Choosing surrogacy is a decision fraught with challenges for couples in New Zealand. 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.
Hence, apart from mustering strength, love, and patience to confront the potential obstacles along the way, it is equally important to be financially prepared for the entirety of the surrogacy process.
It is understandable that surrogacy entails significant expenses, regardless of the selected destination. However, many intended parents are eager to explore avenues for potential cost savings along their surrogacy journey.
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 emerged as a premier choice for surrogacy, renowned for its inclusive, accessible, and affordable options. Family Aims, a highly respected international surrogacy agency, offers exceptional support to intended parents from various countries, managing their stay and handling legal and clinical procedures in Colombia. Their commitment to keeping costs in line with the initial budget agreed upon at the start of the surrogacy process sets them apart, ensuring a smooth and financially manageable experience for all involved.
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.
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
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 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.
Therefore, it is to be taken into account that the costs may even exceed 200,000 USD, a figure that may increase depending on the surrogacy method chosen, as well as on the number of attempts included.
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.
Considering the current restrictive legislation in Georgia, which imposes various complications even for the country’s residents, this destination may be a viable option in terms of legality but proves to be challenging for those interested in accessing surrogacy services.
4. Cyprus
Several European countries provide their residents with highly affordable surrogacy options. Cyprus, for instance, is host to specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at approximately 65,000 USD, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking cost-effective surrogacy within Europe.
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.
This limitation results in foreigners who apply for being gestational carriers, but they must travel to another country to give birth to the newborn, which increases the costs and the risks of surrogacy, as well as the legal fees.
Moreover, the paperwork required for intended parents without European nationality is extensive, leading to additional expenses to access specific services and facilitate unrestricted movement during the surrogacy procedures.
Consequently, surrogacy in this country necessitates meticulous financial planning as an essential factor to consider.
5. Mexico
Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that allows surrogacy, but regulations are only clear in a few 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.
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.
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.
While residents residing near states where surrogacy is allowed may have easier access, the absence of adequate training in some healthcare facilities can complicate matters for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time. These concerns arise due to the lack of assurance regarding social security benefits, which may not be on par with those provided in 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.
Affordable prices for residents of New Zealand
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.
However, it’s vital to be able to have a plan and anticipate any setback that may generate complications in any of its members, as well as affect the emotional and economic stability of its members.
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 New Zealand.
