Updated June 29th: Legal process section
Mexico City (Ciudad de México, CDMX) is a major destination for foreign intended parents to pursue surrogacy arrangements. Many areas of Mexico City are completely safe, the city is lively and convenient, and there are many famous tourist spots in and around the city. High-end areas such as Polanco are some of the most wealthy neighborhoods in Mexico. For this reason, surrogacy in Mexico City is booming, with many intended parents using one of many renowned fertility clinics to make their dream come true.
Which agencies are operating in Mexico City?
The following surrogacy agencies are operating in Mexico City.
- Egg Donors Miracles
- Eggspecting
- Fecundity
- Gestacy
- Miracle Surrogacy
- My Surrogacy Journey
- Occydonor
- Surrogacy Mexico (partnered to Sensible Surrogacy and Tammuz Family)
- World Center of Babies
Advantage of Surrogacy in Mexico City
Because Mexico City is a major hub for surrogacy, and as such, there are a variety of agencies that offer programs in Mexico City. This is because Mexico City is home to many world-class fertility treatment centers such as Fertilidad Integral and renowned private hospitals such as Hospital Español. What this means for intended parents is that you have more choices of programs to choose from. Since each agency offers different packages, you can find the one that is the most suited for your specific situation.
In addition, Mexico City is a vibrant city with a lot of greens, balancing its dense urban landscape with numerous parks and gardens. As the country’s capital, it is steeped in history and culture, featuring an array of museums, historical sites, and a lively arts scene. The city is also known for its complex mix of old and new, where ancient temples stand alongside modern skyscrapers, offering a unique blend of experiences to residents and visitors alike. You will feel safe walking during the day, and many neighborhoods have stores that you are familiar with, including Walmart, Costco, Starbucks, Office Depot, and other US chains.
Another advantage in doing surrogacy in Mexico City is that the legal process of removing a surrogate from the birth certificate of a newborn is relatively well established. This is because many surrogacy births have taken place and many Amparo trials have taken place. Federal judges in Mexico City are becoming more familiar with the petition to recognize the parentage of intended parents and remove the surrogate’s name from the birth certificate. Most or all of Amparo trials in Mexico City result in successful removal of the surrogate’s name from the birth certificate, although length of time taken to do this ranges from 1 month to, in the rarest of cases, over 6 months.
Legal Process Involved in Surrogacy in Mexico City
Mexico City does not have state-level laws that regulate surrogacy. The birth mother is assumed to be the surrogate mother, and her name will be on the birth certificate. If you are a male intended parent, your name will go onto the birth certificate. If you are a female intended parent, unfortunately, your name will not be on your child’s birth certificate and you will have to fight for the official recognition of your parentage. For some intended parents, the lack of your name or your partner’s name on the birth certificate is a problem when they have to prove their parentage in order to get a passport for their child or pass their citizenship to the child. To amend the birth certificate, the intended parents will have to go through the Amparo with their lawyer. This process is a court proceeding initiated by the intended parent and his/her lawyer to formally ask for the recognition of the parental rights of the intended parents and to remove the surrogate from the birth certificate. When the surrogate is removed from the birth certificate, all of her parental rights and obligations are terminated. Amparo process may take between 1 and 2 months depending on which judge and which courtroom you get as well as the competency of the legal team you hire.
Some lawyers and agencies claim they can help intended parents get a pre-birth order in Mexico City, although the success rate of this order is only about 50%. According to them, a lawyer is able to obtain an order from the court at around 12 weeks of pregnancy. If the court ruling is favorable, the intended parent will be given an official birth certificate listing on the intended parents’ names. One agency which offers a pre-birth order is My Surrogacy Journey (please read Unbiased Review of Surrogacy Agencies for details). Other lawyers claim that it is not possible to obtain a pre-birth order in Mexico City, citing the civil law of Mexico City that states that a fetus is not considered a legal person until after he or she is born. It is not clear whether a pre-birth order can be indeed obtained in Mexico City as of June 2024.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City offers a variety of neighborhoods that are well-suited for visitors looking for safe and pleasant areas to stay for extended periods. Here are a few recommended neighborhoods along with descriptions of their key features:
Polanco: Known for its upscale shopping, dining, and wealthy residential areas, Polanco is one of Mexico City’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a cosmopolitan environment with access to high-end amenities. The neighborhood is home to several embassies and multinational companies, making it one of the safest areas in the city. It also features cultural attractions like the Museo Soumaya and the Museo Jumex, which showcase incredible art collections. Because it’s the most prestigious neighborhood in Mexico City, short-term accommodation is not cheap. A 2-bedroom apartment in Airbnb can cost an upward of $4,000 USD per month.
Condesa: Condesa is popular among young professionals and expatriates, known for its Art Deco architecture, trendy cafes, and vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood’s layout promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment, featuring wide sidewalks, beautiful parks such as Parque México and Parque España, and a variety of creative and culinary hotspots. Condesa’s relaxed atmosphere and central location make it ideal for someone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture while having easy access to other parts of the city. There are several Asian grocery stores, making it popular for Asian tourists. My favorite walking path is the park island in the middle of a major street. Surrounded by trees and the sun shining from the above, you can feel your stress melt away.
Roma: Adjacent to Condesa, Roma is equally charming and slightly more bohemian. Known for its cultural diversity, Roma is dotted with art galleries, independent boutiques, and some of the city’ s most popular eateries. The neighborhood is divided into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, both offering a mix of traditional and modern living experiences. Roma’s vibrant street life and strong community vibe make it a welcoming place for visitors staying a few weeks to a few months.
Coyoacán: For those interested in a quieter, more residential experience, Coyoacán is an excellent choice. This neighborhood exudes an old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s famously home to the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, and the bustling market, Mercado de Coyoacán. Coyoacán is less central than the other neighborhoods but offers a distinct, laid-back atmosphere that can be very appealing for a longer stay.
Chapultepec: Chapultepec is one of Mexico City’s most iconic and expansive neighborhoods, renowned for its vast green spaces, cultural institutions, and historical significance. The neighborhood is anchored by the Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, sprawling over 1,695 acres. This park is not just a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city but also a cultural hub with numerous museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología, one of the most visited museums in Mexico, and the modern Museo Tamayo.
Chapultepec is also home to the Chapultepec Castle, a historic site perched atop a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and serves as a key cultural symbol, housing the National History Museum. The area is a blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a serene yet stimulating place for visitors looking to stay in Mexico City for a few weeks to a few months. Its well-maintained pathways, lakes, and the zoo make it a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts. The neighborhood’s safety, combined with its proximity to other important areas like Polanco and the Paseo de la Reforma, adds to its appeal as a residential and tourist destination.
Safest Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Including the neighborhoods I mentioned above, there are several safe neighborhoods in Mexico City that you can stay in. These are:
- Roma
- Codesa
- Centro Histórico
- Reforma
- Coyoacán
- Polanco
- Colonia Juárez & Zona Rosa
Neighborhoods to Avoid in Mexico City
There are dangerous neighborhoods that you’ll want to avoid in Mexico City. These are:
- Doctores
- Tepito
- Iztapalapa
- Ciudad Neza
- La Merced Market