Why Canadian Parents Choose U.S. Surrogacy

What You Need to Know

Surrogacy offers a remarkable way for intended parents in Canada, including cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Halifax, to grow their families in a supportive and legal environment.

If you’re a Canadian wanting to do surrogacy in the U.S.A, contact us online now or check out our available surrogates’ page. Our U.S. surrogates are thoroughly screened and eager to help Canadian intended parents build their families.

Many Canadian intended parents find that pursuing surrogacy in the United States offers significant advantages and greater certainty in their journey to parenthood. At American Surrogacy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from matching with the perfect surrogate to navigating complex international laws.

 

Surrogacy in Canada: Key Considerations

Surrogacy in Canada is governed by the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), which prioritizes ethical protections but prohibits commercial surrogacy, meaning surrogates cannot be compensated beyond reimbursable expenses.

This restriction limits the number of women willing to become surrogates, causing your wait time and costs to increase dramatically. Unless you find a surrogate willing to do the process for free, you may struggle to find solutions in Canadian surrogacy.

In addition to these challenges, the surrogacy process in Canada can be very different depending on where you live and where your surrogate lives. Below are some surrogacy laws and regulations by province:

  • Ontario

    Requires a court process to establish parental rights post-birth.

  • Quebec

    Surrogacy contracts are unenforceable, adding legal complexities.

  • British Columbia

    Allows parental rights to be established but follows strict regulations on expenses.

Many Canadian intended parents turn to the U.S., where compensated surrogacy is legal, streamlined, and supported by experienced professionals. If you’re a Canadian wanting to do surrogacy in the U.S., you’ll find access to a larger pool of surrogates, clear legal protections and more experienced surrogacy professionals, like us.

 

Why Choose Surrogacy in the U.S.?
  • Shortest Wait Times

    Thanks to one of the largest pools of qualified surrogates in the world.

  • Best Healthcare

    Access to top-tier healthcare facilities and professionals adhering to FDA and ASRM guidelines.

  • Legal Protections

    Comprehensive legal frameworks that protect all parties involved.

  • Parental Rights

    Streamlined paths to establish parentage and secure citizenship documentation.

Intended parents from across the globe choose the U.S.A. due to its favorable surrogacy laws. Our qualified attorneys specialize in navigating Canadian and U.S. surrogacy law, ensuring parental rights are established and all necessary documents are prepared for returning home with your baby.

To explore using an American surrogate as a Canadian resident, check out our available surrogates page, join one of our programs, or get free information now. Whether looking for surrogacy costs with or without insurance, our team can provide detailed insights.

Found a U.S. Surrogate?

Learn more about our Independent Surrogacy Program

While some Canadians wanting to do surrogacy in the U.S. may attempt the surrogacy process independently, navigating the legal, medical, and logistical complexities can be overwhelming. Our Independent Surrogacy Program offers tailored support for those pursuing this path.

Contact us today to learn how we offer free initial screenings at no cost to help identify potential issues before you commit to the surrogacy process. If you have a qualified surrogate, you can begin the process quickly by submitting your candidate here.

 

Benefits of Our Surrogacy Programs

Our U.S. surrogacy program is designed with Canadians in mind to simplify your journey. This program provides personalized support from the initial consultation to the birth of your child.

Services include:

  • Personalized matching with a thoroughly vetted pre-screened surrogate.

  • Coordination with top fertility clinics working with Canadians.

  • Assistance in finding qualified legal professionals specializing in surrogacy and immigration for both U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations.

  • Emotional and logistical support throughout the entire process.

  • Navigate parental rights and citizenship processes.

Transparent Costs & Support

Surrogacy costs can range from $100k+ depending on the program you choose, and we understand that the price can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate your options, schedule a consultation, where we’ll walk you through the different choices available and provide answers to any questions you may have. No matter which path you choose, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Whether you’re a Canadian wanting to do surrogacy in America with or without insurance, we provide financial clarity from the beginning, ensuring you’re fully informed.

American Surrogacy provides detailed breakdowns of all expenses so you know exactly what to expect, and our team is always available to answer questions or address concerns about your budget.

 

What About a Choosing a Country For Surrogacy Besides America?

