Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Parents
Building families with pride, protection, and compassionate guidance.
Surrogacy is one of the most meaningful and empowering paths to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Whether you’re a gay couple hoping for biological children, a trans parent navigating fertility options, or part of a same-sex couple looking to build a family, surrogacy offers a safe, structured, and deeply personal journey to becoming parents.
At Nest & Co, we specialise in international surrogacy for LGBTQ+ families, providing expert, independent guidance so you can choose ethical, legal programs that fully protect your family from the start.
Why LGBTQ+ Families Choose Surrogacy
Surrogacy is one of the most common and successful paths to parenthood for:
✔ Gay couples
- One partner can be the biological parent
- Shared biological parenthood is possible through split fertilisation
- Embryos can be created using donor eggs
✔ Same-sex female couples
- Use of donor sperm + gestational carrier
- Possibility of “shared motherhood” (one partner’s egg + the other partner carries — though with surrogacy the surrogate carries instead)
✔ Trans parents
- Surrogacy works with preserved gametes, donor eggs/sperm, or embryos created before transition
- Provides full legal parental rights depending on the country
✔ LGBTQ+ singles
Surrogacy supports:
- Single gay men
- Single lesbian women (if unable to carry)
- Single trans individuals
Surrogacy creates a clear, protected structure for LGBTQ+ parents to become legal parents of their child from birth.
What Does LGBTQ+ Surrogacy Involve?
The process is similar to the standard gestational surrogacy process but tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ families.
Most LGBTQ+ journeys involve:
- Donor eggs (for male couples)
- Donor sperm (for some trans or female couples)
- Choosing which partner provides the sperm or egg
- Genetic connection options (split fertilisation, embryo mixing, etc.)
- Legal considerations based on both parents’ genders
- Travel planning for international destinations
Nest & Co ensures all legal, medical, and emotional needs are addressed with clarity and respect.
LGBTQ+ Surrogacy Destinations
Not all countries allow or recognise LGBTQ+ parents in surrogacy.
Choosing the right destination is the most important step.
Below is a snapshot of common international pathways:
🇺🇸 United States — Best for LGBTQ+ Legal Protection
The USA is the gold standard for LGBTQ surrogacy because:
- LGBTQ+ parents are fully recognised
- Pre-birth or post-birth orders ensure parental rights
- High-quality medical care
- Experienced surrogates
- Split fertilisation easily accommodated
- Best option for complex legal cases
Ideal for:
Gay couples, married or unmarried couples, trans parents, single LGBTQ+ parents.
🇨🇦 Canada — Altruistic Surrogacy With LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Canada welcomes LGBTQ+ intended parents with:
- Altruistic surrogacy
- Excellent medical care
- Stable legal environment
- Strong ethical standards
Matching timelines may be longer because programs are altruistic.
🇨🇴 Colombia — LGBTQ+ Friendly & Regulated
Colombia is a growing, regulated destination where LGBTQ+ parents can pursue surrogacy legally.
Benefits:
- Lower cost than the U.S.
- High medical standards
- Legal parentage recognition
Increasingly popular for European parents.
🇲🇽 Mexico (Certain States Only) — LGBTQ+ Friendly Regions
Mexico allows surrogacy for LGBTQ+ families only in specific states with regulated frameworks.
At Nest & Co, we guide you toward safe, ethical, legal programs only.
🇬🇷 Greece
Greece is regulated for heterosexual couples only, so not suitable for LGBTQ cases.
(Nest & Co will redirect LGBTQ parents to safe destinations.)
🇬🇪 Georgia — Not Suitable for LGBTQ+ Parents
Georgia has long-standing surrogacy laws and strong medical programs, but it only permits surrogacy for married or de facto heterosexual couples.
- LGBTQ+ parents are not legally eligible
- Birth certificates list a heterosexual couple only
- No legal protections for LGBTQ+ intended parents
Nest & Co ensures LGBTQ+ families avoid unsafe or non-recognising countries.
LGBTQ Surrogacy Process (Step by Step)
1. Consultation & Family Planning
You’ll discuss:
- Which partner will provide genetic material
- Donor egg or donor sperm selection
- Legal eligibility by destination
- Costs and timelines
- LGBTQ+ specific legal considerations
You’ll receive a personalised LGBTQ+ surrogacy roadmap.
2. IVF & Embryo Creation
Most LGBTQ+ journeys involve some form of gamete donation.
For gay couples:
- Choose an egg donor
- Both partners may fertilise eggs (split-cycle)
- Embryos are created and tested (optional PGT-A)
For lesbian or trans couples unable to carry:
- Use sperm donation
- Choose which partner’s eggs to use
For trans parents:
- Use preserved gametes (if available) or donors
- Countries differ in legal language—guidance is essential
Embryos may be created in your home country or abroad.
3. Surrogate Matching
Surrogates who work with LGBTQ+ families must be:
- Fully supportive of LGBTQ+ parenthood
- Screened medically
- Screened psychologically
- Matched based on communication style, values, and expectations
Matching is one of the most emotional steps and sets the foundation for trust.
4. Legal Contract & Parental Rights
LGBTQ+ intended parents need clear legal protection.
Contracts define:
- Parental rights (critical in same-sex cases)
- Surrogate’s responsibilities and protections
- Agreements on embryo transfer
- Communication preferences
- Compensation (if applicable)
- Birth procedures
Legal parentage for LGBTQ+ families varies by destination:
- USA: strongest, most predictable
- Canada: clear but altruistic
- Colombia/Mexico: varies by region but LGBTQ+ included
- Europe: limited, often excluded
Nest & Co helps you avoid unsafe countries.
5. Embryo Transfer
The gestational surrogate receives:
- Medical preparation
- Hormone therapy
- Monitoring
- The embryo transfer
Transfer typically uses one embryo for safety.
6. Pregnancy
Throughout the pregnancy, LGBTQ+ intended parents receive:
- Medical reports
- Ultrasound photos/videos
- Updates from the surrogate or case manager
- Emotional support
You may visit during pregnancy depending on the country.
7. Birth & Parental Recognition
At birth:
- Your baby is handed directly to you
- The surrogate receives postpartum care
- Legal parentage is established
- Birth certificate is issued
- Passport and documents are completed
The process is fully inclusive for LGBTQ parents in regulated countries.
8. Returning Home
We guide you through:
- DNA testing (if required)
- Embassy appointments
- Citizenship and passport procedures
- Travel permissions
- Parenting documentation for same-sex couples
For LGBTQ+ families, this stage can feel stressful—we simplify every step.
LGBTQ+ Surrogacy Costs
Costs depend on the country and IVF needs.
|
Destination |
Typical Cost |
|
USA |
€130,000 – €200,000+ |
|
Canada |
€70,000 – €110,000 |
|
Colombia |
€55,000 – €85,000 |
|
Mexico (regulated states) |
€55,000 – €90,000 |
Your specific cost depends on:
- Donor eggs or donor sperm
- Embryo creation
- Genetic testing
- Number of embryo transfers
- Legal processes
- Travel
We provide personalised breakdowns for each destination.
Why LGBTQ+ Parents Choose Nest & Co
✔ Independent & Unbiased
We don’t sell programs—we protect you from unsafe destinations.
✔ LGBTQ+ Inclusive & Affirming
We support families of all identities and backgrounds.
✔ Legal & Medical Clarity
We explain your parental rights in every country, before you commit.
✔ Emotional Support Throughout the Journey
Surrogacy is exciting—but also emotional. We guide you with compassion.
✔ Expertise in Cross-Border Surrogacy
Especially important for European LGBTQ+ families navigating U.S. and LATAM programs.