In Canada, LGBTQ parents have benefited from considerable advances in both legal and social acceptance. Homosexual couples who want to start a family can enjoy the same opportunities, responsibilities and rights as heterosexual couples. Important elements specific to Canada are to be taken into account by future parents when assisted procreation is considered:
Donations of eggs, embryos and sperm
Canadian law prohibits compensation in exchange for eggs, embryos or sperm. The gift must be an act of pure generosity.
The selection criteria established by Health Canada are very strict. Before selection, donors must pass a battery of blood and genetic tests. Sperm donors must be 18 to 40 years old while egg donors must be 18 to 34 years old. To understand Health Canada’s donation guidelines, please visit: (Link unfound)
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is legal but highly regulated in Canada;
Like the donation of eggs, embryos and sperm, the law allows only altruism. A surrogate mother can not be paid in addition to basic expenses;
Agencies working to find surrogate mothers compatible with prospective parents are illegal;
To understand Health Canada’s instructions on surrogacy, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies/legislation-guidelines/assisted-human-reproduction/prohibitions-related-surrogacy.html
Costs related to assisted reproduction
Despite the fact that Canada has free access to care, not all services are covered. In most Canadian provinces, expect to pay for all expenses excluding visits to your doctor unless you have private or professional insurance that covers these expenses.
To better understand health care coverage by province in which Procrea’s clinics are located, visit the Financial Guidance section of our site.