How surrogacy works in Mexico, step by step

What is surrogacy?

You may also encounter the Spanish terms “madre gestante” or “madre subrogada”. Here we use “gestational carrier” to distinguish the person carrying the pregnancy from those seeking legal recognition of parentage.

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries a pregnancy for another person or couple (the intended parents), who seek legal recognition of their parentage. That recognition depends on the applicable procedure. In gestational surrogacy, the carrier does not provide an egg: the embryo is formed using genetic material from the intended parents or donors. Legal terminology varies; Tabasco distinguishes between gestación subrogada, where the carrier provides an egg, and gestación sustituta, where she does not.

Tlacati explains the process from the perspective of someone considering becoming a gestational carrier. We are not a clinic or agency. The program you choose to speak with should explain its terms in writing, within the applicable legal framework.

The seven stages, in order

1. 1. First conversation

   You can ask questions on WhatsApp, without documents or commitment. If you later want to prepare a profile, we explain what information is needed and ask for your explicit written consent before using reproductive or health history. You can stop the conversation whenever you wish.

2. 2. Referral to a program

   Only with your permission is your profile shared with an agency or program. They contact you and explain how they work, which city they operate in and what requirements apply. It is a good idea to ask for everything in writing from the start.

3. 3. Assessments

   The program arranges medical tests and a psychological assessment to evaluate your health, identify risks and check that your decision is free and informed. No assessment guarantees a pregnancy without complications. Before you begin, it should be clear who pays for tests, travel and medication.

4. 4. Contract

   Once the intended parents have been identified, a contract is signed documenting payments, expenses, insurance, obligations, privacy and what happens if the process changes or ends. You should receive a full copy, time to read it and, preferably, independent legal advice. Our contract review guide lists the key questions.

5. 5. Preparation and transfer

   Medication is used to prepare the uterus, and the embryo is transferred at an assisted reproduction clinic. It is a brief outpatient procedure. A blood test a few days later confirms whether implantation occurred. More than one attempt may be needed; the contract should state what happens in each case.

6. 6. Pregnancy with follow-up care

   Pregnancy is supported with prenatal appointments, tests and communication with the program. Availability matters here: appointments, rest when prescribed and reporting any problems. Expenses and protections for this stage should be set out in writing.

7. 7. Birth and legal procedures

   The route to legal recognition of parentage depends on the state and applicable law; signing a contract alone does not settle it. It is advisable to plan it with legal counsel before pregnancy and understand which procedures would follow the birth. Explore the differences between Tabasco, Sinaloa and Mexico City.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed timeline. Several months often pass between the first conversation and a transfer because assessments, the contract and coordination with the clinic are involved. Pregnancy follows its own course, and subsequent legal procedures vary by state. A responsible program will provide an approximate written timeline and explain what could affect it.

Who does what

• You: make decisions at each stage, attend appointments and care for your health according to medical guidance.
• The programme or agency: explains which services it coordinates, who is responsible for each one and on what basis. Its involvement in assessments, the clinic, the agreement, payments and communication depends on its role and applicable law. See the Tabasco example.
• The clinic: carries out tests, preparation, transfer and medical follow-up.
• Legal advice and procedures: lawyers provide advice and handle legal proceedings; a notary certifies the acts within their authority. Recognition and registration of parentage depend on the competent authorities and applicable procedure.
• Tlacati: provides information before you start and, if you ask, makes a referral. We do not take part in assessments, contracts or payments.