy process.
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
Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that allows surrogacy, but regulations are only clear in a few states.
As a result, those interested in surrogacy are required to travel to these particular regions to pursue the procedure, or explore the option of attempting it in another state, which introduces uncertainty regarding the legal process.
Furthermore, the rising demand for surrogacy services, coupled with legal restrictions in other parts of the country, drives up the cost of the process to approximately 55,000 USD. Additionally, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not always possess specialized expertise.
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 the legality of surrogacy in the specified states, there is typically limited demand for this procedure due to their lack of popularity as tourist destinations and limited economic investment. As a result, foreigners may be dissuaded from selecting these states as the preferred choice for their surrogacy journey.
Competitive pricing for residents of Christchurch
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 Christchurch.
