Understanding the process, the people involved, and how international surrogacy works

Surrogacy is a modern family-building option that helps individuals and couples become parents when carrying a pregnancy is not possible. It involves a gestational carrier (surrogate) who becomes pregnant through IVF and carries the baby on behalf of the intended parents.

At Nest & Co, we guide parents through ethical, international surrogacy journeys, helping them understand the process, compare countries, choose safe programs, and feel supported every step of the way.

What Surrogacy Really Means

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the gestational surrogate) carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parent(s). Today, more than 95% of surrogacy worldwide is gestational, meaning:

• The surrogate is not genetically related to the baby
  
• The embryo is created via in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  
• The embryo comes from the intended parents and/or an egg or sperm donor
  

Modern surrogacy = IVF + medical screening + legal protection + ethical coordination.

Why People Choose Surrogacy

Surrogacy supports a wide range of families, including:

✔ Couples experiencing infertility

Examples include:

• Repeated IVF failure
  
• Uterine abnormalities
  
• Medical complications preventing pregnancy
  

✔ Women unable to carry a pregnancy

Due to:

• Hysterectomy
  
• Heart conditions
  
• Autoimmune disorders
  
• High-risk medical history
  

✔ LGBTQ+ parents

Surrogacy is one of the primary paths for:

• Gay couples
  
• Trans parents
  
• LGBTQIA+ families planning biologically related children
  

✔ Single parents

Women or men who dream of parenthood and choose IVF + surrogacy.

Types of Surrogacy

1. Gestational Surrogacy (Most Common Today)

• Surrogate has no genetic link to the child
  
• Embryo created via IVF
  
• Safest, most regulated, most ethical model
  

This is the type used in all legally regulated international programs (US, Canada, Greece, Colombia, Mexico’s authorised programs, etc.).

2. Traditional Surrogacy (Rare / Not International)

• Surrogate uses her own egg
  
• Creates genetic connection
  
• Much higher legal risk
  
• Not allowed in international programs
  

Nest & Co only works with families pursuing gestational surrogacy.

How Surrogacy Works (Step-by-Step)

Here is the general journey from first question to bringing your baby home:

Step 1 — Fertility Assessment & Plan

Intended parents create embryos through IVF using:

• Their own gametes
  
• Donor sperm
  
• Donor eggs
  
• Or both (double donation)
  

Step 2 — Surrogate Screening & Matching

Surrogates undergo:

• Medical screening
  
• Psychological evaluation
  
• Legal background checks
  

A match is made based on:

• Medical compatibility
  
• Communication preferences
  
• Values regarding pregnancy decisions
  

Step 3 — Legal Agreements

Independent legal teams represent:

• The intended parents
  
• The surrogate
  

Agreements cover:

• Parental rights
  
• Compensation
  
• Medical decisions
  
• Expectations during pregnancy
  

Step 4 — Embryo Transfer

The surrogate begins a medically monitored cycle.
The embryo is transferred at the fertility clinic.

Step 5 — Pregnancy

Intended parents receive updates and decide their level of involvement, including:

• Ultrasounds
  
• Video calls
  
• Medical reports
  

Surrogates receive full medical care and support.

Step 6 — Birth & Parental Rights

At birth:

• The baby is handed immediately to the intended parents
  
• Local legal procedures confirm parentage
  
• Travel documents are issued (e.g., passport, birth certificate, exit authorization)
  

Step 7 — Return Home & Aftercare

Nest & Co guides parents through:

• Legal steps
  
• Embassy or consulate procedures
  
• Logistics
  
• Post-birth support
  

Who Is a Surrogate?

A gestational surrogate is a woman who:

• Has already had healthy pregnancies
  
• Is medically and psychologically screened
  
• Is motivated by helping another family
  
• Lives in a country with legal surrogacy frameworks
  
• Has strong support from family and partner

Surrogates do not provide their own eggs and are not the baby’s mother.

How Does Surrogacy Differ From Adoption?

Surrogacy is a planned birth arrangement:

Both are valid paths to parenthood—surrogacy offers more preparation, legal clarity, and involvement. A process takes between 15 to 24 months.

Is Surrogacy Legal?

Surrogacy laws vary dramatically worldwide.

Some countries fully regulate gestational surrogacy.
Others restrict or prohibit it.

Your rights depend on:

• Your nationality
  
• The surrogate’s country
  
• Local parental rights procedures
  
• Embassy requirements
  

Nest & Co helps families choose safe, ethical, legal international surrogacy destinations and avoid risky or unregulated environments.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

Costs depend on destination, medical requirements, legal process, and surrogate compensation.

In general:

• US programs: highest cost, strongest legal protections
  
• Canada: altruistic, lower compensation
  
• Latin America (e.g., Mexico & Colombia): moderate cost, growing regulation
  
• Europe: limited to a few countries (e.g., Greece, Georgia—depending on latest law updates)
  

We help parents compare programs, legal safety, and total cost transparently.

Is Surrogacy Safe?

Gestational surrogacy is considered safe when:

• The surrogate is properly screened
  
• A licensed IVF clinic conducts the procedure
  
• Legal contract protects both parties
  
• Pregnancy is medically supervised
  
• The country has a regulated framework
  

Ethical, regulated programs prioritise the well-being of the surrogate and intended parents.

Surrogacy Terms You Should Know

• Surrogate / Gestational Carrier: The woman who carries the pregnancy
  
• Intended Parents (IPs): Individuals who will become the legal parents
  
• Egg Donor: A woman who donates eggs used to create embryos
  
• Embryo Transfer: The procedure placing an embryo in the surrogate’s uterus
  
• Pre-birth Order / Post-birth Order: Legal steps confirming parentage
  
• PGT-A / PGD: Genetic testing of embryos before transfer

Is Surrogacy Right for You?

Surrogacy may be a good option if you:

• Cannot carry a pregnancy for medical reasons
  
• Want a biological connection by using your eggs or sperm
  
• Are a same-sex couple or LGBTQ+ family
  
• Are a single man or woman wishing to become a parent
  
• Prefer a structured, predictable path to parenthood
  

At Nest & Co, we help you explore all options without pressure—so you can make the right decision for your family.