FAQ

Yes. Surrogacy is legal nationwide in Colombia, but it is governed by constitutional court decisions and medical ethics rather than a single comprehensive statute. Colombian law recognizes only altruistic surrogacy, meaning the surrogate cannot profit from carrying the pregnancy. However, reasonable reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses and support are permitted under ethical and medical frameworks.

Yes. Colombia is highly accessible to international Intended Parents (IPs). There are no nationality or residency restrictions, and foreign IPs are legally permitted to pursue surrogacy in Colombia. The country has an established medical infrastructure, experienced fertility professionals, and a clear legal pathway for international families.

Colombia is inclusive and allows surrogacy for:

• Heterosexual couples

• Same-sex couples

• Single women

• Single men

A key requirement is that at least one Intended Parent must have a genetic connection to the child (through egg or sperm).

Surrogates in Colombia must generally meet strict medical, psychological, and ethical criteria, including:

• Being between approximately 21–35 years old

• Having had at least one healthy prior pregnancy and delivery

• Being in good physical and mental health

• Passing comprehensive medical, psychological, and social evaluations

• Having stable family and social support

• Voluntarily participating with full informed consent

All surrogate screenings are conducted under medical and ethical supervision.

No. Colombian law strictly protects donor anonymity.

Egg donation is legally anonymous, meaning:

• No donor photos or videos are allowed

• No direct or open donation is permitted

• Donor identity remains confidential

IPs may receive limited non-identifying medical and physical information only.

In general:

• At least one IP must contribute egg or sperm to establish a genetic link

• IPs must pass medical and psychological evaluations

• IPs must demonstrate the ability to care for the child

From an ethical standpoint, we discourage surrogacy if both IPs are of extremely advanced age, as child welfare and long-term care are core considerations.

Every journey is unique, but most Colombian surrogacy programs take approximately 12–15 months, including:

• Medical screening and legal preparation

• IVF and embryo creation

• Embryo transfer and pregnancy

• Birth and post-birth legal procedures

Timelines may vary based on medical readiness and individual circumstances.

Typically, two trips are required:

1. First trip – for IVF procedures or sperm collection

• IVF: recommended up to 3 weeks

• Sperm collection only: approximately 3 days

1. Second trip – to be present for the birth and take the newborn home

For IPs who cannot travel for IVF, a Linked-Surrogacy Program is available.

• Embryo transportation: Yes. Embryos can be shipped to Colombia with proper regulatory compliance and documentation.

• Gamete (egg or sperm) transportation: Highly challenging. In Colombia, gametes are regulated similarly to human organs, making international transport complex and often impractical.

Inser Fertility and MARG maintain a strategic collaboration across the APEC region, with Inser working exclusively with MARG for Asia-based Intended Parents.

MARG and its U.S. parent company bring decades of experience in IVF coordination, embryo creation, and regulated reproductive tissue transport, enabling seamless integration between international IVF and Colombian surrogacy programs.

Commercial surrogacy is not permitted. However, reasonable reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses (medical care, maternity needs, transportation, and related support) are ethically and legally accepted when properly structured.

Colombian legal practice allows Intended Parents to be recognized as the child’s legal parents through judicial and notarial processes, based on genetic linkage and court precedents. Legal steps are handled before and after birth to ensure a smooth transition.

Yes. A child born in Colombia is typically eligible for Colombian citizenship by birth. Most international IPs later apply for the child’s nationality through their home country’s consulate.

Yes — gender selection can be performed in Colombia through IVF with PGT/PGD, and it is commonly offered by clinics for medical reasons and, in many cases, for family balancing.

Colombia offers:

• Legal clarity for altruistic surrogacy

• Inclusive eligibility for diverse family structures

• High-quality IVF care

• Ethical standards aligned with international practice

• Reasonable timelines and accessible travel