How Much is Surrogacy in Mexico?

Surrogacy is when a woman who is referred to as the surrogate mother, carries and delivers a baby for an intended parent or a couple. There are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational surrogacy. Surrogacy is often regulated differently in different countries; there are specific laws that guide the process. It is a very important family-building option for couples that cannot carry and deliver their biological children or for single people that desire their biological offspring.

What are the types of surrogacy?

Two main types of surrogacy are widely recognized, they include:

• Gestational surrogacy – this is the most common form of surrogacy, it is also the most preferred type of surrogacy. In this type of surrogacy, there is no biological or genetic connection between the surrogate mother and the baby. The embryo is created from either the egg of a donor or the intended mother, while the sperm is gotten from the intended father or a donor. The fertilization is done in vitro and then the embryo is implanted into the uterus of the surrogate. The surrogate then carries the fetus to term and delivers the baby.
• Traditional surrogacy – Here, the surrogate mother’s egg is used. The sperm of the intended father or even a donor is used to fertilize the surrogate mother through intrauterine insemination. The surrogate mother then carries the baby to term and then delivers the baby for the intended parents to take. In this type of surrogacy, there is a biological connection between the surrogate mother and the baby. This connection gives room for legal and emotional complications, which is why traditional surrogacy is not widely accepted or practiced.

What are the reasons for surrogacy?

Surrogacy is one of the main ways through which thousands of aspiring parents can overcome fertility challenges and be able to expand their families. There are a lot of reasons why intended parents will choose surrogacy as the option for their family expansion aspirations, some of the reasons include:

• Medical issues that affect the reproductive tract of the female – various issues may arise with the uterus, which then makes it impossible for the affected female to carry a pregnancy to term safely. Some medical issues are uterine fibroids, scars, adhesions from infections and surgery, etc.
• Unexplained infertility – this can be the case when the intended couple has tried IVF unsuccessfully or has been trying to conceive for a long time with no success. Surrogacy provides them with an alternative option for growing their family.
• Maternal age – after the age of 35 the risk for complications in pregnancy starts to increase. Surrogacy provides a safe way for women that have passed the age of safe pregnancy to achieve their aim of having a biological child.
• Previous surgeries – if there were previous surgeries that make getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term impossible like a hysterectomy. Surrogacy provides an option for the female to have children with a biological connection to her.

Surrogacy in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most desired destinations for intended parents looking to start their surrogacy journey. This is because they have a legally protected system as well as high financial control over each individually conducted surrogacy program. Surrogacy in Mexico is regulated by state laws rather than a general federal law, similar to what is obtainable in the United States. The majority of all Mexican states apart from Tabasko, allow for international surrogacy for all individuals.

Selecting a surrogate mother in Mexico

This is the most important as well as the most challenging task faced by intended parents. The surrogate must at least have had one successful pregnancy, as well as pass both physical and psychological tests, these conditions are very important for a successful surrogacy journey. It is also very important for the intended parents to connect with the surrogate on an emotional level, and also share some similar values; they should also be comfortable with the surrogate’s physical looks, her background, and her views on important issues. This is why it is advised that intending couples find suitable agencies that can help ease the stress and make the journey as smooth and free of complications as possible. The agencies handle the bulk of the requirements from the legal aspects, the medical requirements, and the emotional requirements of both the intended parents and the surrogate. 

Mexico also welcomes same-sex couples searching for a safe and welcoming place to start their surrogacy journey. Gay surrogacy in Mexico not only allows intended parents to receive access to safe and legal surrogacy services, but it also allows for complete control over the entire program with an added personalized focus. In Mexico, only gestational surrogacy is allowed, which means that the surrogate mother cannot use her eggs.

What is the cost of surrogacy in Mexico?

Surrogacy costs vary depending on the clinic chosen by the intended parents, and the number of services they would request. The typical cost of surrogacy in Mexico ranges from 50k-80k dollars. Agencies may have higher price ranges depending on the services that they offer to intended parents, some may even have hidden charges that may make the surrogacy process just as expensive as seen in the United States.

How to select an agency in Mexico

Professional support from experienced agencies is essential to intended parents, they not only ensure that the process goes hitch-free, but they also provide vital side services, like the provision of counseling and help in the screening of surrogates. 

Before selecting a suitable agency, intended parents should ensure that they have access to the agency staff. They should ensure that the agency has access to lawyers, psychologists, support workers, and local IVF clinic partners that can support both the surrogate and the intended parents. It is also important to understand the entire process and the risks involved. The intended parents should also feel comfortable with the agency and confident that they will protect their interests and ensure the safety of the surrogate and the baby.