Canada supports surrogacy for all intended parents, including same-sex couples, singles, and international individuals. Like the UK, it prohibits commercial surrogacy. Agencies cannot profit from matching intended parents with surrogates, and surrogates receive reimbursement only for reasonable expenses—not for their time or services.
While surrogacy in Canada is often more affordable than in the U.S., some complexities arise. The guidelines on what qualifies as “eligible expenses” remain unclear. Typically, surrogates receive between $25,000 and $30,000 USD in reimbursements. Since a 2019 update to the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act, intended parents can only reimburse surrogates with official receipts. This law has removed financial incentives, which has led to fewer available surrogates. Consequently, intended parents often wait longer to find a match—sometimes over a year.
Canada’s healthcare system covers most medical expenses for the surrogate and child during pregnancy and birth. However, after birth, the financial responsibility shifts to the intended parents. This may require private medical insurance or result in unexpected costs, especially if complications arise. As a result, while the initial surrogacy costs in Canada seem reasonable, the total expenses—including legal fees, medical procedures, and post-birth care—can be higher than expected.
Despite these challenges, Canada remains a highly desirable surrogacy destination due to its inclusive legal framework. Intended parents receive clear legal recognition on birth certificates, and the robust healthcare system supports surrogates throughout pregnancy. For many, the well-regulated process and welcoming environment for all family types make Canada an appealing choice for surrogacy.
For more information on surrogacy destinations around the world, please click on the pink countries in the map:
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