The cost of surrogacy overseas can vary significantly between destinations. The USA is a popular destination for international surrogacy but many people can’t afford the cost of surrogacy in the USA. Costs in the US vary but it’s not uncommon for the overall cost of a surrogacy arrangement to be $200,000 to $250,000.
Surrogacy destinations often emerge in countries which have no laws relating to surrogacy. There have been cases where surrogacy laws have been implemented in these countries at short notice, leaving people with surrogacy arrangements underway in a state of limbo.
Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine was a very popular destination for international surrogacy (although only available to married heterosexual couples). Emerging destinations for surrogacy include Colombia and Mexico as well as some African countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.
Whilst cost will be a significant factor to consider, it’s important to think about the ethical issues around surrogacy in the country concerned. What motivates women to be surrogates, will you be able to meet them, what will they be paid?
Much of the legal process in the UK will be post birth so it’s important to ensure that there’s an ongoing line of communication with the surrogate as well as transparency in terms of what the surrogate is receiving by way of payments.
Children born through surrogacy will often be curious about their surrogate as they grow older, and so the ability to communicate/keep in touch with their surrogate might be an important consideration.