How Surrogacy Works in Canada
Understanding the journey, the laws, and the heart behind it.
Surrogacy in Canada is more than a process, it’s a relationship journey built on trust, ethics, and a deep sense of giving. Having walked this road myself, I’ve seen firsthand how beautiful and life-changing it can be, both for intended parents and for the women who choose to carry for them.
Below is a simple breakdown of how things work here in Canada, and what you can expect every step of the way.
1. Surrogacy in Canada Is Altruistic
One of the most important things to know is that Canada operates under altruistic surrogacy laws.
This means surrogates are not paid for carrying a baby, instead, they are reimbursed for surrogacy related expenses.
And while some people think this makes surrogacy “less accessible,” the truth is that it attracts:
women who lead with their heart.
women who genuinely want to help grow a family.
women who feel called to give something extraordinary.
2. The Connecting Process
Whether a surrogate connects with intended parents through an agency or independently, the connection is everything.
It starts with conversations, shared values, and a mutual sense of comfort. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about whether the relationship feels right.
When a connection clicks, there’s often this quiet moment of knowing.
3. Legal Agreements
Before anything medical happens, both the surrogate and the intended parents meets with a fertility lawyer who specializes in surrogacy.
This ensures that everyone understands their rights, everyone’s expectations are clear and that both the surrogate and the intended parents’ rights are protected.
The legal agreement is in place to keep the journey respectful, transparent, and safe.
4. Medical Screening
Surrogates undergo medical and psychological screening to confirm they’re physically and emotionally ready for the journey.
This part isn’t about gatekeeping, it’s about setting everyone up for the healthiest possible experience.
Once cleared, the fertility clinic prepares the surrogate for embryo transfer through medications and monitoring.
5. The Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy
This is the moment everyone has been waiting for - the embryo transfer.
It’s quick, gentle, and often very emotional.
From here, the surrogate’s pregnancy is monitored closely by the clinic until she is discharged to her regular OB/midwife care.
Throughout the pregnancy, intended parents stay involved though ultrasounds, appointments, belly kicks, and the everyday sharing of watching a baby grow.
6. Birth & Legal Parentage
After birth, intended parents care for the baby right away, and a post-birth legal process finalizes them as the baby’s legal parents.
For the surrogate, there is a unique mix of joy, love and peacefulness that comes from seeing the family she helped create altogether.
Why Women Choose This Journey
Women choose surrogacy in Canada because they want to give something meaningful to themselves and to others.
It’s not just carrying a baby.
It’s carrying hope, carrying possibility, and carrying a future someone once feared they’d never have.
Surrogacy is a calling, and if you’ve felt that tug in your heart, even once, then there’s a good chance it’s worth exploring.
Thinking About Becoming a Surrogate?
If something inside you says, “I could do that… I think I want to do that,” trust that whisper.
We’d love to walk with you, answer your questions, and help you explore this path with honesty, warmth, and support.
You don’t have to know everything, you just need the courage to be curious.
If you’re ready to talk about what surrogacy could look like for you, reach out. Your journey might start today.
