What Surrogacy Looks Like Around the World

What Surrogacy Looks Like Around the World

Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that brings hope and happiness to countless couples and individuals worldwide. However, the practice of surrogacy is far from uniform across the globe. Each country has its own laws, regulations, and cultural perspectives that shape what surrogacy looks like. In this beginner’s guide, we will take you on a journey around the world to explore the diverse landscape of surrogacy.

Understanding Surrogacy Basics

Before we dive into the global perspectives on surrogacy, let’s ensure we’re on the same page about what surrogacy actually is. Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. There are two main types of surrogacy:

1. Traditional Surrogacy: In this form, the surrogate mother uses her own egg, making her biologically related to the child.
2. Gestational Surrogacy: Here, the surrogate carries a baby created using either the intended mother’s or a donor’s egg and the intended father’s or a donor’s sperm, meaning she is not biologically related to the child.

Surrogacy in North America

United States: Surrogacy is well-established and widely practiced in the United States. Laws vary from state to state, but it is generally considered surrogacy-friendly. Intended parents, surrogates, and the medical professionals involved have clear legal protections. Agencies and clinics offer comprehensive support throughout the process.

Canada: Surrogacy in Canada is altruistic, meaning surrogates cannot receive payment beyond reasonable expenses. While this makes it more challenging to find surrogates, Canada is known for its supportive legal framework and strong healthcare system. Wait times for surrogates can average 3 years due to the nature of their surrogate system and supply.

Surrogacy in Europe

United Kingdom: Surrogacy in the UK is regulated by law. Surrogates cannot be paid beyond reasonable expenses, and commercial surrogacy is prohibited. However, altruistic surrogacy is permitted, and intended parents can apply for parental orders to gain legal parenthood.

Russia: Commercial surrogacy is legal in Russia, and it has become a destination for many international intended parents. The country’s medical expertise and clear legal framework attract those seeking surrogacy services. However, following the outbreak of war in the Ukraine and with Russia, there have been issues with Intended Parents not getting the paperwork they needed to take their babies home.

Surrogacy in Asia

India: India was once a major hub for commercial surrogacy, but in 2015, it banned surrogacy for foreign couples, limiting the practice to Indian citizens. This decision was made to protect the interests of surrogate mothers.

Thailand: Similar to India, Thailand used to be a popular destination for surrogacy. However, after some high-profile cases, Thailand introduced strict regulations in 2015 that effectively banned commercial surrogacy for foreigners.

Surrogacy in South America

Colombia: Colombia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for surrogacy, mainly due to its favorable legal climate and affordability compared to some Western countries. Surrogacy is legal and somewhat regulated here. However, there are still risks for women being exploited.

Argentina: Argentina passed a law in 2020 that allows surrogacy for all, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status. This progressive move has made Argentina an attractive option for many intended parents. However, there are still risks for women being exploited and forced into surrogacy.

Surrogacy in Africa

South Africa: South Africa is one of the few African countries where surrogacy is legal. The country has well-defined regulations to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved are protected. However, there are still risks for women being exploited and forced into surrogacy.

Cultural Perspectives on Surrogacy

Beyond the legal aspects, cultural perspectives play a significant role in shaping what surrogacy looks like in different parts of the world. Here are some key insights:

• Western Countries: In countries like the United States and Canada, surrogacy is often seen as a way to expand families, and it is generally accepted by society. The emphasis is on the happiness of the intended parents, as well as a balance with the rights of the surrogate and her health and well-being.
• Eastern Countries: In some Asian countries, such as India and Thailand (before the bans), surrogacy was seen as an opportunity for surrogate mothers to provide for their families. The financial aspect was a driving force, but there was a huge risk of women being forced to be surrogates without informed consent.
• Latin America: In countries like Colombia and Argentina, surrogacy is becoming more accepted and accessible, aligning with global trends toward inclusivity. There remains a risk of women being exploited due to a not strong legal framework to protect their rights and healthcare is of course sub standard to the US.
• African Countries: South Africa, with its progressive approach, leads the way in Africa. However, in many African nations, surrogacy is not yet widely practiced or understood. There remains a risk of women being exploited due to a not strong legal framework to protect their rights and healthcare is of course sub standard to the US.

Heartwarming Surrogacy Stories from Around the World

Surrogacy is not just about laws and regulations; it’s about the incredible stories of hope, love, and resilience. Let’s take a moment to share some heartwarming surrogacy stories from different corners of the globe:

1. The American Dream: Meet John and Sarah, a couple from California who struggled with infertility for years. With the help of a compassionate surrogate, they welcomed their daughter, Emma, into the world, making their American dream come true.
2. The Colombian Connection: Ana, a surrogate from Bogota, helped Maria and Carlos, a Colombian couple, achieve their dream of parenthood. Their journey was marked by the strong bonds formed between Ana and the intended parents.
3. The UK Triumph: Emma and Sophie, a same-sex couple from the UK, embarked on a surrogacy journey that resulted in the birth of their twins, Lily and Oliver. The UK’s supportive legal framework made their dream of becoming parents a reality.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is a global phenomenon, with each country offering a unique perspective on this remarkable journey. Whether you are an intended parent or someone curious about surrogacy, it’s essential to understand the various legal, cultural, and personal aspects that shape surrogacy practices worldwide. No matter where you are on your surrogacy journey, there is a community of support and hope ready to embrace you. In the end, surrogacy is about creating families, spreading love, and turning dreams into reality, no matter where you are in the world.

Sources:

1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. “A Guide to Surrogacy.” https://www.reproductivefacts.org
2. Surrogacy UK. “Surrogacy in the UK: Your Questions Answered.” https://www.surrogacyuk.org
3. The Telegraph. “UK Surrogacy Law Explained.” https://www.telegraph.co.uk
4. Russian Government. “Surrogacy in Russia.” https://government.ru
5. Surrogacy in India. “Surrogacy Regulations in India.” https://surrogacyinindia.com
6. The Guardian. “Thailand Bans Commercial Surrogacy for Foreigners.” https://www.theguardian.com
7. Colombia Reports. “Colombia Allows Commercial Surrogacy.” https://colombiareports.com
8. The New York Times. “Argentina Passes Law Allowing Surrogacy.” https://www.nytimes.com
9. South African Department of Health. “Guidelines for Surrogate Motherhood.” https://www.health.gov.za