This is a life-changing journey, and it makes sense that you’d want to understand all of your options. When considering surrogacy options outside of Canada, some intended parents may be drawn to countries offering lower costs.

Forums often highlight places like Ukraine, Israel, or Mexico as "budget-friendly" alternatives. However, these “savings” can come with significant risks, such as unstable governments, unclear legal protections, unethical surrogate treatment, and limited recourse if challenges arise.

Countries like Italy, which recently banned surrogacy altogether, serve as a reminder that laws and regulations can change quickly, further complicating international surrogacy.

While the costs of surrogacy in America may seem higher, the peace of mind and streamlined process make it a more reliable choice for building your family.

The United States remains the safest and most regulated option for surrogacy worldwide. Unlike other countries, American surrogacy laws prioritize the rights and protections of both intended parents and surrogates, ensuring a secure and ethical process.

How to Find a U.S. Egg Donor and/or Surrogate as a Canadian Intended Parent
1. Use an U.S. Egg Donor as a Canadian Resident (If Applicable)
 

The laws governing egg donation are very different between Canada and the United States. Because compensation is limited in Canada but open in America, egg donation has been mainstreamed over the past thirty years.

Thousands of donors with desirable qualities are available to help intended parents, and cultural similarities make it easy for Canadians to connect with American donors.

2. Complete The Embryo Transfer Procedure
 

You can begin your cycle in Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver and return to your U.S. fertility facility for the IVF procedure. Alternatively, embryos can be frozen and sent to Canada for transfer.

Learn more about egg retrieval here.

3. Use a U.S. Surrogate as a Canadian Resident
 

For Canadian residents, choosing an American surrogate offers unparalleled benefits that make the process smoother, safer, and more reliable. American Surrogacy provides access to a diverse pool of highly qualified surrogates, many of whom have undergone rigorous pre-screening to ensure they meet the highest medical and psychological standards.

Additionally, American surrogacy laws allow for compensated surrogacy, which attracts more candidates and significantly reduces wait times to just 1-6 months, helping you become a parent faster.

By working with an American surrogate, you’re investing in a system designed to prioritize your family-building goals with fewer uncertainties.

What If I Already Have Embryos In Canada?

Both Canada and the United States offer advanced reproductive technology, but there are key differences in how embryos are created and regulated. In Canada, strict laws ensure ethical practices in fertility clinics, but these regulations may limit access to some procedures, such as comprehensive genetic testing. In contrast, the U.S.A. offers more flexibility, which can result in higher success rates for some families.

Regardless of where you choose to create embryos, we provide support to help you make the best decision for your family. Our connections with top fertility clinics ensure you have access to reliable, high-quality medical care.

What If I Only Have One Embryo Left?

American Surrogacy proudly stands apart as one of the few agencies that work with Canadian intended parents who have only one embryo. We understand that creating multiple embryos can be financially and emotionally challenging, especially for international intended parents.

Our program is specifically designed to support families in this situation, providing:

  • Careful matching with pre-screened surrogates

  • Enhanced support throughout the journey

  • Dedicated case management for single-embryo transfers

Shipping Embryos From Canada to America

If you need to transport embryos from a Canadian clinic, the process requires careful planning. Embryos must be frozen and transported in cryogenic containers to maintain their viability during transit. Additionally, international shipping regulations and customs clearances must be adhered to, which can add to the complexity and cost.

We coordinate with specialized shipping providers to ensure your embryos are transported safely and efficiently. From navigating customs to maintaining proper storage conditions, our team handles the logistics so you don’t have to.

 

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re single, LGBTQ+, or part of a more traditional two-parent home considering surrogacy in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax, or anywhere else in Canada, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey with care and expertise.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build your family with confidence and support.

 

Please do not rely solely on this content from this website or any website alone with making decisions related to surrogacy. Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. Information provided by this website is a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy. We encourage clients to hiring qualified international legal counsel in their country of residence and their country of citizenship, or both as applicable. This is in addition to their legal counsel in the country they choose to do surrogacy in. Surrogacy and Immigration laws and policies, as well as travel laws and policies, are changing all the time. Thus, favorable conditions that may exist at the time of entering into a surrogacy arrangement could become unfavorable at any time so having available legal is advised.