Surrogacy in
Mexico
Surrogacy in Mexico: Is it Right for You?
Curious about surrogacy in Mexico? Learn what’s involved, what to consider, and whether it’s the right fit for your journey.
Navigating surrogacy in Mexico with Growing Families
Mexico has become a leading destination for affordable surrogacy programs, with costs often just one-third of those in the United States, all while maintaining medical excellence. Full-service surrogacy agencies have been operating there for over a decade, establishing a proven track record of success and ethical practice. They provide comprehensive surrogacy services that guide international intended parents through every step.
A landmark moment for surrogacy in Mexico came in 2021 when the Mexican Supreme Court declared surrogacy a protected medical procedure, allowing intended parents — regardless of sexual orientation or marital status — to pursue surrogacy in Mexico. However, legal implementation varies by state, with cities such as Mexico City having fully supportive policies.
Growing Families helps you choose a reputable surrogacy agency in regions with streamlined processes to make your surrogacy journey as smooth as possible.
Who can build a family through surrogacy in Mexico?
Same-sex & LGBTQ+ couples
Heterosexual couples
Singles, both men and women
How surrogacy in Mexico works
Mexico’s surrogacy process involves several steps:
Agency selection and consultation
The first step is choosing an experienced surrogacy service provider. They will be in charge of coordinating all medical, legal, and logistical aspects.
Surrogate matching
Your chosen agency will initiate the surrogate-matching process. All potential surrogates undergo extensive medical screening (e.g., infectious disease testing and uterine assessment) and psychological evaluations to make sure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the journey. You will be able to review profiles and connect with your potential surrogate mother.
Legal contracts
Once a match is made, professionals specializing in surrogacy legal matters will draft an agreement. These contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of the intended parents and the surrogate, ensuring clarity on the child’s parentage.
Medical Protocols and IVF
The medical phase begins with in vitro fertilization (IVF). In Mexico, only gestational surrogacy is permitted, meaning the surrogate mother carries the baby but is not genetically related to the child, making it easier to establish legal parenthood.
Embryos are formed at top Mexican clinics, often using an egg donor. Egg donation in Mexico requires donors to remain anonymous. For intended fathers who are HIV-positive, advanced techniques such as sperm washing are available. If you have existing embryos, some agencies can arrange for their shipment to Mexico.
Embryo Transfer
Once your surrogate mother is ready, the embryo transfer takes place. Many clinics in Mexico follow a one-embryo transfer policy to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
Pregnancy and surrogate care
Throughout the pregnancy, your surrogate will live in her own home and receive exceptional medical care. Ethical programs prioritize surrogate care to ensure she and her family receive legal, emotional, and medical support. This includes regular visits from a social worker, support counseling, and direct contact with you.
Birth and post-birth legal steps
You will need to travel to Mexico for the birth of your child. Afterward, the process to establish you as the legal parent begins. The process involves obtaining the birth certificate with your name(s), which typically takes one to two days. A DNA test may be required by the baby’s destination country’s government to prove a genetic link and facilitate the issuance of citizenship and travel documents.
While the children born in Mexico are eligible for Mexican citizenship and a Mexican passport, it is typically faster to secure travel documents from your home country. Plan to stay in Mexico for 3–12 weeks post-birth to complete all legalities.
Cost of surrogacy in Mexico
Surrogacy costs typically range from USD 60,000 to 96,000, which includes agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal services, and medical procedures at IVF clinics. Selecting a transparent, reputable agency is vital to avoid hidden costs.
Growing Families can assist in planning and budgeting for your Mexico surrogacy journey. This is part of our assessment and support consultation process.
COSTS RANGE FROM
USD 60,000
TO
USD 96,000
Mexico surrogacy laws and legal parenthood requirements
In Mexico, individual states regulate surrogacy laws, similar to the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Supreme Court declared surrogacy a protected medical procedure in late 2021, and supported both paid and altruistic surrogacy, so it is now up to individual states to come up with their own regulations.
Surrogacy in Mexico is currently only possible if at least one genetic parent is also a citizen of the baby’s destination country. Intended parents who use both a sperm and an egg donor (and thus have no genetic relationship to the baby) may be unable to apply for the baby’s citizenship and passport to return home.
Fertility clinics in Mexico
Egg, sperm, and embryo donation are legal in Mexico, and numerous IVF clinics cater to international patients seeking these treatments. However, only a few specialize in surrogacy services. Many clinics are also open to performing multiple embryo transfers upon request from intended parents.
Unlike in many other countries, Mexican clinics often support gender selection. That said, independently verified success rate data is less readily accessible compared to countries like the US or UK.
