The Hidden Risks of Price Shopping for Surrogacy Abroad

As an American doctor specializing in ethical surrogacy programs, I’ve helped bring over 450 babies into the world. Since 2014, I’ve spoken with countless Intended Parents (IPs), many of whom are searching for the most affordable surrogacy option.

While cost is an important factor, surrogacy is not a process where you want to cut corners. Low-cost programs may appear attractive, but they often sacrifice critical elements—leading to hidden costs, failed pregnancies, or worse, legal and emotional turmoil.

If you’re considering surrogacy abroad, it’s crucial to understand where corners are cut and what those risks mean for you. Below, I highlight key areas where low-cost providers tend to compromise—and why you should avoid these pitfalls.

While cost is an important factor, surrogacy is not a process where you want to cut corners.

1. Proper Screening of Gestational Carriers (GCs) Is Non-Negotiable

Your GC is the foundation of your surrogacy journey. Without thorough screening, you risk entrusting your future child to someone who may not be physically, emotionally, or legally suitable.

🔎 Critical factors that must be assessed:

✔ Background Checks: Has she been involved in criminal activity or legal disputes? Is she financially stable?

✔ Mental Health & Comprehension: Does she fully understand the legal and medical responsibilities of surrogacy?

✔ Lifestyle & Environment: Does she live in a stress-free, healthy environment, free from substance abuse and risky behaviors?

Many IPs assume they can evaluate a GC themselves, but proper screening requires professional expertise. My team has screened over 100,000 GC candidates, using:

✔ Licensed Private Investigators (U.S. only) for deep background checks.

✔ Legal professionals to verify court records and liabilities.

✔ Doctorate-level psychologists to conduct clinical interviews and standardized mental health assessments (MMPI or PAI tests).

💡Fact: Even experienced psychologists cannot predict who will fail a psychological battery test. Without proper evaluation, you could face legal battles, non-compliance issues, or severe emotional distress if complications arise.

2. Case Management: The Silent Factor That Can Make or Break Your Journey

A well-supported GC is more likely to have a smooth pregnancy and successful outcome. However, many budget agencies fail to invest in proper case management, leaving GCs without adequate oversight.

Risks of inadequate case management:

⚠ Legal disputes over custody.

⚠ Medical non-compliance, leading to failed embryo transfers and additional costs.

⚠ Poor pregnancy health, increasing the risk of complications or premature birth.

A reputable agency provides:

✔ Dedicated case managers who form a strong bond with the GC and advocate for her.

✔Emotional support to help the GC navigate challenges like miscarriage (which occurs in 15% of pregnancies).

✔ Strict medical oversight to ensure all protocols are followed correctly.

Many IPs don’t realize the importance of this level of care—until something goes wrong. Cutting costs here can result in stress, additional expenses, and heartbreak.

3. Health, Nutrition, and Transportation: Overlooked Yet Crucial Factors

Miscarriage is one of the biggest risks in any pregnancy. The three primary causes are:

• Genetic abnormalities (unavoidable in some cases).

• Poor nutrition, leading to developmental issues.

• Physical injury, caused by unsafe environments or transportation.

A well-managed surrogacy program ensures:

✔ Proper nutrition monitoring to support fetal development.

✔ Safe and reliable transportation (no public transport or motorcycles, a common risk outside the U.S.).

✔ Low-stress living conditions, reducing risks of complications.

Budget agencies often neglect these critical factors, resulting in higher miscarriage rates and prolonged timelines—both of which can add substantial unforeseen costs.

Final Thoughts: The True Cost of Cheap Surrogacy or price shopping for surrogacy abroad.

Surrogacy is one of the most life-changing decisions you will ever make. While cost is a valid concern, choosing the cheapest provider can lead to emotional, legal, and financial distress.

💡 My Advice:

🔹 Do your research—understand the hidden risks of low-cost providers.

🔹 Invest in quality—the right agency will protect your interests and those of your future child.

🔹 Seek expert guidance—I offer a free one-hour consultation to answer your questions, no matter where you choose to pursue surrogacy.

This journey is about more than just bringing a baby into the world—it’s about ensuring a safe, ethical, and successful path to parenthood. Try not to price shopping when researching surrogacy abroad. Choose wisely.

I offer a free one-hour consultation to answer your questions, no matter where you choose to pursue surrogacy.