Surrogacy in Canada

Surrogacy in Canada

Surrogacy in Canada has had phenomenal growth in demand due to Canada’s legal framework, professionalism, and surrogate support.

Surrogacy in Canada is available to all types of intended parents, regardless of gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. Canada has a strong surrogate-led culture within a legal framework often classified as ‘altruistic’ rather than ‘commercial’.

Currently, times to be matched with a surrogate in Canada can be quite extensive, with most intended parents waiting over a year.

How does surrogacy in Canada work?

Canada is one of the few destinations around the world where international intended parents can enter into a surrogacy agreement with a surrogate which (in most Canadian provinces) is legally-recognised and makes them their child’s legal parents from birth.

Canadian federal law, however, makes it a criminal offence to pay a surrogate, egg or sperm donor any more than expenses.  While surrogacy agency services are legal in Canada, the law also criminalises payment to an agency solely for introducing an intended parent to a surrogate. There are Canadian surrogacy consultancies which can help intended parents to find a surrogate in Canada.   Canada also offers fertility clinics which can support the medical side of surrogacy.

In Canada, surrogacy is often embraced as a calling with an outward focus on altruism and relationships and so, for many Canadian surrogates, having an ongoing relationship with their recipients is a key expectation, so as international intended parents you need to commit to a relationship with your surrogate.  You will need to be present when your baby is born and will be immediately responsible post birth. 

How do I choose which organisation to work with? 

Choosing the right professional service providers is key to both the success and smooth experience of an international surrogacy journey.  Drawing on recommendations from past clients and non-profits such as Growing Families is always helpful, as well as doing your own due diligence and visiting those you are considering engaging with. 

Growing Families have years of experience in international cross-border surrogacy and worldwide connections with surrogacy professionals. We can advise on what to look for if you are considering surrogacy in Canada and what other hurdles and risks you need to consider. 

Surrogacy in Canada typically costs $80,000 to $120,000 Canadian dollars. Costs are largely associated with how many embryo transfers are required, surrogate travel costs and unanticipated surrogate expenses.

What is the wait time for a Canadian surrogacy journey?

Wait time for surrogates within the best Canadian surrogacy agency currently range from 10-18 months depending on the service provider. This is inherent in an altruistic model and intended parents looking at Surrogacy need to understand these limitations.

Do I need Newborn medical insurance for Canada?

Yes, you do.  All newborn babies require hospital medical insurance no matter what province of Canada. 

Fertility Clinics in Canada 

Canada has excellent public healthcare system and good quality IVF Facilities.  However, no territory in Canada has a full-service fertility clinic.  Some provinces have very few or none, and almost all fertility clinics are in major cities.

Growing Families can assist and advise you in your fertility clinic research and decision making for the right IVF clinic in Canada. 

Understand Your Options 

Growing Families can help you understand Canadian surrogacy, and other international cross border surrogacy options with our Understand Your Options consultation. 

If you have questions or to book a meeting, please complete this form.

Growing Families offer you an Understand Your Options consultation to talk about all the destinations that might be an option for you, based on your personal circumstances and hopes for your surrogacy journey.