The Australian government has issued a warning to would-be parents considering surrogacy arrangements in Argentina, citing legal uncertainties surrounding the practice.
In a new alert published on the government-run Smart Traveller website, authorities cautioned that Argentine officials may regard surrogacy arrangements as illegal, and travellers could be refused entry if they are involved in such arrangements.
Although surrogacy is not explicitly illegal in Argentina, it remains largely unregulated and operates in a legal grey area. The issue has drawn increased attention in recent years amid concerns that surrogacy arrangements involving foreign couples may lead to the exploitation of vulnerable women.
In April 2024, several intended parents were left without legal documentation for their newborns after authorities in Buenos Aires temporarily halted the issuance of birth certificates for babies born through surrogacy. Later, in October 2024, Argentine prosecutors reported uncovering a criminal network allegedly charging foreign couples up to US$50,000 for surrogacy services. The group was accused of exploiting women, withholding payments following miscarriages, and commercialising childbirth.
Smart Traveller has urged Australians to seek comprehensive and independent legal advice from an Argentine lawyer specialising in surrogacy law before travelling for such arrangements. The warning also follows previous international legal disputes involving Australian parents, including allegations of human trafficking and forced surrogacy in Greece in 2023.
