Surrogacy in the USA, Mexico and Ukraine. Straight answers on all three.
We guide intended parents and surrogates from the first question to bringing baby home. Tell us about your family and we’ll show you which programs fit, what they cost and what to watch for.
Real SMARTPath families. No AI. No Photoshop. Just life.
Find your path in four questions
See which programs fit your family, with real cost ranges. Talk to our team.
Three countries. Very different journeys.
Most agencies sell the one country they work in. We run programs in all three, so we can tell you where each falls short.
| Compare | USA | Mexico | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical total cost | $130,000–$250,000+ | Often from $59,000–$75,000 | Quoted individually |
| Who can apply | All intended parents, regardless of orientation, gender identity or marital status | Couples and single parents, including LGBTQ+ families, subject to the legal route in each state | Only married heterosexual couples with a genetic link and a medical need |
| Finding a surrogate | Waits can reach 12–18 months across the market | We often match within 2–4 months | Ask us about current availability |
| Legal framework | State by state. Contracts are enforceable in surrogacy-friendly states | State by state, shaped by Supreme Court rulings. Steps start before embryo transfer | National law, and the surrogate is not listed as a parent. A pending bill could bar foreigners |
| What the price covers | Agency, surrogate and clinic costs are billed separately | Packages often bundle IVF, compensation, legal and delivery | Clinic-based packages usually integrate medical costs |
| Travel to know about | Depends on where you live and where your surrogate delivers | Many families stay a few weeks after the birth for documents | The US State Department rates Ukraine Level 4: Do Not Travel |
| Learn more | Surrogacy in the USA | Surrogacy in Mexico | Surrogacy in Ukraine |
Figures are typical ranges, updated November 5, 2026. Your quote depends on your situation. See the full comparison.
Eight steps from first call to bringing baby home
Tell us about your family
Fill out our interest form and we guide you to the best path.
Have your consultation
We discuss your situation and explore the USA, Mexico or Ukraine.
Review the details
You see program costs, legal steps, medical information and timelines.
Choose your program
You pick your program and the matching process starts.
Meet your surrogate
Legal agreements are finalized, then you start building your connection.
Begin the medical process
This includes IVF and embryo transfer.
Follow the pregnancy
You get regular updates and check-ins throughout.
Prepare for baby
We plan the birth, any travel, and the paperwork to bring your baby home.
We don’t use the words “all-in”
“All-in” usually means agency services only. Clinic bills can add $30,000 to $60,000 or more on top. We split every journey into three parts, so you can see where each dollar goes.
Agency fees
What SMARTPath handles directly: screening, matching, legal coordination and support.
Surrogate compensation
Fully detailed in your contract, with a transparent payment schedule.
Medical costs
Billed by your fertility clinic and never hidden in a lump sum.
In their words
“Above and beyond doesn’t begin to describe your dedication to making this happen for us.”
“I went with another agency first. When I miscarried, no one answered me. They just sent a bill the parents didn’t want to pay. Then a friend told me about SMARTPath. They cared, knew my kids’ names, even sent me congrats when I graduated.”
“We’re still in awe of how this all came together.”
Carry a family’s dream. Be looked after while you do.
- Compensation up to $80,000
- Your own independent lawyer
- All medical costs covered
- A team who knows your kids’ names
“I felt like I mattered, not just some name on a list. The team knew my kids’ names and celebrated with me every step of the way.”
When the war broke out in Ukraine, we stayed.
Founder Maria Feekes has led more than 500 families through surrogacy. When the war began, her team was one of the only agencies that stood by its families and surrogates.
That commitment still shapes how we work. Every family gets Maria’s personal cell number. Money goes through licensed, bonded escrow. Every family has independent legal counsel, and nobody shares a lawyer.
Hear it from the attorneys
Maria interviews the reproductive lawyers behind each country’s process.
Surrogacy in the USA
With reproductive attorney Melissa Brisman: contracts, escrow, insurance and why state law matters.
Read and listenIs surrogacy legal in Mexico?
With Ramiro Alejandro García Flores, who has 14+ years in surrogacy law: amparo, DNA tests and travel.
Read and listenSurrogacy law in Ukraine
With Oksana Lutsenko, who has 10+ years in international fertility law: who qualifies and exit steps.
Read and listenQuick answers
How much does surrogacy cost?
In the USA, surrogacy often costs between $130,000 and $250,000 or more. SMARTPath’s Mexico programs frequently start around $59,000 to $75,000. Final costs depend on your medical, legal and travel needs. Ukraine is quoted individually.
Which country is best for surrogacy?
It depends on your family. The USA suits parents who want established contracts and all family types. Mexico suits parents who need a lower total cost. Ukraine is limited to married heterosexual couples and carries real war and legal risks today.
Can same-sex couples and single parents use surrogacy?
Yes. Surrogacy in the USA is open to all intended parents, and our Mexico programs welcome LGBTQ+ and single parents. Ukraine is currently limited to married heterosexual couples.
Is surrogacy legal in Mexico?
Surrogacy in Mexico is possible, but rules differ by state and Supreme Court decisions shape how they apply. Legal steps should take place before embryo transfer, so individual legal advice is essential.
Can foreigners still use surrogacy in Ukraine?
Eligible married heterosexual couples have been able to, but this may change. Bill No. 15507, registered in August 2026, proposes barring foreigners unless one spouse is a Ukrainian citizen. Check the current position with us and with independent counsel.
How much do surrogates get paid?
SMARTPath surrogates can earn up to $80,000, including a $50,000 base in US programs, plus a monthly allowance. All medical expenses are covered.
How long does the surrogacy process take?
A surrogacy journey typically takes 12 to 18 months. Matching time varies by country. In Mexico we often match parents within 2 to 4 months.
Every path, every possibility. Your family, your way.
A free consultation gives you real numbers for your situation, with no pressure to choose today.