If you’re just starting out or are already on your surrogacy journey, you might be wondering what makes surrogate agencies around the world so different from one another. When it comes down to it, you have to look at factors like cost, regulations, and service levels. You might even find that one agency specializes in a certain type of surrogacy over another. 

Let’s take a closer look at what makes all of the surrogate agencies you are researching around the world so different and what you need to know when choosing who to partner with on your journey.

The Legalities of Surrogacy

One of the biggest differences you will uncover has to do with the legalities of surrogacy. The difference between agencies comes down to what the law says. Let’s break down a few of the countries below to give you a good idea of what to expect. 

United States

Surrogacy in the US is legal in many, but not all, states. Agencies you will find in states like California, Nevada, and Illinois have years of experience under their belts, which include established frameworks and clear processes for securing parental rights. The contracts you find in the US are very detailed and legally enforceable. This gives intended parents and surrogates a strong layer of protection as they move forward through the process.

Canada

Surrogacy in Canada is legal but altruistic. This means that surrogates can’t receive compensation beyond having their reasonable expenses covered. Agencies in Canada often focus more on matching and support rather than on the financial arrangements.

Ukraine and Georgia

Both of these countries historically welcome international parents with clear legal protections in place, especially for heterosexual, married couples looking to build their families. Agencies in these countries also tend to place more emphasis on straightforward processes and their relatively affordable pricing compared to countries like the US and Canada.

Other Countries

In other countries, like the UK or Australia, for example, you will find that surrogacy is tightly regulated and typically altruistic. Agencies in these countries act more as coordinators and support systems than full-service organizations. 

Learning the legalities of each country is important as an intended parent because it’s the laws and regulations that will show you how they draft contracts and guide you through the process of bringing your child home. 

The Costs and What’s Included

Surrogacy can be an expensive process, and what an agency bundles into the price can vary drastically from one country to the next. 

United States

Costs in the United States are usually much higher than in other countries and can range between $100,00 and $200,000 in many cases. This higher price tag often includes surrogate compensation, medical costs, legal services, agency fees, and sometimes extras like counseling and escrow management. 

Georgia and Ukraine

Before the war in Ukraine shifted options when it comes to surrogacy, the costs had traditionally been much lower than in other countries and often ranged between $40,000 and $70,000. Agencies in these countries place more of a focus on affordability and efficiency with the surrogacy process. However, as intended parents, you will still need to budget for travel and all the international legwork that might be involved. 

Canada

Surrogate compensation isn’t permitted in Canada, but you will still find that the overall costs typically reach $60,000 to $90,000 once you factor in all the medical, legal, and agency service expenses.

Other Destinations

Countries in Latin America and even parts of Asia sometimes promote surrogacy at a much lower cost, but their standards of care, legal protections, and agency oversight might vary and not align with what you will find in other countries. 

Surrogate Screening and Support

The way top surrogacy agencies screen and support surrogate mothers also says a lot about where their priorities are. 

• In the US, agencies conduct extensive medical, psychological, and background checks before they approve a surrogate. You will also find that ongoing support groups and counseling services are common. 
• In Canada, it’s more about relationship-building. Many focus more on creating a closer bond between the surrogate and intended parents.
• In Ukraine and Georgia, the screening process is considered medical first, and they tend to prioritize health and fertility criteria. 
• In other altruistic systems like the UK, agencies often operate more like non-profits and guide surrogates through the process with counseling and community-based resources.

The level of care a surrogate receives highlights the overall stability you will find in that country’s surrogacy arrangement and process. 

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Surrogacy Journey

While surrogacy agencies around the world might share the same goal of helping intended parents welcome a child, the way they go about it might look different. For intended parents, understanding the differences between the countries can help you find the ideal way to approach the surrogacy journey. 

Choosing an agency isn’t just about the costs or the convenience. You should be confident that your path to parenthood is in safe hands.