Hey everyone! Let’s talk about surrogacy for a minute. If you’re thinking about starting your family this way, you probably have lots of questions — which is the Best Country for Surrogacy? Where are the laws more supportive? How much does it cost, and what’s the medical care like for the Surrogate Mother? Don’t worry, we’ll go through everything step by step. First, we’ll explore which countries allow surrogacy and which don’t, and then I’ll share my thoughts on which one truly stands out as the Best Country for Surrogacy.
First: Which Countries Allow Surrogacy, and Which Don’t?
Surrogacy is a pretty big deal worldwide, and it’s a mixed bag. Some places are totally cool with it legally and culturally, while others have banned it outright. Let’s take a quick look:
Countries Where Surrogacy Is Legal:
- Iran: Surrogacy is both religiously and legally okay here. Shia scholars say it’s fine as long as there’s no unethical stuff, like extramarital relations, involved. Contracts need to be drawn up with a lawyer at reputable centers, but there’s no comprehensive law yet. After birth, the baby is handed directly to the genetic parents.
- United States: In some states like California, surrogacy is fully legal, and the baby’s documents are registered in the genetic parents’ names before birth. But in places like Arizona, there are restrictions.
- Ukraine: It’s legal only for married couples, and the laws protect the genetic parents.
- Greece: Legal for both couples and single women, with good cultural support.
- Russia: Surrogacy is commercial and open to foreign parents. Cities like Moscow have plenty of specialized clinics.
- Canada: It’s non-commercial, meaning only medical and pregnancy-related expenses are paid to the surrogate. The laws are very ethical.
- Jordan: Legal only for married Muslim couples.
- India: Used to be a surrogacy hotspot, but now surrogacy in India is only allowed for Indian couples and must be non-commercial.
- Georgia: Has clear laws and supports genetic parents.
- Mexico: Open to foreigners and even same-sex parents, but the laws aren’t super precise.
Countries Where Surrogacy Is Banned:
- Saudi Arabia: Completely forbidden and considered religiously impermissible by Sunni scholars.
- Italy: Banned, whether commercial or non-commercial. The surrogate is considered the legal mother.
- China: Banned since 2001, with heavy penalties for those involved in surrogacy in China.
- France: Illegal, and contracts have no legal standing.
- Turkey: Illegal, and Sunni religious authorities oppose it.
- Egypt: Prohibited both religiously and legally.
- Malaysia and Indonesia: Banned due to Sunni Islamic rulings and cultural concerns.
- United Arab Emirates: Currently banned, but laws are being reviewed.
- Spain: Completely prohibited.
Alright, now that we’ve got a clear picture of the legal landscape, let’s dive into which country is the best for surrogacy.
The Best Country for Surrogacy: Iran
In my opinion, if I had to pick the best country for surrogacy, it’s Iran. Why? Let’s break it down:
- Super Affordable Costs: In Iran, surrogacy costs between $20,000 and $35,000. Compare that to the U.S., where it’s $90,000 to $150,000, or even Canada, which is $60,000 to $80,000, and you’ll see surrogacy cost Iran is a steal. Even Jordan, at $30,000 to $50,000, is pricier. For anyone on a budget, this is a huge plus.
- Clear and Supportive Laws: Surrogacy in Iran is approved both religiously and legally. Contracts are registered officially, and the baby is handed directly to the genetic parents after birth. This means you’re legally secure. Sure, there’s no fully comprehensive law yet, but with a good lawyer and reputable centers, everything runs smoothly.
- High-Quality Medical Care: Iran’s fertility clinics are top-notch. With cutting-edge equipment and experienced doctors, they’re ready to make the process as smooth as possible. In this area, Iran competes with places like the U.S. and Canada but at a fraction of the cost.
- Cultural Acceptance: In Iran, the general culture and religious perspective are positive toward surrogacy. This makes couples feel more comfortable and emotionally supported.
