By Olivia Howard Coto

You may be a potential surrogate mother or are wondering about getting an international surrogate. It is best to familiarize yourself with the laws and ethics of surrogacy in the U.S. and other countries. It is a good idea to figure out which countries’ laws and ethics surrounding surrogacy are right for you. If you are looking for Surrogate pregnancy info you can reach out to us here at Surrogacy Choices ,our agencies are across the nation.

Surrogacy Laws In Other Countries 

Surrogacy laws vary between countries. Canada, Finland, and the Netherlands have laws in place for no animosity. This means the parents are obligated once the child is eighteen to disclose all the circumstances of the birth. Some countries like Russia have had cases where, due to the process of taking legal action on parental rights. The surrogate mothers have been able to fight to keep custody of the children they have given birth to. 

Some countries allow surrogacy. However, it is not regulated by laws. Some countries that do not have laws regulating surrogacy include Spain and Greece. Some may also require citizenship or residency for the intended parents and maybe for the surrogate as well. 

China and other countries have a regulation of human-assisted reproductive technology (ART) law. Countries like Germany have made any kind of surrogacy illegal.

Surrogacy is legal in Kenya but they do not have any laws governing surrogacy. Also, it is said that foreigners avoid surrogacy unless they have a high-risk tolerance. It is helpful to read about others’ experience in surrogacy. How do these countries treat foreigners? What will it be like as a foreigner to be an intended parent or a surrogate within these countries. 

Ukraine has a high level of reproductive medication and protects the legal rights of the biological parents. 

Surrogacy Travel Costs 

It is a good idea to figure out travel costs. If you’re planning on being a surrogate for the purpose of compensation make sure to figure out how much you will gain and if that is right for you. As an intended parent it is wise to figure out the money you will have to spend for travel, medical, law aspects.  

Some countries like Canada and Portugal allow surrogacy if it is not commercialized. Meaning as long as the surrogate is not paid it is allowed. It is best to think about how you feel about Surrogacy Compensation. When you are deciding where to be a surrogate or where to find one. Compensation is considered a criminal offense in Australia while altruistic and non compensated surrogacy areare legal. 

Figuring when/how long you’ll be within the surrogate country and how many trips you’d have to take is also something to consider. You may want to be in the surrogate country for the embryo transfer, the screenings, and the birth. Where will you stay, and how much will that cost? You may need someone to translate for you. All of these items can add up in price. 

Surrogacy tourism 

Some countries are known for their fertility tourism. India, for example, legalized surrogacy in 2002 just so they could gain more tourism from it. They used to be a popular area for international surrogacy up until 2015. However, they now have more laws regulating cross-border surrogacy, therefore prohibiting it. Before then, Indian clinics could do whatever they pleased when it came to cross-border surrogacy. 

Surrogacy Laws In The USA

It is important to note that surrogacy laws don’t just vary from country to country. Here in the U.S., surrogacy laws can vary from state to state. It is best to understand the laws of the states you are looking at as well as if those laws fit your journey. With what you believe to be ethical to you. 

Surrogacy lawyers

Always look out for surrogacy rights and how they vary from country to country and state to state. No matter where you end up, surrogacy-wise. Make sure to always get a lawyer who is familiar with surrogacy within the area you decide to go to. They can help you navigate the laws of surrogacy. It is important to consult with legal experts in the relevant jurisdictions for specific advice on your surrogacy journey. Make sure to understand all the aspects of your journey and if it is right for you. 

International Surrogacy 

Overall, international and domestic surrogacy are both options. If you do decide to go internationally, make sure to know the laws of the country well and that you agree with their laws. A Lawyer who knows the laws best is always a good idea to have! If you have any questions, you can reach out to us here at Surrogacy Choices. We are here to help with the surrogacy process.