🚫 Considering Surrogacy in Laos? Here’s Why You Should Not 🚫
If you are an intended parent outside Laos considering building your family through surrogacy in the country — stop now.
While Laos permits limited surrogacy for married Lao couples, the law explicitly prohibits surrogacy arrangements involving foreigners. Any cross-border or commercial surrogacy is not only illegal, but it is also considered a form of human trafficking under Article 215 of the Lao Criminal Code.
April 2025 Crackdown: A Warning to All
In April 2025, authorities arrested 26 individuals in a sweeping crackdown on an illegal surrogacy ring operating out of a public hospital in Luang Namtha Province. Among those detained:
21 Lao citizens, including 23 pregnant women.
2 Burmese nationals.
3 Chinese recruiters.
2 of the pregnant women were minors.
This incident triggered nationwide alerts and reaffirmed the government’s hardline position against international surrogacy. Those involved now face up to 19 years in prison and fines of more than $18,000.
What the Law in Laos Actually Says
Since July 2021, Laos has permitted altruistic surrogacy under very narrow conditions:
Only married Lao couples may access it.
The surrogate must be a married maternal relative aged 18–35.
All parties must meet stringent health and eligibility requirements.
Compensation beyond medical costs is prohibited.
Anything outside this narrow scope, especially when involving foreign intended parents, recruiters, or commercial payments, is illegal.
Why Risk It?
Laos’ weak legal infrastructure and harsh criminal penalties make it a high-risk environment for international intended parents. If issues arise, such as detainment, denial of exit documents, or loss of legal parentage, there are very few legal or diplomatic paths to resolution.
In addition, children born via illegal surrogacy will be treated by the legal system as victims of human trafficking.
Escaping to a neighboring country is not feasible due to the mountainous landscape. Hope is not a strategy.
Choose a Safer, Legal Path to Parenthood
The Lao government has made its position clear:
❌ No international surrogacy is allowed.
⚠️ Recruiters, facilitators, intended parents, and surrogates will be prosecuted.
If you are growing your family through surrogacy, do so in a country with clear, supportive laws, ethical guidelines, and legal protections for all parties involved.
Final Thoughts
Your path to parenthood should be legal, safe, and ethical.
Do not risk your child’s future—or your freedom—by participating in surrogacy in Laos.