- Geographic Proximity for Iranians: If you’re Iranian or live in the Middle East, Iran’s a great choice because of its cultural and geographic closeness. No need for long, expensive trips or extra costs for accommodation.
Comparison with Other Countries
Now, let’s do a solid comparison to see how Iran stacks up against other countries:
- United States: If you want the world’s most advanced clinics and top-notch IVF equipment, the U.S. is king. States like California have crystal-clear laws, and the baby’s documents are registered to the genetic parents before birth. But here’s the catch: costs are sky-high, ranging from $90,000 to $150,000. Plus, laws vary by state—places like Arizona have strict restrictions. If money’s no object, the U.S. is fantastic, but for most people, the price is a dealbreaker.
- Canada: Canada’s a dream for anyone wanting an ethical process. Surrogacy here is strictly non-commercial, meaning surrogates only get paid for medical and pregnancy expenses. The clinics are excellent, and many costs are covered by insurance. But the downside? It’s still $60,000 to $80,000, and finding a willing surrogate is tough since they don’t get paid extra. If you want a clean, no-middleman process, Canada’s great, but you’ll need patience.
- Ukraine: Ukraine’s a solid pick for married couples. Costs are $40,000 to $65,000, which is way more affordable than the U.S. or Canada. The clinics are high-quality too. But there’s a big limitation: it’s only for married couples. If you’re single or looking for options as an individual, Ukraine’s off the table.
- Russia: Like Ukraine, Russia’s open to married couples and even foreign parents. It’s commercial, with costs between $40,000 and $60,000. You’ll find professional clinics in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. But since it’s commercial, you’ll need to pay the surrogate a significant fee, which might not sit well with everyone.
- Greece: Greece is great for both couples and single women. The laws are clear, and culturally, they’re very accepting of surrogacy. They even offer good psychological support for both the parents and the surrogate. Costs are $60,000 to $80,000, but the clinics aren’t quite as advanced as those in Iran, the U.S., or Canada. If you want a culturally supportive environment with decent laws, Greece is a good bet.
- Jordan: For married Muslim couples, Jordan’s a close and affordable option. Costs are $30,000 to $50,000, cheaper than many other places. Its culture is similar to Iran’s, and it’s easier for Iranians to travel there. But it’s limited to married Muslim couples, and the clinics aren’t as advanced as those in top-tier countries.
- India: India used to be a surrogacy hotspot, but now it’s only for Indian couples and non-commercial. Costs are $80,000 to $100,000, and finding a surrogate is harder since it’s not commercial anymore. If you’re not Indian, you can scratch this one off your list.
- Mexico: Mexico’s open to foreigners and same-sex parents, but the laws aren’t very precise, which can make things a bit risky. Costs are $80,000 to $100,000, which is pricier than Iran or Jordan.
- Georgia: Georgia has clear laws and reasonable costs, around $40,000 to $60,000. The clinics are decent but not on par with the U.S. or Canada. It’s a good option for married couples.
One Important Note
Choosing the best country depends on your needs. If you’re on a tight budget, Iran and Jordan are your best bets—they’re affordable and culturally comfortable. If you want cutting-edge facilities and legal peace of mind, the U.S. and Canada are top-notch, but you’ll need deep pockets. Ukraine and Russia are great for married couples with a moderate budget, and Greece is ideal for those seeking cultural support and options for single women. But all things considered, Iran stands out for its combo of low costs, high-quality medical care, clear laws, and cultural and geographic proximity—especially for Iranians.
Wrap-Up
Surrogacy is an amazing solution for those dreaming of parenthood. Countries like Iran, the U.S., Ukraine, and Greece have made it legal, while places like Saudi Arabia, China, and France have banned it. For me, Iran’s the top choice because it’s affordable, has great clinics, and supports genetic parents legally. If you have questions or need guidance, you can message +989379204479 on WhatsApp. Hope this chat helps you make the best decision!