Surrogacy laws worldwide:
a guide for Intended Parents
a guide for Intended Parents
Surrogacy laws vary widely around the world. Some countries allow only altruistic surrogacy, in which surrogates are reimbursed for pregnancy-related expenses. Others prohibit surrogacy altogether. A select few, however, allow compensated surrogacy, attracting international intended parents seeking broader options.
Our world map infographic breaks down these laws, highlighting countries that allow altruistic, compensated (commercial), or no surrogacy, to help intended parents navigate the best options for their journey.
Our world map infographic breaks down these laws, highlighting countries that allow altruistic, compensated (commercial), or no surrogacy, to help intended parents navigate the best options for their journey.
Altruistic surrogacy
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Greece
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
United Kingdom
Vietnam
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Greece
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
United Kingdom
Vietnam
In countries that allow only altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate is eligible for reimbursement of reasonable pregnancy-related expenses. This includes costs like medical and legal fees, as well as potential expenses for travel, childcare, maternity clothing, health insurance, and even compensation for time taken off work or additional housekeeping needs. These reimbursements ensure that the surrogate is not out-of-pocket for any expenses arising from the pregnancy but does not receive payment beyond that
Commercial surrogacy
Armenia
Cyprus
Georgia
Israel
Iran
Kazakhstan
Mexico
Ukraine
United States
Cyprus
Georgia
Israel
Iran
Kazakhstan
Mexico
Ukraine
United States
In a small number of countries, compensated or commercial surrogacy agreements are legal, allowing the surrogate to receive payment or other material benefits for carrying the pregnancy, in addition to all allowable expense reimbursements. These arrangements provide intended parents with a more streamlined and structured process, making these destinations popular among those exploring international surrogacy options
Our infographic map highlights the countries and states where same-sex couples can currently access commercial surrogacy, providing clarity on global options for family building.
These destinations have emerged as key hubs, each with its own set of laws and requirements that same-sex intended parents must navigate. Understanding these options can help ensure a smoother, more informed surrogacy experience.
These destinations have emerged as key hubs, each with its own set of laws and requirements that same-sex intended parents must navigate. Understanding these options can help ensure a smoother, more informed surrogacy experience.
Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ couples
Cyprus
Israel
Mexico
United States
Israel
Mexico
United States
Only a handful of places worldwide offer commercial gestational surrogacy services to same-sex couples, either through full legal regulation or as a practice recognized in reality. This limited availability makes it crucial for intended parents to understand where and how they can pursue their surrogacy journey.