Couples struggling to conceive often find themselves facing devastating choices. They can give up their dream of becoming parents or drain their savings trying various assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, that have no guarantee of success.
Many of these couples are seeking help beyond their borders. Fertility tourism has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. The global fertility tourism market reached $1.57 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $6.18 billion by 2030.
What’s driving the fertility tourism boom?
The primary factor in the fertility tourism boom is cost. IVF treatments in the United States average $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle, while countries such as the Czech Republic or Mexico offer similar procedures for $3,000 to $6,000. Greece offers IVF with donor eggs for approximately $5,500 to $8,700 compared to $25,000 to $60,000 in the United States.
Legal restrictions are another driver behind fertility tourism. While the United States doesn’t have strict federal regulations for fertility treatments, laws vary among states. Germany restricts egg donation entirely and limits embryo selection. Italy bans surrogacy completely and criminalizes people who travel outside the country for surrogacy services. While it applies to all their citizens, male same-sex couples and single people are disproportionately impacted.
Some countries offer cutting-edge treatments and services unavailable elsewhere. Cyprus has become the premier location for fertility treatments using cytoplasmic transfer techniques. Spain is the leader in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and is a top destination for single women and lesbian couples.
However, fertility tourism has its risks. Surrogacy laws differ worldwide. In addition to Italy, commercial surrogacy is prohibited in France and Germany. Some countries recognize foreign surrogacy agreements, while others refuse to issue passports for children born abroad.
International fertility treatment also creates complex issues regarding the recognition of parental rights. Some countries automatically recognize intended parents listed on foreign birth certificates, while others require lengthy adoption procedures. The European Court of Human Rights has addressed several cases where countries refused to recognize children born through international surrogacy.
An assisted reproductive attorney can provide guidance against potentially devastating complications. Don’t pursue international fertility treatment until you have a complete understanding of your home country’s laws and your destination’s regulations. The dream of parenthood should not become a legal nightmare.