Over the years, one of the most common frustrations I hear from intended parents is: “There just aren’t any surrogates or donors available where I live.” In places like Australia, the UK and Canada, this is particularly true. Long waitlists, altruistic-only arrangements, and a limited donor pool mean many parents spend years in limbo. Even in other regions, demand often outweighs availability.
If that’s the situation you’re in, please know it doesn’t mean your journey has to stop. I’ve worked with hundreds of families facing this exact challenge, and there are several pathways forward.
While long waitlists can feel overwhelming, there are proven ways to shorten the journey. Exploring international or hybrid programs often reduces timelines significantly. The key is choosing countries that can safely meet your needs while avoiding hidden risks.
– Nir Keren
Looking beyond borders
For many, the next step is exploring options abroad. Countries like the US, Colombia, and Mexico have broader donor databases and far more surrogates available. Some families are surprised to learn how streamlined these programs can be. Many clinics and agencies have been working with international clients for years and understand the added complexities.
That said, going overseas does require careful planning. Laws vary, IVF success rates differ from country to country, and exit processes for newborns can be tricky if you’re not prepared. But with the right guidance, these hurdles can be managed.
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Expanding donor options
If the roadblock is finding a donor, there are alternatives worth considering. Pre-screened Donor egg programs or donor banks can provide near-instant access to profiles. In some clinic, donor embryos are also an option. Growing Families can steer you to options to suit.
Related blog: Should You Consider Creating Your Embryos Abroad?
And if you already have embryos in one country, that doesn’t mean you’re locked into staying there. I’ve seen many families ship embryos across borders to work with a surrogate elsewhere; something people often don’t realise is possible until they ask.
Many intended parents worry about shipping embryos internationally or working with clinics abroad. In my experience, with proper protocols, cross-border embryo transfers are safe, and families can access the treatments they need without compromising outcomes.
– Dr. Rahi Victory
Hybrid programs: combining strengths
One solution we’re seeing more families turn to is hybrid programs. These combine the strengths of different countries to provide a solution that wouldn’t be possible in just one location.
Hybrid programs are designed to help intended parents overcome obstacles that a single-country program can’t always address. These may include limited donor availability of certain ethnic groups, difficulty finding a surrogate, or wanting access to higher IVF success rates in one country while benefiting from stronger legal protections or delivery logistics in another.
In a hybrid program, some parts of the process like donor selection and embryo creation take place in one country, while the pregnancy and birth may happen in another. For example, parents might create embryos in a country with high IVF success rates, then transfer them to a program abroad where costs are more favourable. The key is flexibility: hybrid programs allow families to combine the advantages of multiple locations to solve the specific challenges standing in their way.
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It’s important to note that hybrid programs aren’t about “cutting corners.” They’re about flexibility and creating a pathway that works when traditional single-country models don’t.
Why guidance matters
Hybrid programs are more complex than a single-country program. In particular, logistics, costs and additional paperwork all need to be understood and coordinated. But they do work, and I’ve seen IPs who thought they had no options go on to build the families they dreamed of through hybrid options.
Growing Families guidance can help you avoid hidden risks, understand which countries align with your needs, and make sure you’re not left with unexpected costs or delays.
Timelines and costs differ greatly across countries, and many families are surprised to discover that the same process can cost tens of thousands less elsewhere. The real challenge isn’t just finding lower costs or shorter timelines, it’s ensuring you remain fully protected legally and medically. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference.
– Nir Keren
If you’re struggling to find a surrogate or donor at home, it can feel like every door is closed. But I can tell you, from years of experience, that doors do open. Whether through international programs, donor banks, or hybrid solutions, there are pathways that can help you move forward.
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. And with the right support, your dream of parenthood is still possible. Reach out to us.
