Ontario is where Canadian Surrogacy Options began, and where we have offices in Cambridge and Guelph. It is also home to the largest number of fertility clinics, surrogacy lawyers and surrogates in the country. If you are starting your journey in Ontario, here is how it works.
This is general information, last checked October 2026. It is not legal advice.
How the law works in Ontario
Surrogacy in Canada is altruistic under the federal Assisted Human Reproduction Act: a surrogate cannot be paid a fee, but she can be reimbursed for documented expenses. Parentage is a provincial matter.
Under Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act, as changed by the All Families Are Equal Act, 2016, intended parents can be recognized as the legal parents without a court order when:
- there is a written surrogacy agreement made before conception
- the surrogate and the intended parents each receive independent legal advice
- the surrogate gives written consent after the birth
A court application is only needed if she cannot or will not consent. The agreement helps show everyone's intentions, but it is not enforceable in the way a normal contract is, which is why trust and a good match matter so much. Ontario also allows families with more than two parents to be recognized, with a pre-conception agreement.
What surrogacy costs in Ontario
A complete journey in Canada typically runs $80,000 to $120,000 CAD, including surrogate reimbursements, legal, clinic and insurance costs. At CSO, agency programs start from $1,500 (Independent Journey), $9,500 (Foundation), $19,500 (Guided Journey) and $29,500 (Priority Match), plus HST, paid in three equal stages. See the full breakdown in our cost guide or get a personal estimate with our surrogacy cost calculator.
IVF funding in Ontario
The Ontario Fertility Program funds one IVF cycle for eligible patients under 43 who have an Ontario health card. Fertility drugs are not included, and some ancillary costs such as genetic testing and embryo storage are separate. A surrogate's pregnancy and delivery care are generally covered by her provincial health plan.
LGBTQ+ families
Ontario law recognizes same-sex couples, single parents and families with more than two parents. Gay couples will typically also need an egg donor, which we can plan alongside your surrogate match. See our guide for LGBTQ+ families.
Finding a surrogate or agency in Ontario
- Surrogacy agencies screen surrogates, match you and manage the journey. See our 15 questions to ask any agency.
- Independent journeys are possible if you already have a surrogate. See surrogacy without an agency.
- Matching commonly takes 3 to 12 months. Read how to find a surrogate in Canada.
If you want to be a surrogate in Ontario
You must be at least 21, and most clinics prefer a prior healthy pregnancy and birth. Start with our self-check.
Egg donation in Ontario
Egg donation is altruistic as well, with reimbursement of documented expenses. Our sister company Little Miracles matches intended parents with screened donors. See egg donation in Canada and egg donation costs.
Book a free consultation at calendly.com/cso-robyn
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