Looking for a surrogate in Canada? This page outlines how to legally and ethically find a gestational surrogate through Canadian-based agencies, clinics, or private matching — respecting the laws under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) and ensuring a smooth, transparent journey from matching to birth.
Legal Surrogacy Model
Only altruistic gestational surrogacy — surrogates carry embryos (no genetic link) and receive reimbursement for allowable expenses only.
What’s Prohibited
Paying a surrogate or buyer-seller compensation of any kind is illegal under AHRA.
Who Can Be a Surrogate
Typically women aged 21–44 (or age limits vary by agency/clinic), with prior healthy pregnancy, good health, non-smoker, and normal BMI.
Matching Timeline
Through agencies — can take 1–2 years depending on demand & preferred criteria. If you already know a surrogate, timeline can be shorter.
Step 1
Choose a Reputable Canadian Surrogacy Agency or Consultant
Step 2
Register With the Agency / Consultant — Provide Your Profile & Preferences
Step 3
Begin Surrogate Matching
Step 4
Independent Legal Counseling & Agreement
Step 5
Medical & Psychological Screening + IVF/Embryo Transfer
Step 6
Ongoing Coordination & Pregnancy Support
Advantages:
Things to Know:
Shortlist 2–3 trusted Canadian surrogacy agencies or consultants (with track record, transparency, and legal compliance)
Prepare your intended-parent profile: embryo status, donor/egg plan, preferences, nationality or citizenship details (if you are international)
Engage an independent reproductive lawyer to understand legal parentage and documentation requirements in your province
If embryos are ready — request a surrogate-matching consultation; if not — coordinate IVF/embryo creation + donor egg (if needed)
Ensure full medical & psychological screening of both you and potential surrogate, and plan for reimbursements (not payment) under law
Quick Summary — Find a Surrogate in Canada
Canada is one of the safest, most ethical, and most affordable countries in the world for surrogacy. Under Canadian law, surrogacy must be altruistic, meaning a surrogate cannot be paid for carrying a baby but may receive reimbursement for certain approved expenses.
EggDonors4All and Surrogacy4All help Intended Parents navigate the entire process — ethically, compassionately, and with full medical and legal oversight.
Whether you are an Intended Parent from Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia, or Asia, this guide will show you exactly how to find a surrogate in Canada, what the process involves, and how to ensure your journey is legally sound and emotionally supported.
Surrogacy in Canada is altruistic, meaning:
Intended Parents may use:
| Topic | Details |
| Surrogacy Model | Altruistic only |
| Surrogate Eligibility | Must have had at least one prior birth |
| Legal Protections | Parentage orders + separate legal counsel |
| Cost | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Reimbursement | Allowed (travel, lost wages, childcare, meds) |
| Match Time | 4–12 months |
| Ideal Use Case | LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, cost-conscious families |
Canada offers exceptional advantages:
Ethical, altruistic model
High-quality public & private healthcare
Strong legal protections
Excellent fertility clinics
English & French-speaking surrogates
Inclusive for LGBTQ+ parents
Fewer scams than unregulated countries
Affordable vs USA
Countries like Mexico, Georgia, Colombia, and Kenya carry significant legal and medical risks.
Canada remains the gold standard for affordable, ethical surrogacy.
Surrogates must:
Step 1
Consultation & Intake
We review your family-building goals, budget, needs, and timeline.
Step 2
Step 3
Introductory Meeting
You meet the surrogate via video call.
Step 3
Medical Screening
Conducted at a Canadian IVF clinic.
Step 5
Legal Contracts
Both sides get independent legal representation.
Step 6
Embryo Transfer
Can occur with Canadian or imported embryos.
