Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Parents: USA, Canada and Ghana Compared

Surrogacy has become a hopeful path to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples around the world. However, every country has different laws, costs, timelines and requirements — making the choice of destination extremely important.

Below is a detailed comparison of three leading surrogacy destinations for LGBTQ+ intended parents: the United States, Canada and Ghana.

United States — The Most Flexible & Legally Secure

The United States is considered the premier destination for LGBTQ+ surrogacy because of its advanced medical systems, high-quality IVF clinics and strong legal protections.

Key Advantages

• Recognizes LGBTQ+ intended parents in most states
  
• Pre-birth orders allow parents to be listed on the baby’s birth certificate immediately
  
• Access to both egg & sperm donors (anonymous or known)
  
• Very high screening standards for surrogates
  

Considerations

• Highest global cost of surrogacy
  
• Costs can vary state-to-state
  

Typical Cost: $150,000 – $220,000
Wait Time for Surrogate Match: 2–6 months

Best For: LGBTQ+ parents who want maximum legal security and a smooth hospital process.

Canada — LGBTQ+ Friendly System with Lower Cost

Canada offers a compassionate surrogacy model. The country is highly supportive of LGBTQ+ parents, and birth certificates can list two same-sex parents.

Key Advantages

• Very LGBTQ+ inclusive
  
• Excellent IVF success rates
  
• Lower overall cost than the U.S.
  

Considerations

• Compensated surrogacy is NOT allowed — only altruistic surrogacy
  
• Fewer surrogates available, so wait times can be long
  

Typical Cost: $85,000 – $110,000
Wait Time for Surrogate Match: 12–24 months

Best For: Intended parents who can wait longer due to altruistic model and want a more budget-friendly option.

Ghana — Fast Timeline & Cost-Effective

Ghana has become a rising international option. Surrogacy is legal, screening is professional and intended parents can complete the process quickly.

Key Advantages

• Shortest wait time to match with a surrogate
  
• More cost-effective than the U.S. and Canada
  
• LGBTQ+ intended parents can pursue surrogacy privately through medical contracts
  

Considerations

• No federal surrogacy law — legal security depends on strong contracts
  
• Birth certificate order is issued after legal guidance
  

Typical Cost: $55,000 – $75,000
Wait Time for Surrogate Match: 1–3 months

Best For: Intended parents needing faster timelines and lower cost while still maintaining medical quality.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	United States 🇺🇸	Canada 🇨🇦	Ghana 🇬🇭
LGBTQ+ Surrogacy	Fully supported	Fully supported	Supported with contracts
Cost	$150,000–$220,000	$85,000–$110,000	$55,000–$75,000
Surrogate Wait Time	2–6 months	12–24 months	1–3 months
Birth Certificate	Pre-birth order	Post-birth, smooth	Issued after legal process
Donor Availability	Very high	Moderate	High
Medical Standards	Excellent	Excellent	Very good

How to Choose the Right Country

Budget	Speed	Legal Comfort	Best Fit
High	Medium	Maximum	USA
Medium	Lowest priority	Strong	Canada
Low to Medium	Fast	Moderate	Ghana

If the top priority is predictable legal protection → choose USA.
If budget matters and wait time is manageable → choose Canada.
If faster timeline and affordability are key → choose Ghana.

FAQs

Q. Which country is safest legally for LGBTQ+ surrogacy?

Ans : The United States offers the highest level of legal security, including pre-birth orders that guarantee immediate parental rights.

Q. Which country has the lowest cost for LGBTQ+ intended parents?

Ans : Ghana is the most affordable, followed by Canada, while the USA is the most expensive.

Q. Which destination has the fastest surrogate matching timeline?

Ans : Ghana typically matches intended parents within 1–3 months, significantly faster than the U.S. or Canada.

Q. Are egg or sperm donors available in all three countries?

Ans : Yes — donor programs exist in the USA, Canada and Ghana, with the USA and Ghana offering the largest donor pools.

Q. Can same-sex couples be listed on the birth certificate?

Ans : Yes, in the USA and Canada. In Ghana it is possible through legal contract support and post-birth procedures.

Q. Is travel required for international parents?

Ans : Yes — parents must generally be present for the birth and legal paperwork regardless of destination.

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

Ans : There is no single best country — the choice depends on budget, legal comfort level, speed and donor preferences.