Disclaimer: This article is an original work by Canbaby Fertility Consultant LTD, a Canadian surrogacy consulting company. Reproduction or redistribution without permission is strictly prohibited.
Surrogacy has become a vital family-building solution for Canadians facing infertility, same-sex couples, or single individuals wishing to become parents. However, Canada’s altruistic-only legal framework for surrogacy presents challenges — particularly for those hoping for more streamlined, timely, or flexible options. This has led to increased interest in international surrogacy, with Colombia emerging as a top destination.
But how does surrogacy in Colombia work for Canadians? What are the legal, medical, and logistical considerations? This article explores the 2025 landscape of Colombian surrogacy for Canadians, including benefits, legal insights, key steps, and how to begin your journey toward parenthood.
Why Are Canadians Choosing Surrogacy Abroad?
Before diving into Colombia specifically, it’s important to understand why Canadians are seeking surrogacy services outside the country:
- Legal restrictions: Canada prohibits commercial surrogacy. Intended parents can only reimburse reasonable expenses to a surrogate. This can limit the pool of available surrogates and increase wait times.
- Limited availability: Finding an altruistic surrogate in Canada often takes 1–3 years.
- Prohibition on gender selection: Canadian law bans non-medical sex selection, making overseas surrogacy attractive for parents seeking gender balancing.
- Faster timelines: Many foreign clinics offer more efficient matching and embryo transfer schedules.
In this context, Colombia has become a popular and affordable surrogacy destination for Canadians in 2025.
Is Surrogacy Legal in Colombia?
Yes — but with caveats.
✅ Legal Status:
Surrogacy is not explicitly prohibited in Colombia, and local clinics have developed regulated internal protocols to facilitate gestational surrogacy. As of 2025, surrogacy agreements are governed by contractual law and family court decisions.
⚠️ Pending Legislation:
There is ongoing legal debate about surrogacy regulation in Colombia. In past years, courts have allowed intended parents, including international ones, to establish legal parentage — especially in cases with clear, documented contracts and the use of their own genetic material.
👫 Who Can Access It:
As of 2025, heterosexual couples, single women, and same-sex couples can access surrogacy services in Colombia, though clinic policies may vary.
⚖️ Important Note: Always work with legal professionals familiar with both Canadian and Colombian family law to ensure your parental rights are secured.
Advantages of Choosing Colombia for Surrogacy
Here’s why Colombia is attracting more Canadian intended parents every year:
1. Lower Costs
Compared to the U.S., where surrogacy can cost CAD $150,000–$200,000, Colombian surrogacy costs range from CAD $60,000–$85,000, often including agency fees, IVF procedures, surrogate compensation, and legal representation.
2. Experienced Medical Clinics
Clinics in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena offer advanced IVF with PGT-A, embryo freezing, and high success rates. Many have bilingual staff and experience working with international clients.
3. Shorter Wait Times
Canadian couples often wait years to find a surrogate domestically. In Colombia, matching may happen in 3–6 months on average.
4. Gender Selection Option
Unlike in Canada, Colombian clinics may allow gender selection through embryo screening (PGT-A), which is legal and commonly practiced in private clinics.
5. Surrogate Compensation is Legal
Colombia allows for fair compensation of surrogates, which increases availability and ensures surrogate commitment.
How the Process Works: Step-by-Step for Canadians
Here’s a simplified roadmap for Canadians pursuing surrogacy in Colombia:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Start by contacting a reputable Colombian clinic or surrogacy agency. Many offer virtual consultations where you can discuss:
- Your fertility history
- Intended parent profile
- Budget
- Timeline
- Legal requirements
Step 2: Medical Screening & Embryo Creation
You’ll undergo fertility evaluations and IVF. This can be done in Canada or Colombia. Many Canadian clinics collaborate with Colombian partners.
If you already have embryos stored in Canada, some agencies can assist with legal embryo transport to Colombia.
Step 3: Surrogate Matching
You’ll be matched with a healthy, fully screened surrogate. Most Colombian clinics perform:
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical screening
- Criminal background checks
You’ll receive a profile and have an opportunity to meet the surrogate virtually or in person.
Step 4: Legal Agreements
Before embryo transfer, your legal team drafts a surrogacy contract. It outlines:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Surrogate compensation
- Parental rights
- Emergency procedures
You’ll need both Colombian and Canadian legal representation to ensure compliance with cross-border laws.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
The surrogate undergoes a frozen embryo transfer (FET), typically after hormone synchronization. Success rates in Colombia are comparable to North American clinics.
Step 6: Pregnancy Monitoring
Clinics provide regular updates, videos, and ultrasound reports. You may choose to travel to Colombia for key milestones or delivery.
Step 7: Birth & Parental Rights
You’ll travel to Colombia around the birth. Your legal team initiates a court process to name you as the legal parents on the birth certificate.
In most cases, both Canadian parents (if applicable) will be listed without mention of the surrogate.
Step 8: Citizenship and Bringing Your Baby to Canada
Once the baby is born:
- Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate (if one parent is Canadian by birth or naturalization).
- Apply for a Canadian passport.
- Complete any additional medical screenings for the baby.
This process may take 4–8 weeks, after which you can return home with your baby.
Is Colombian Surrogacy Right for You?
Colombian surrogacy is best suited for Canadian intended parents who:
- Want a more affordable alternative to U.S. surrogacy
- Are open to cross-border medical care and travel
- Want to select their baby’s gender (when medically legal)
- Seek shorter timelines than what is possible in Canada
It is not ideal for those unwilling to travel or who require very tight medical oversight within Canadian borders.
Legal Considerations for Canadians Using Surrogacy in Colombia
To protect yourself, work with professionals experienced in international surrogacy law. Key points include:
- Colombia recognizes foreign intended parents when contracts are properly executed.
- Canada will recognize your parental status, but you must prove the baby’s connection to a Canadian parent for citizenship.
- Using donor eggs/sperm may complicate legal parentage claims — consult a Canadian fertility lawyer beforehand.
Final Tips for Canadians Considering Surrogacy in Colombia
- Do your due diligence: Vet your agency and clinic. Ask for success rates, references, and transparency on costs.
- Visit Colombia, if possible: Seeing clinics and meeting staff/surrogate builds trust.
- Understand the full timeline: The process from embryo creation to birth and repatriation takes 12–18 months.
- Budget realistically: Account for travel, legal fees, embassy delays, and emergency contingencies.
Conclusion
With rising demand for ethical, affordable, and efficient family-building options, Colombian surrogacy is becoming a preferred path for Canadian intended parents in 2025. While not without complexity, those who prepare thoroughly — legally, medically, and emotionally — are well positioned for a successful outcome.
By understanding both countries’ legal systems, working with trusted agencies, and planning ahead, Canadians can access high-quality surrogacy services abroad while protecting their future family.
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