General Surrogacy FAQs
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement—typically supported by a legal agreement—in which a woman (known as the surrogate) agrees, before conception, to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple. After the birth, the intended parent(s) assume legal parentage of the child.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Becoming a Surrogate?
Gestational carriers play a vital role in helping others build their families. To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, all potential surrogates must meet the following criteria:
Be between the ages of 21 and 49
Have given birth to at least one child of your own
Have a history of healthy pregnancies and uncomplicated births
Have had no more than 6 vaginal births or 3 caesarean sections
Be a non-smoker with limited exposure to second-hand smoke
Be free from drug use, including medical cannabis
Be open to completing medical and psychological evaluations (including for your partner, if applicable)
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 45 or below
These guidelines help ensure a safe and supportive journey for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Is Surrogacy Legal in Canada?
Yes, surrogacy is legal in Canada. Individuals who have previously given birth and wish to carry a child for someone else may legally do so as a surrogate.
Surrogacy in Canada is regulated by the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA)—a federal law that outlines the legal framework for assisted reproduction. Under the AHRA, it is prohibited to pay a surrogate for her services; however, surrogates may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the surrogacy process.
For further details, please refer to our [Surrogate FAQs].
Who Needs Surrogacy?
People may turn to surrogacy when pregnancy is medically impossible, when carrying a pregnancy would pose serious health risks, or when a single man or a male couple wish to have a child. Surrogacy is one of several assisted reproductive technologies (ART), often involving in vitro fertilization (IVF), that help individuals and couples build their families.
What Are the First Steps to Becoming a Surrogate?
The journey to becoming a surrogate begins with filling out a surrogate application. Once we receive your application, our team will reach out to connect with you and create your personal profile.
From there, we begin the matching process to pair you with intended parents who align with your preferences and values.
Once a match is made, you’ll proceed with medical screening and legal steps. Contracts will be created for all parties to ensure everyone is protected and informed.
After the contracts are finalized, you’ll move on to the embryo transfer stage. If pregnancy is confirmed, we’ll be by your side offering continued support throughout your pregnancy, delivery, and into your postpartum recovery.
