Altruistic vs Compensated Surrogacy: Why Canada Uses Reimbursement Only

Surrogacy laws vary worldwide, and one of the most important differences is between altruistic surrogacy and compensated (commercial) surrogacy.
Canada stands out with a unique, ethics-focused model: altruistic surrogacy with reimbursement only, meaning surrogates cannot be paid a fee but can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.

This approach prioritizes safety, transparency, and fairness for both intended parents and surrogates. Below is a clear comparison and the reasons behind Canada’s legal framework.

What Is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is when a surrogate carries a pregnancy without receiving a profit.

However, she can be reimbursed for:

• Medical and prenatal expenses
  
• Maternity clothes
  
• Travel for appointments
  
• Lost wages (in certain situations)
  
• Childcare or housekeeping support due to pregnancy
  
• Legal fees
  

The surrogate must submit receipts—no payments are allowed without documentation.

What Is Compensated (Commercial) Surrogacy?

Compensated surrogacy allows the surrogate to receive a base compensation fee, usually ranging from $25,000 to $70,000 depending on the country.

This fee is considered payment for:

• Time
  
• Pain and discomfort
  
• Emotional effort
  
• Physical burden
  

Countries such as the U.S., Ukraine (when open), and some parts of Mexico allow compensated surrogacy.

Altruistic vs Compensated Surrogacy: Key Differences

Feature	Altruistic Surrogacy	Compensated Surrogacy
Surrogate Receives Payment?	❌ No fee, only reimbursements	✅ Yes, base compensation + expenses
Legal in Canada?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Allowed in the U.S.?	Some states only	Many states
Control & Transparency	Very high	Varies
Cost for Intended Parents	Lower	Higher
Ethical Concerns	Minimal	Often debated
Receipts Required	Always	Not mandatory everywhere

Why Canada Allows Only Altruistic Surrogacy

Canada’s surrogacy model is shaped by:

Ethical Protection

• Lawmakers want to prevent exploitation of women or financially vulnerable individuals.
  
• By removing payment, surrogacy is driven by empathy and goodwill—not financial pressure.

Focus on Family Building

• Canada sees surrogacy as a gift, not a job.
  
• This creates a balanced, respectful relationship between surrogates and intended parents.

Legal Stability

The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) strictly prohibits paying surrogates.
This ensures:

• No commercial agencies
  
• No profit-making from surrogacy
  
• Transparent receipts for all reimbursements
  

Safety and Medical Oversight

Canadian fertility clinics follow some of the world’s highest medical standards,

ensuring:

• Rigorous screening
  
• Clear consent
  
• Comprehensive psychological support
  

This system supports surrogates who genuinely want to help.

Preventing a Commercial Market

• Canada avoids becoming a global hub for paid surrogacy.
  
• The altruistic-only model maintains the integrity of medical and ethical practices nationwide.

Benefits of Canada’s Altruistic Surrogacy Model

For Intended Parents

• Lower total cost
  
• High surrogate motivation
  
• Extremely ethical and transparent process
  
• Safe clinics and medical standards
  

For Surrogates

• Well-protected legal rights
  
• No financial pressure
  
• Focus on emotional fulfillment
  
• Reimbursement for all pregnancy-related costs
  

For International Parents

Canada is considered one of the most trustworthy countries for ethical surrogacy.

Challenges of the Canadian Model

Even though it’s ethical, altruistic surrogacy has some limitations:

• Longer wait times to match with a surrogate
  
• Strict legal rules
  
• Receipt-based reimbursement process
  
• Higher demand than availability
  

Because surrogates must volunteer, the number of candidates is naturally limited.

Is Canada Right for You?

Choose Canada if you want a surrogacy journey that prioritizes:

• Ethics
  
• Transparency
  
• Safety
  
• Legal clarity
  
• Long-term security for your child

If you prefer a faster match or prefer compensation-based systems, countries like the U.S. may be more suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why doesn’t Canada allow paid surrogacy?

Ans : To prevent exploitation and ensure surrogacy remains an altruistic, family-focused act rather than a commercial service.

Q. Can a surrogate in Canada receive anything besides reimbursement?

Ans : No. Surrogates can only be reimbursed for documented, pregnancy-related expenses allowed under AHRA.

Q. Is Canadian altruistic surrogacy safe?

Ans : Yes. Canada’s medical system, ethical laws, and screening processes make it one of the safest places for surrogacy.

Q. Is reimbursed surrogacy cheaper than compensated surrogacy?

Ans : Generally yes—because there is no base compensation fee, total costs are significantly lower.

Q. Can international parents pursue altruistic surrogacy in Canada?

Ans : Yes. Canada welcomes international intended parents, and children born via surrogacy receive a Canadian birth certificate.

Q. Do surrogates in Canada ever feel pressured?

Ans : No. Counseling, medical assessments, and legal safeguards ensure that only fully informed, willing surrogates participate.

Q. Do intended parents and surrogates need separate lawyers?

Ans : Yes. Independent legal representation is mandatory for both parties to maintain fairness.

Q. How long does it take to find a surrogate in Canada?

Ans : Because it is altruistic, matching may take longer—typically 6 to 18 months, depending on availability.