Step 7
Pregnancy & Delivery
Weekly updates, OB care, IP attendance at major milestones.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Surrogate Reimbursements | $20,000–$30,000 |
| Agency Fees | $15,000–$28,000 |
| Legal Fees | $4,000–$7,000 |
| IVF Treatment | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Medications | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Total | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Stage | Timeline |
| Match | 4–12 months |
| Screening | 2–6 weeks |
| Legal | 2–4 weeks |
| Transfer Prep | 3–4 weeks |
| Pregnancy | 9 months |
| Total Journey | 12–18 months |
Under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act:
Allowed:
Prohibited:
Transgressions may lead to legal penalties.
Canada is one of the world’s most LGBTQ+ inclusive surrogacy destinations, offering:
Canada’s success rates are comparable to the best U.S. clinics.
A couple from Texas experienced multiple IVF failures and was priced out of U.S. surrogacy. We matched them with a surrogate in Ontario within 6 months.
Their first transfer worked, resulting in a healthy baby boy born in Toronto.
Cost savings: $58,000 compared to the USA.
Yes. Surrogacy is legal in Canada as long as it is altruistic, meaning surrogates cannot receive payment for carrying a child. Intended Parents may only reimburse reasonable pregnancy-related expenses according to the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA).
No, Canadian law prohibits paying a surrogate for her services. However, she may be reimbursed for documented pregnancy-related expenses, such as travel, lost wages, vitamins, maternity clothing, and medical costs not otherwise covered.
Wait times vary, generally ranging from 6 to 18 months, depending on surrogate availability, matching criteria, and medical timelines required before embryo transfer.
Yes. International Intended Parents are welcome to pursue surrogacy in Canada. Many choose Canada due to strong legal protections and universal healthcare. However, immigration and citizenship processes must be handled after the baby is born.
Typical reimbursable expenses include:
Counseling or therapy sessions
On average, surrogacy in Canada costs between $80,000 – $120,000+ CAD, depending on IVF treatment, agency support, legal services, reimbursements, and number of embryo transfers.
Matching is based on shared values, health history, location preference, communication style, and expectations regarding pregnancy and birth. Agencies and fertility clinics facilitate background screening and introductions.
Typically, Canadian surrogacy is gestational, meaning the surrogate does not use her own eggs. Instead, embryos created by the Intended Parents or donors are transferred. Traditional surrogacy (using the surrogate’s eggs) is extremely rare due to legal complexity.
Yes. Both the surrogate and Intended Parents must work with separate legal counsel to draft the surrogacy agreement and obtain the parentage order after delivery.
After the baby is born, a lawyer submits a parentage declaration to the provincial court. Once approved, Intended Parents are listed on the birth certificate, and the surrogate has no parental responsibility.
Yes. Embryos can be shipped internationally to Canadian clinics using licensed medical courier services. The clinic will handle import requirements and paperwork.
Most surrogates are covered under provincial healthcare, but supplemental insurance may be required for medications or additional medical needs not included in universal coverage.
Yes. Psychological assessments and counseling are required to ensure emotional readiness for surrogacy and compatibility with Intended Parents.
In most cases, yes. Hospitals generally accommodate Intended Parents in the delivery room or nearby, depending on medical protocols and the surrogate’s comfort level.
Yes, delivery and pregnancy medical care are covered for Canadian surrogate mothers through provincial healthcare. However, costs for international babies’ NICU care or insurance may vary.
Absolutely. Canada fully supports LGBTQ+ Intended Parents, and legal parentage protection applies equally.
Most clinics recommend transferring one embryo at a time to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. The decision is ultimately medical and mutual between all parties.
Failed transfers are common. The clinic will reassess medical factors and plan another transfer cycle. Costs may increase depending on medications and additional IVF procedures.
Surrogates may receive reimbursement for documented wage loss under AHRA regulations. They may also qualify for Canadian Employment Insurance maternity and recovery benefits.
Start by contacting an agency or fertility clinic to:
Ethical, safe, physician-led, and fully compliant with Canadian law.
Egg donation is a process where a woman (the egg donor) provides one or several eggs (also known as oocytes) for purposes of assisted reproduction, with the eggs being fertilized in the laboratory. Once fertilized, the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus to initiate a pregnancy, or they can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.