For same-sex male couples dreaming of fatherhood, Colombia has emerged as one of the world's most accessible and affordable surrogacy destinations. With progressive laws, constitutional anti-discrimination protections, and costs 50-60% lower than the United States, Colombia offers a welcoming path to parenthood.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the legal framework, realistic costs, the complete process, and how to choose the right agency and clinic.
🏳️🌈 Colombia's LGBTQ+ Legal Framework
Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2016
Adoption rights: Equal to heterosexual couples
Constitutional protection: Explicit anti-discrimination clause
Surrogacy access: Available to all, regardless of sexual orientation
Colombia's constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination, meaning LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have the same access to fertility treatments and surrogacy as anyone else.
Why Gay Couples Choose Colombia for Surrogacy
Legal Protection Without Discrimination
Unlike many countries that restrict surrogacy to heterosexual couples or ban it entirely, Colombia's framework is inclusive by design. The constitutional court has consistently upheld reproductive rights for all family types. You won't face legal barriers or discrimination during the process.
Dramatically Lower Costs
A complete surrogacy journey in the United States typically costs $150,000-$200,000+. In Colombia, expect $64,000-$110,000 for comparable programs — often with more comprehensive services included. Your dream of fatherhood becomes financially accessible.
High-Quality Medical Care
Colombian fertility clinics use the same IVF technology and protocols as top US centers. Many doctors trained in the US or Europe. Success rates are comparable (40-60% per transfer), and clinics are experienced with international patients.
Shorter Wait Times
Finding a surrogate in the US can take 6-12+ months. Colombian agencies often match intended parents with surrogates in 2-4 months, thanks to a larger pool of eligible women and streamlined processes.
Understanding the Costs
| Program Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single Attempt | $60,000 - $75,000 | 1 IVF cycle, 1-3 transfers, surrogate compensation, legal |
| Guaranteed Program | $70,000 - $85,000 | Unlimited IVF cycles/transfers until live birth |
| Both Fathers Genetic Link | $100,000 - $125,000 | Two surrogates, shared egg donor, siblings for each dad |
| Add: Premium Egg Donor | +$5,000 - $11,000 | Specific phenotype, advanced education, etc. |
| Add: PGT-A Testing | +$3,000 - $5,000 | Genetic screening of embryos |
What's Typically Included
✓ Surrogate screening, matching, and compensation
✓ Egg donor selection, screening, and compensation
✓ IVF cycle(s) with ICSI
✓ Embryo transfer(s)
✓ Legal contracts and parentage proceedings
✓ Prenatal care and delivery costs
✓ Birth certificate and documentation assistance
Comparing to US Costs
In the United States, the same journey would cost:
- Agency fees: $20,000-$35,000
- Surrogate compensation: $35,000-$50,000+
- Egg donor: $10,000-$15,000+
- IVF + medications: $15,000-$25,000
- Legal fees: $10,000-$15,000
- Insurance, medical, misc: $20,000-$40,000
- Total: $150,000-$200,000+
Colombia delivers the same outcome — your baby — at roughly 40-50% of US prices.
The Surrogacy Process
Initial Consultation (Month 1)
Connect with a Colombian surrogacy agency. Discuss your goals, review medical history, understand program options and costs. Most consultations happen via video call.
Egg Donor Selection (Month 1-2)
Review donor profiles including photos, medical history, education, and genetic screening results. Colombian law requires anonymous donation, but you'll have detailed information to choose the right match.
Surrogate Matching (Month 2-4)
Your agency presents pre-screened surrogate candidates who've passed medical, psychological, and background checks. You'll have the opportunity to meet (virtually or in person) before finalizing.
Legal Contracts (Month 3-4)
Colombian attorneys draft comprehensive surrogacy agreements protecting all parties. Both you and the surrogate have independent legal representation.
First Trip to Colombia (Month 4-5)
Travel to Colombia for sperm collection, contract signing, and clinic coordination. Stay: 3-5 days. Some couples ship sperm ahead; check if this option works for you.
IVF & Embryo Transfer (Month 5-6)
Egg donor undergoes retrieval, embryos are created and cultured. Best embryo(s) transferred to surrogate. You don't need to be present for this phase.
Pregnancy (Months 6-15)
Your surrogate receives comprehensive prenatal care. You'll get regular updates, ultrasound images, and can participate in appointments virtually.
Birth & Documentation (Month 14-16)
Travel to Colombia before the due date (plan 2-4 weeks). After birth, you'll complete parentage proceedings and obtain Colombian birth certificate listing both fathers.
Return Home
Once your baby has a Colombian passport and you've obtained the appropriate visa/citizenship documentation for your country, you're ready to go home as a family.
Both Fathers Biologically Connected
A unique option many gay couples choose: creating embryos with both fathers' sperm using eggs from the same donor, then transferring to two surrogates (or sequentially to one). This allows both dads to have a genetic child, often resulting in siblings who are genetically half-related through the shared egg donor.
This "sibling guarantee" program costs more ($100,000-$125,000) but delivers something priceless: both fathers experiencing biological parenthood.
Legal Considerations
Parentage in Colombia
Colombian birth certificates can list both intended fathers as legal parents. The surrogate relinquishes parental rights through the legal process established in your contract. An experienced surrogacy attorney is essential.
Bringing Baby Home
US citizens: Your child is eligible for US citizenship through you. You'll need to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) at the US Embassy in Bogotá and obtain a US passport before traveling home.
Process typically takes 2-4 weeks after birth. Plan accordingly — you'll be in Colombia for several weeks around the delivery.
Start Your Journey to Fatherhood
We work with LGBTQ+-experienced agencies and clinics in Colombia. Let us connect you with the right partners for your family-building goals.
Get Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Colombia's constitution prohibits discrimination, and courts have consistently upheld reproductive rights for same-sex couples. You'll have full legal protection throughout the process.
From initial consultation to bringing baby home: typically 14-18 months. The matching phase (2-4 months) + pregnancy (9 months) + documentation (2-4 weeks) accounts for most of this timeline.
Minimum two: one early trip for sperm collection and contracts (3-5 days), and one for the birth and documentation (2-4 weeks). Some couples make additional trips during pregnancy to bond with the surrogate.
Yes. Colombian birth certificates can list both intended fathers as legal parents through the established legal process. This is a routine part of any reputable surrogacy program.
Guaranteed programs include unlimited transfers until live birth for one fixed price. Single-attempt programs may require additional payment for subsequent cycles. Discuss options carefully before choosing a program.
Yes. You'll review detailed profiles including physical characteristics, ethnicity, education, medical history, and genetic screening. Donation is legally anonymous in Colombia, but you'll have comprehensive information to make your choice.
Next Steps
Ready to explore gay surrogacy in Colombia? Start with a free consultation to understand your options, get realistic cost estimates, and connect with experienced LGBTQ+-friendly agencies.
Also read: IVF Cost Guide | IVF in Medellín | Donor Egg IVF