Destination profile: Surrogacy in Colombia
Australian intended parents considering international destinations might come across surrogacy in Colombia as an option.
Note: nothing in this article qualifies as legal advice, nor does it replace advice from a lawyer who can give advice about surrogacy in Colombia. The surrogacy and political landscapes can change dramatically at short notice and this article will not be updated frequently. Sarah is not able to verify with 100% accuracy the information in this article.
Intended parents should consider what best practice, ethical surrogacy looks like and research widely before choosing a pathway. Agencies, intermediaries and trade shows are often conflicted from giving unbiased advice. Australian consumer laws will not protect intended parents if an international business does not deliver on their promises.
Colombia is in South America with a population of more than 50 million. Spanish is the official language.
Australia’s Smartraveller website provides up-to-date information for travellers to Colombia. In July 2025, Smartraveller warned travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to threats of violent crime and terrorism and warns against travelling entirely to many parts of Colombia.
Legal Status: Surrogacy in Colombia is unregulated, which means surrogacy services and intermediaries can operate on the basis that it is ‘not illegal.’ Gestational surrogacy is available and open to singles and heterosexual and gay couples.
Risks: Besides the travel risks, there are risks in engaging in surrogacy in countries where surrogacy is not regulated. Services are free to operate, but it can also mean the legal framework can change, if the government and authorities decide to take action to prohibit or regulate surrogacy in a way that makes it difficult to leave the country with your baby.
Safeguards: Intended parents should satisfy themselves that safeguards have been met, including that:
- adequate legal protections are available to intended parents, the surrogate and the child.
- the surrogate has been medically and psychologically assessed and has access to psychological support.
- the surrogate can read and understand the surrogacy contract, and is assisted by an interpreter when needed – including during medical treatment.
- the surrogate and the child will have access to high quality healthcare, before, during and after pregnancy and birth.
- the parties have access to legal advice from an independent lawyer – one that is not employed by an agency or clinic.
Egg Donation: egg donors are anonymous in Colombia, meaning you may only be given non-identifying information about a donor. A child has a right to know their genetic and birth heritage, and anonymous donation is not considered to be in a child’s best interests.
Parentage and birth certificates: For children born via surrogacy in Colombia, intended parents are usually able to obtain a birth certificate listing both intended parents and the full name they have chosen for the child. Other parents have had to rely on court orders, often requiring biological connection, and the process can be complex and lengthy.
Australian recognition: intended parents pursuing surrogacy in Colombia should seek independent legal advice from an Australian lawyer. Australia does not necessarily recognise an international birth certificate or court order.
You might find the Secrets We Keep Podcast series By Any Means useful – particularly episodes 5 and 6, which include interviews with parents, surrogates and industry professionals talking about Colombia.
You might be exploring surrogacy in Argentina as an alternative.
Intended parents explore many different international surrogacy destinations. Find more information including links to Facebook groups about different options.
If you are considering surrogacy in Australia, you can read about how to find a surrogate, or how to become a surrogate yourself. You can also download the free Surrogacy Handbook which explains the processes and options.
You can read a broad overview for surrogacy in Australia and how it works.
Hi! I’m Sarah Jefford (she/her). I’m a family creation lawyer, practising in surrogacy and donor conception arrangements. I’m an IVF mum, an egg donor and a traditional surrogate, and I delivered a baby for two dads in 2018.
I advocate for positive, best practice surrogacy arrangements within Australia, and provide support and education to help intended parents make informed decisions when pursuing overseas surrogacy.
