Surrogacy in Mexico, Colombia and South/Central America – from the UK’s leading surrogacy lawyers

 

 

Mexico, Colombia and other countries in South and Central America are emerging destinations for international surrogacy for UK parents. Although we have experience of surrogacy cases in Mexico, Colombia and other South American countries going back to 2015, UK court statistics show clearly that only a tiny handful of babies were born to UK parents through surrogacy in South America up to 2023 so this remains a relatively new surrogacy pathway for UK parents.

Our experience of the legal framework is that, although the law in Mexico and Colombia appears to be broadly supportive of surrogacy for a broad range of families (including same-sex parents), the legal process is often more complex than anticipated. It has developed through administrative practice and case law, without clear legislation or regulation, so the legal pathway is not yet well established.

Care is needed in other South American countries, particularly Argentina, where there have been moves to restrict surrogacy for foreign parents.

Expert UK law guides from our Knowledge Centre

International surrogacy and UK law

Why do you need to think about UK law if you are going to Mexico, Colombia or elsewhere in South America for surrogacy? Find out what to ask at the planning stages, how to bring your baby home and what you need to do to become a family under UK law

Parental orders

UK parents who have a child through surrogacy in Mexico, Colombia or elsewhere in South America are expected to apply for a UK parental order after their child is born. Find out why you need one, what the court is assessing and how the process works

Latest news about surrogacy in Mexico, Colombia and South/Central America

Read our most recent updates about what’s going on with surrogacy in South/Central America

Numbers talk – NGA Law and statistics on international surrogacy

Numbers talk – NGA Law and statistics on international surrogacy

CAFCASS data reveals the evolving landscape of surrogacy for UK parents, highlighting the popularity of the US as a destination and the ethical considerations involved. With over a decade of insights, NGA Law provides expert guidance on navigating surrogacy both domestically and internationally.

How we can help you with surrogacy in South/Central America

Getting your baby home safely

We can advise you on your UK options for bringing your baby home, and represent you in British nationality and passport applications. We have a long history of working to champion the interests of parents through surrogacy, including working with the UK government on emergency travel measures during COVID and on improving the passport application process

Securing your legal parentage

Even if you are recorded on your child’s overseas birth certificate you will need a UK parental order to become legal parents in the UK. The court process is well established, but will be heard by a High Court judge who will expect detailed evidence. We work with parents in a range of different ways, depending on your budget and the support you feel you need.

Still have questions?

 

If you need legal advice or want to make an appointment, feel free to get in touch. We offer meetings in-person in London or in the New Forest, as well as online.

We are here to help however we can.