Sperm and embryo shipping to Mexico
Only a few surrogacy agencies in Mexico are equipped to manage the shipment of semen and embryos, and the process can be expensive. For expert guidance on this service, reach out to Growing Families.
Why choose surrogacy in Mexico?
Mexico has become a top choice for international surrogacy for many reasons:
Strong legal foundation: The Mexican Supreme Court has declared surrogacy a protected medical procedure, providing legal protections for intended parents.
Universal accessibility: The law guarantees the same rights for all individuals seeking parenthood, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.
Affordable surrogacy: Mexico offers more affordable surrogacy programs, making parenthood financially accessible to more people.
High-quality medical care: The country boasts modern, well-equipped IVF clinics staffed by highly skilled medical professionals who are experienced in assisted reproductive technologies.
Ethical and supported surrogates: Reputable agency programs prioritize comprehensive surrogate care, ensuring the health, well-being, and fair compensation of the incredible women who make these journeys possible.
Proximity for North Americans: For American citizens and Canadians, Mexico’s geographic proximity makes travel for key milestones, such as the embryo transfer and the birth, convenient and cost-effective.
Experienced service providers: Surrogacy service providers are steadily growing in Mexico, particularly in Puerto Vallerta, Cancun and Mexico City. Additionally, an increasing number of legal services providers specialize in surrogacy.
Get started on your
surrogacy journey
Choosing an agency to work with
Look for the following when evaluating surrogacy agencies:
Comprehensive surrogate support: The agency must demonstrate a commitment to ethical surrogate care. This includes rigorous screening as well as access to counseling, a dedicated social worker, and support before, during, and after the pregnancy.
A full professional team: The agency should have an established network of lawyers for legal services, psychologists, translators, and partner IVF clinics to guarantee effective support for both you and your surrogate.
Transparency about risks: A trustworthy agency will be upfront about the potential risks of a surrogacy journey, such as failed transfers, miscarriage, or premature birth. You should feel confident that they have protocols in place to safeguard the interests of everyone involved.
Clear communication: Agency staff must speak your language so you can understand the entire process, how your surrogate is supported, and the level of care you will receive.
Growing Families has years of experience in international surrogacy and can advise you on what to look for, and what to avoid, when considering surrogacy in Mexico.
Book Your ConsultationFrequently asked questions about surrogacy in Mexico
No. While the 2021 Supreme Court ruling established surrogacy as a federally protected medical procedure, its practical regulation is left to individual states. Therefore, it is crucial to work with an agency that operates only in states and cities with supportive laws and established legal precedents, such as Mexico City.
Match times can vary depending on the agency you choose. Agencies that offer competitive compensation and robust support programs for their surrogates often have a surplus of fully screened candidates, resulting in virtually no wait time. Other agencies may have wait times of up to four months to be matched.
During this time, you can proceed with other important steps, such as selecting your egg donor, creating embryos with leading IVF clinics, or arranging to ship your existing embryos to Mexico.
Yes, non-Mexican egg donors are allowed for surrogacy in Mexico. Egg donation is a legal and common practice, and many agencies offer access to sperm or egg donors from outside Mexico. These donors may provide fresh or frozen eggs, which can then be used for embryo transfer to a surrogate mother.
Both options are possible. If you are a single man, part of a same-sex male couple, or a heterosexual couple facing female infertility, you will need an egg donor. Egg donation from anonymous donors is readily available through Mexican clinics. If you are an intended mother who can produce viable eggs, you can use your own. You can also use donor eggs shipped from international egg banks.
A reputable agency will have a clear protocol for managing any potential medical issues. Your surrogate will be under the care of qualified medical professionals, and you will be kept informed every step of the way. It’s important to have a surrogacy-specific insurance policy in place to cover any unforeseen medical costs for the surrogate and the baby
Intended parents should plan to stay in Mexico for approximately 3–12 weeks after the birth. This timeframe allows for the completion of all necessary legal paperwork, including obtaining the birth certificate, conducting the DNA test, and applying for your baby’s citizenship and passport from your home country.
Why engage with Growing Families?
Potential parents often begin their journey without a full understanding of the risks. That’s where we come in. Since 2012, the Growing Families team has helped create over 3,000 families, drawing on our global experience to help you choose the best option for your unique situation, as well as supporting you through-out as your independent advocate.
Trust Growing Families to support your surrogacy in Mexico
Growing Families can help you understand Mexican surrogacy, and your other international options, with an assessment and support consultation. These are customized meetings that explore your individual options, based on your needs. If you have any queries or would like to book a meeting, fill out our assessment form, and we’ll reach out for a 15-minute consultation.
Want to learn more? Join us for one of our regular events, featuring expert service providers, surrogates, and recent parents. Check out our Event Schedule for upcoming dates near you.
