Ghana vs USA vs Canada: Which Surrogacy Program Is Right For You?

Choosing a surrogacy destination is one of the most important decisions intended parents make. Costs, legal protections, success rates, surrogate availability, and program timelines vary widely from country to country.

To help you make an informed decision, this guide compares Ghana, the USA, and Canada — three of the most popular surrogacy destinations in 2025.

This comparison is reviewed and medically guided by Dr. Pooja Patel, Women’s Health Specialist & Reproductive Care Consultant.

 Surrogacy in Ghana

Best For: Affordable programs and faster matching

Ghana has quickly gained global attention due to its cost-effective surrogacy programs and growing infrastructure for assisted reproductive technologies.

Key Advantages

• Lower total cost compared to Western countries
  
• Shorter waiting periods for surrogate matching
  
• Flexible legal framework for intended parents
  
• Suitable for heterosexual couples and single parents
  

Considerations

• Legal processes depend on documentation and court approval
  
• Intended parents must work with reputable clinics/ agencies to avoid inconsistencies
  
• Fewer premium-level concierge options compared to the USA
  

Typical Cost Range

$50,000 – $70,000 total

Best For

Parents looking for a balance of affordability, reasonable timelines, and supportive clinics.

Surrogacy in the USA

Best For: Strongest legal protections and highest success rates

The United States is considered the gold standard of global surrogacy. Every step — from screening to legal processes — is highly structured.

Key Advantages

• Clear, state-specific surrogacy laws
  
• Guaranteed parental rights (in surrogacy-friendly states)
  
• Highly screened surrogates
  
• Advanced IVF technology and superior medical care
  
• Works well for LGBTQ+ parents, international parents, and single parents
  

Considerations

• The most expensive country for surrogacy
  
• Matching times can be longer due to high demand
  
• Not all U.S. states support commercial surrogacy
  

Typical Cost Range

$150,000 – $250,000+ total

Best For

Intended parents seeking legal certainty, premium programs, and top-tier medical standards.

Surrogacy in Canada

Best For: Ethical, altruistic surrogacy with family-friendly process

Canada offers altruistic surrogacy only, meaning surrogates are not paid beyond expenses. This creates transparency and ethical comfort for many families.

Key Advantages

• Strong legal framework
  
• Surrogates often motivated by helping families
  
• Excellent healthcare system
  
• Friendly environment for LGBTQ+ & international parents
  

Considerations

• Longer wait times (12–24 months on average)
  
• Surrogates cannot be compensated → affects availability
  
• Limited commercial agency involvement
  

Typical Cost Range

$70,000 – $90,000 total

Best For

Parents seeking a compassion-driven, ethical program and who are willing to wait for a longer match.

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Feature	Ghana	USA	Canada
Total Cost	Lowest ($50k–$70k)	Highest ($150k–$250k+)	Mid-Low ($70k–$90k)
Legal Protections	Moderate	Strongest	Strong
Surrogate Availability	Good (fast matching)	Moderate	Slow (long wait)
Type of Surrogacy	Commercial	Commercial	Altruistic only
LGBTQ+ Friendly	Limited	Very friendly	Very friendly
Best For	Budget-conscious parents	Parents wanting top safety & legal clarity	Parents preferring altruistic programs

Which Country Is Right for You?

Choose Ghana if you want:

• Affordability
  
• Faster matching
  
• Standard medical care
  
• A straightforward, cost-effective program
  

Choose the USA if you want:

• Maximum legal protection
  
• Premium medical facilities
  
• Highly screened surrogates
  
• Smooth process for LGBTQ+ and international parents
  

Choose Canada if you want:

• Ethical altruistic surrogacy
  
• Lower costs than the USA
  
• A compassionate, family-centered approach
  

Conclusion

There is no universal “best” surrogacy country — the right choice depends on your budget, legal needs, timelines, and personal values.

• Ghana → affordable and fast
  
• USA → safest and most legally secure
  
• Canada → ethical and family-friendly
  

If you need a personalized recommendation based on your goals, medical needs, or budget range, I can prepare a custom comparison chart as well.

FAQs

Q. Which country is the safest for surrogacy?

Ans : The USA offers the strongest legal protections and highest medical standards, making it the safest overall for intended parents.

Q. Which country is the most affordable for surrogacy?

Ans : Ghana is currently the most cost-effective option with total expenses between $50,000–$70,000.

Q. Why is U.S. surrogacy so expensive?

Ans : Costs cover surrogate compensation, IVF, premium healthcare, legal protection, insurance, and agency support — all at U.S. pricing standards.

Q. Why are wait times so long in Canada?

Ans : Canada only allows altruistic surrogacy, so fewer surrogates are available, causing longer wait lists.

Q. Is surrogacy legal for international parents in all three countries?

Ans : Legal for international parents in all three countries

• USA: Yes, in surrogacy-friendly states
  
• Canada: Yes
  
• Ghana: Yes, with proper documentation and agency support
  

Q. Which country is best for LGBTQ+ intended parents?

Ans : The USA and Canada both offer strong legal pathways and inclusive programs.

Q. How do I choose the best country for my situation?

Ans : Consider:

• Budget
  
• Timeline for matching
  
• Legal protection level
  
• Travel ability
  
• Preference for commercial vs altruistic programs
  

I can analyze your specific goals and recommend the ideal country.