Life on Hold: The dramatic situation of Embryos in Argentina after changes in surrogacy
Life on Hold: The dramatic situation of Embryos in Argentina after changes in surrogacy
Everything changed in Argentina from May 2024 to these days. From being a surrogacy paradise, after changes in the policies of public agencies, Argentina ceased to be an option on the road to three-party parenthood.
Along the way many suffered: surrogacy agencies went bankrupt, clinics with serious economic difficulties, parents who deposited their savings and their dreams in Argentina were sadly surprised by the sudden refusal of judges and civil registry to recognize intended parents as the sole parents of children born through surrogacy. This is certainly not what they expected.
The current situation in Argentina is that clinics refuse to transfer embryos to surrogates without prior judicial authorization. And although some IPs see a way forward in requesting judicial authorization, this is still a very risky move.
Although some IPs (mostly Argentineans and residents) have opted for this path, there have not yet been sentences in favor of judicial authorization. This is due to the fact that the deadlines of the Argentinean justice system have not been met.
That said, it is necessary to raise awareness about the risks involved in going for a court ruling. At the end of 2024, the highest court in Argentina issued a ruling refusing to remove the name of the surrogate from the baby’s birth certificate, granting the father who did not appear on the certificate the possibility of an adoption by integration. That is to say, to adopt their partner’s baby. Although it appears as an amendment to the situation, this adoption by integration is not an option for foreigners: in Argentina adoption is only available for persons with Argentine nationality. Furthermore, even in the case of Argentine parents, adoption by integration does not remove the figure of the surrogate from the parental relationship. It only grants rights and obligations to the adopting parent.
The sad and pressing reality is that Argentina is no longer an option as a surrogacy destination, at least not for foreign parents. I say this as an indisputable truth.
And in these circumstances, all the intended parents who managed to form their embryos in Argentina see their processes stopped.
Hundreds of embryos are in fertility clinics mainly in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario. These are treasures for the intended parents who have worked hard and made great sacrifices to create them.
At Mondo IVF we have the means to provide a solution for these parents so that they can continue their treatment in other destinations where surrogacy is possible. With our services of excellence in embryo transport we can bring great value to the process, with affordable rates for the parents.
We believe that the right to form a family is universal and should be available to all. We believe in three party parenthood as a path full of love and satisfaction where everyone wins. We carry out our work with this conviction and the guarantee of our trajectory and experience.
Writer
Mariana Retamales
Is a lawyer dedicated to the field of fertility and international surrogacy, she is at this moment of her career 100% focused on providing a definitive solution to the challenges faced by the IPs in Argentina, forming valuable alliances with different providers around the world. In this context, she joins to work with Mondo IVF, contributing to the Company with her knowledge and true calling to serve.
1 comentario
Marco · julio 10, 2025 a las 2:58 am
The text «Life on Hold: The dramatic situation of Embryos in Argentina after changes in surrogacy» is an incredibly important and insightful article, especially for anyone following the complexities of international surrogacy.
Mariana Retamales, the writer and a lawyer specializing in fertility and international surrogacy, presents the difficult situation faced by countless intended parents in Argentina with remarkable clarity and empathy. Her in-depth analysis of the recent changes in the country’s legislation and policies highlights the urgency of the problem and its devastating impact on families.
The article’s approach, which not only describes the crisis but also points towards solutions like embryo transport offered by Mondo IVF, is highly valuable. It’s an essential piece that champions the universal right to form a family and three-party parenthood. Mariana Retamales’ perspective as an expert in the field is invaluable for understanding and navigating this ever-changing landscape.