The global surrogacy industry is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2032, with concerns raised by non-profit organizations (NPO) urging for clear regulations to address the growing market. As fertility age delays, medical challenges increase, and diverse family structures become more common, the global surrogacy market continues to expand. However, reports indicate disparities in surrogacy systems worldwide in terms of regulations, pricing, and service quality leading to the emergence of gray areas and exacerbating exploitation issues. Advocates propose the establishment of a clear-cut commercial model.
According to a report by Forbes magazine citing research from the Global Market Insights, the global surrogacy market value reached $14 billion in 2022 and is estimated to skyrocket to $129 billion by 2032. Among European countries, only a few such as Ukraine and Greece permit commercial surrogacy.
However, the surrogacy industry in these countries operates in a gray area with minimal regulation, leading to unregulated practices, including human trafficking, forged documents, and subpar embryo implantation procedures. Before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Ukraine was considered the global hub of surrogacy, with an estimated 2,000-2,500 surrogacy contracts annually. However, controversially, Ukrainian surrogate mothers have to leave their homes and travel to other countries to complete surrogacy arrangements.
Advocates for surrogacy reform argue that the current system neglects the welfare of surrogate mothers. The UK non-profit organization My Surrogacy Journey (MSJ) emphasizes that surrogate mothers should not be forced to leave their homes and travel abroad simply to help others build families.
Georgia has recently become a popular surrogacy destination in Europe. However, last year, the country’s Prime Minister announced that commercial surrogacy would be restricted to Georgian citizens only, leaving the legality of the surrogacy industry in Georgia hanging in the balance and affecting demand from prospective parents worldwide.
Amidst scandals and rapid changes in surrogacy regulations, European prospective parents have had to seek more stable or robust surrogacy systems in other countries, primarily in the Americas. The United States remains a top choice for commercial surrogacy due to its comprehensive regulations and advanced medical care. However, the cost of surrogacy in the US is the highest, averaging between $190,000 and $230,000, including expenses for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and medical, legal, and agency fees.
Canada has emerged as a more affordable option, with the process costing an average of $60,000 to $100,000. However, commercial surrogacy is prohibited in Canada, allowing only for altruistic surrogacy, similar to the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico have also become alternative options outside of European countries, with surrogacy costs generally lower than $80,000. Mexico City, in particular, is popular due to lower costs and progressive surrogacy regulations.
However, as the surrogacy industry thrives in the Americas, European countries pay the price. Reform advocates point out that the ban on commercial surrogacy in Europe limits service options, leading to increased exploitation and coercion of women.
Johnson-Ellis, co-founder of MSJ, states, “In a commercial model, everyone knows their boundaries. It’s clear-cut, with no gray areas. When it comes to surrogacy, what we need is clarity.”
In conclusion, the global surrogacy market is on track to exceed $100 billion by 2032, prompting calls for clear regulations to address exploitation and ensure the well-being of surrogate mothers. As the industry continues to grow, it is essential to establish transparent and ethical practices to protect all parties involved in the surrogacy process.