7 things you need to know about surrogacy or gestational carriers in Ontario

By Marta Wais MD | May 19, 2025

An interview with Stefanie McGlynn, Donor & Surrogacy Specialist at Markham Fertility Centre

What is a surrogate or gestational carrier? 

A surrogate or gestational carrier is a person who carries a pregnancy on behalf of intended parents. The distinction lies in how the pregnancy is established:

  • Surrogate (Traditional Surrogacy): In this method, the surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the baby. This is less common today due to legal and emotional complexities.
  • Gestational Carrier (Gestational Surrogacy): The gestational carrier does not contribute her own egg. Instead, an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material is transferred to her uterus. She carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the child.

Gestational surrogacy is the most common approach today because it simplifies legal processes and clearly separates the roles of the carrier and the intended parents.

Surrogacy can be an overwhelming topic for many, filled with complexities and nuances. To shed light on this journey, on EP34 of My Fertility Forecast we sat down with Stefanie McGlynn, the Donor and Surrogacy Program Lead at Markham Fertility Centre (MFC), to unpack everything prospective parents need to know about surrogacy or gestational carriers. With years of experience and an unparalleled understanding of third-party reproduction, Stefanie’s expertise offers valuable insights into the world of gestational carriers. We cover:

  1. The Donor & Surrogacy Program at Markham Fertility Centre
  2. The difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier
  3. The process to find a gestational carrier
  4. Finding a gestational carrier in Canada
  5. Why surrogates must have previous birth experience
  6. The bond between intended parents and surrogate 
  7. Costs and legal considerations 

Welcome, Stefanie! It’s so great to have you here. To start, can you tell us about the Donor & Surrogacy Program at MFC?

Stefanie: Of course. At MFC, we’re proud of our dedicated program, which includes myself, another registered nurse, and some amazing administrative support. Our primary goal is to help families navigate third-party reproduction—whether that’s through donor sperm, donor eggs, embryos, or surrogacy. We guide patients from the initial steps of accessing third-party resources all the way through their cycle and even into the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about emotional and practical support at every stage.

What makes a specialized program like this essential in a fertility clinic?

Stefanie: The landscape of third-party reproduction, particularly surrogacy, is incredibly complex. We’ve made it our mission to master this domain. By dedicating our time to understanding the nuances—from regulations to the roles of various agencies—we’re able to offer patients a smoother, more informed journey. Surrogacy isn’t like ‘normal IVF.’ It involves multiple parties and many moving pieces, so having a knowledgeable team makes all the difference.

Let’s dive into the basics. How do you define surrogacy, and what’s the difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier?

Stefanie: In the fertility world, we often use ‘surrogate’ as a blanket term. But technically, a surrogate uses her own egg to carry the pregnancy, which we refer to as traditional surrogacy. This is less common today due to its legal and emotional complexities. Instead, we see more gestational carriers, who carry an embryo created using the intended parents’ egg and sperm or donors. Their (the surrogate’s) own eggs aren’t involved in the pregnancy.

How does someone begin the process of finding a gestational carrier?

Stefanie: Great question. The ideal journey often involves someone you know—a friend, relative, or close acquaintance—offering to carry the pregnancy. These matches tend to be faster, smoother, and more cost-effective. However, many intended parents don’t know anyone willing or able to take on this role, and it’s a vulnerable ask to make. That’s where agencies come in. Agencies connect intended parents with potential surrogates and often provide screening services. Social media is another growing avenue where people connect directly, though this requires more effort and vetting.

Why is finding a gestational carrier in Canada so challenging, and how long does it typically take?

Stefanie: Finding a gestational carrier can take anywhere from 18 months to two years or more. The challenge lies in the fact that surrogates in Canada aren’t paid for their services—they’re reimbursed for expenses only. This makes it harder to find individuals willing to commit to a process that requires significant personal sacrifices. Additionally, clinics like ours have strict criteria to ensure the best chance of success, which narrows the pool further.

Can you explain those criteria?

Stefanie: At MFC, we prefer surrogates who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, aged 21–45, with a BMI under 45 and no serious health issues like diabetes or hypertension. They must have had at least one previous term pregnancy and delivery, as this reduces risks and ensures they’re familiar with pregnancy. We also look for individuals with no more than three previous C-sections or five vaginal deliveries and no history of significant pregnancy complications. Lastly, a good support system and willingness to undergo medical and psychological assessments are critical.

Why do surrogates need to have previous birth experience?

Stefanie: This requirement is rooted in both medical and emotional considerations. Medically, having a prior term pregnancy is the best predictor of a healthy pregnancy in the future. It minimizes risks like preeclampsia, preterm labor, and other complications. Emotionally, pregnancy is a transformative experience, and it’s hard to anticipate how someone will respond to it if they’ve never been through it before. Factors like postpartum depression or the challenges of giving a baby back to the intended parents are better navigated by someone with prior experience.

What about the emotional and relational dynamics? How important is the bond between intended parents and the surrogate?

Stefanie: It’s everything. Beyond meeting clinical criteria, a successful surrogacy journey depends on the connection between the intended parents and the surrogate. This isn’t just a transaction—it’s a deeply personal partnership. Both parties need to feel aligned on values, decisions, and communication styles. Trust and mutual respect are essential because, at the end of the day, intended parents are entrusting their future child to the surrogate’s care.

Can you share an example of a successful surrogate-intended parent relationship?

Stefanie: One of the most heartwarming examples comes from a same-sex male couple who worked with a gestational carrier to grow their family. The bond they formed with their carrier and her family was incredible. They maintained open communication throughout the pregnancy and even celebrated milestones together. This mutual respect and connection made the entire journey smooth and fulfilling for everyone involved. It’s relationships like these that highlight the importance of compatibility and trust in surrogacy.

What should intended parents budget for a surrogacy journey in Canada?

Stefanie: Costs vary widely, but for a gestational carrier journey with embryos already created, expect to spend between $80,000 and $120,000. This includes agency fees, legal costs, counselling, clinic procedures, and reimbursable expenses for the surrogate. Independent journeys, where intended parents find their surrogate without an agency, can reduce costs but still require budgeting for legal and medical expenses. The range also depends on factors like the surrogate’s location, travel costs, childcare needs, and other reimbursable expenses.

Read about prohibitions related to surrogacy by the Government of Canada.

How do legal and counselling requirements factor into the journey?

Stefanie: Both are essential. Counselling sessions help ensure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations, communication, and decision-making. For example, discussions often include topics like how many embryos to transfer, plans for multiples, or what happens in case of a medical complication. Legal agreements formalize these arrangements and ensure clarity on responsibilities and rights. It’s also crucial to work with a lawyer familiar with surrogacy laws in the surrogate’s province to navigate the legal nuances effectively.

What’s your final advice for those considering surrogacy?

Stefanie: Start early, do your research, and be open to learning. Surrogacy is a journey filled with twists and turns, but with the right support and preparation, it’s incredibly rewarding. Remember, every journey is unique. Take the time to build strong relationships, whether with your surrogate, your clinic, or your agency. When you finally hold that baby in your arms, it’s all worth it.

Stefanie McGlynn’s expertise and compassion shine through in every aspect of her work. Surrogacy may be complex, but with dedicated specialists like Stefanie, intended parents can navigate the process with confidence and hope. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for the final puzzle piece to complete your family, surrogacy offers a path filled with possibilities.

Helpful resources

Posted in Surrogacy, IVF