Ukraine has become a popular destination for international surrogacy due to the clarity of its surrogacy laws and relatively sophisticated medical system. However, with the changing political environment, the implementation and safety of surrogacy has been affected. This paper will explore in detailLegality, price, process and other information about surrogacy in Ukraine, a comprehensive guide for families preparing for surrogacy.

I. Is Ukrainian surrogacy legal?

In Ukraine, surrogacy is legal and regulated by strict laws. Surrogacy contracts are considered valid and enforceable in Ukraine.

In accordance with Ukrainian law.The child belongs exclusively to the prospective parents from the moment of conception.. When the child is born, the names of the intended parents will be listed on the birth certificate and the surrogate mother will not have any parental rights.As a result, the surrogate mother cannot keep the child or claim any rights in relation to it.. Even if there is no biological relationship between the child and the prospective parents, the names of the prospective parents will still be on the birth certificate as long as egg and sperm donors were used.

Ukraine has a much better legal system for surrogacy than many European countries. Other countries tend to either prohibit surrogacy altogether or allow only unpaid surrogacy agreements.

The law on surrogacy in Ukraine is based on article 123 of the Ukrainian Family Code, which regulates parenthood in cases of medically assisted reproduction. According to this article.If a couple's egg is implanted in another woman, the couple will be recognized as the legal parents of the child. This clause supports surrogacy contracts thatand that the surrogacy process be limited to married couples.("Married" in Ukrainian law does not include same-sex marriage).

The registration of infants is regulated by Decrees No. 24 and No. 771 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine concerning medical procedures for artificial insemination and embryo implantation. Under these decrees.Registration of a child under a surrogacy arrangement is based on a surrogacy agreement signed by the intended parents and the written consent of the surrogate mother.TheThe submission of this agreement, together with medical documents certifying that the surrogate mother gave birth to the child for the intended parents, enables the intended parents to be legally registered as parents of the child.The

Every year, Ukraine holds an international conference in the field of reproduction, attracting specialists from around the globe. Ukraine has more than 30 private Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics located in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and Dnipro, where more than 12,000 children have been born. With high-quality medical care, years of experience, and responsible surrogate mothers, Ukraine has become a hotspot for medical tourism, attracting couples from around the globe for infertility treatments.

• Surrogacy for foreign couples: allowed
• Surrogacy for homosexuals: not allowed
• Surrogacy for single persons: not allowed

In accordance with Order No. 787 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine:

1. Adult men and women have the right to go to infertility treatment centers for treatment.
2. Fertility treatments are planned in strict confidence.
3. Egg donors can be anonymous volunteers or relatives of female patients.

Ukrainian legislation clearly defines the obligations and rights of participants in surrogacy programs:

1. The services of surrogate mothers are designed to help couples treat infertility.
2. All institutions and medical centers are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of medical information.
3. The quality of all relevant medical procedures is strictly regulated by law. Spouses receive detailed information about the treatment program, including findings and various risks.
4. The relationship between the spouse and the surrogate mother is governed by the contract they signed before the start of the program.

The contract sets out the rights and obligations of both parties: the married couple is required to pay for the surrogacy services set out in the contract, while the surrogate mother agrees to hand over the baby to the parents after the birth and to waive any parental rights or legal proceedings against the child. Under the law, the names of the parents are immediately recorded on the birth certificate, without the need for court authorization.

II. Status of surrogacy in Ukraine

Ukraine used to be one of the leading destinations in the global surrogacy market, attracting prospective parents from all over the world. However, since the outbreak of military conflict in February 2022, the surrogacy industry in Ukraine has faced unprecedented challenges. Below is a detailed analysis of the current status of surrogacy in Ukraine during the war, as well as related security and ethical issues.

Prior to the military conflict, Ukraine was the surrogacy destination of choice for many foreign couples due to its high quality of medical care, relatively low costs, and lax legal regulations.Ukraine's surrogacy laws allow surrogacy for couples in heterosexual marriages, which is not possible in many countries.In addition, Ukraine has advanced reproductive medicine facilities and an experienced medical team, factors that make surrogacy services in the country highly desirable.

Impact of the war on the Ukrainian surrogacy industry

The surrogacy industry in Ukraine has taken a major hit as the military conflict continues. Ongoing military attacks have put a huge strain on local medical facilities and logistics services, and have made the safety of prospective parents a primary concern.In a war environment, the risks of prospective parents traveling to Ukraine for surrogacy are greatly increased, including potential life-threatening injuries and an unguaranteed quality of medical care.

Restrictions on free movement across borders also further exacerbate uncertainty in the surrogacy process.Owing to the war, it may be difficult for prospective parents to enter and leave Ukraine safely, and even to obtain birth certificates and travel documents for their babies in a timely manner. This situation not only makes surrogacy more complicated, but can also pose serious legal and administrative problems.

Warnings and restrictions by foreign governments

Since the beginning of the conflict, a number of foreign governments have made it clear that they will not be able to provide adequate support to their citizens who choose to undergo surrogacy in Ukraine. This includes the inability to obtain citizenship, passports, and other necessary travel documents for the newborn baby. Such warnings not only add to the stress of the prospective parents, but also make surrogacy in Ukraine much less viable and safe.

How do you meet the challenges of surrogacy during war?

For those prospective parents who are already in the midst of a Ukrainian surrogacy program, caution and advance planning are key. If they do need to travel to Ukraine to give birth, it is recommended that the expectant parents work closely with a surrogacy agency toMinimize the duration of your stay in Ukraine and prepare all necessary documents in advanceto obtain a birth certificate as soon as possible after the birth of the baby.

In addition, safety is a primary consideration. Ukraine during the war was unable to provide security for prospective parents and newborns, making surrogacy in the country extremely unwise. Even if the surrogacy process goes smoothly, there are still dangers that could erupt at any time, and prospective parents must be fully aware of this.

Alternative to Ukrainian surrogacy: surrogacy in other countries

Due to the unstable situation in Ukraine, some Ukrainian surrogacy agencies have begun toSurrogacy programs in other countries. These programs are often safer options, especially for prospective parents who have already stored embryos in Ukraine, and these alternatives allow them to continue the surrogacy program in a safer environment. Choosing these programs not only reduces safety risks, but also ensures that the prospective parents are able to complete the surrogacy process within a legal and ethical framework.

Surrogacy in Ukraine is no longer a safe or ethical option in the current war environment.I strongly advise prospective parents to carefully consider the location of the surrogacy and try to choose a safer country for surrogacy. Even in emergency situations, the safety of yourself and your baby should be prioritized to avoid any unnecessary risks.In conclusion, considering the current situation in Ukraine, I do not recommend surrogacy in Ukraine!that does not support prospective parents who still insist on surrogacy in that country.

III. Price of surrogacy in Ukraine

The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine is a crucial consideration for prospective parents. Although Ukraine is known for its low surrogacy costs, prospective parents still need to be prepared to budget adequately.Surrogacy costs in Ukraine usually start at 50,000 USD, but this number may rise depending on the specific circumstances and services required. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major cost items involved in the surrogacy process in Ukraine to help prospective parents better understand and plan for surrogacy expenses.

1. Compensatory costs for surrogate mothers

Cost range: $15,000 - $22,000

Compensation for the surrogate mother is an important part of the overall surrogacy cost. This component compensates the surrogate mother for living expenses, physical exertion, and potential health risks during the pregnancy. The exact amount usually varies depending on the surrogate mother's personal situation and the terms of the surrogacy agreement. High compensation usually corresponds to the surrogate mother's high level of experience or specially requested additional services, such as special health monitoring or personalized care.

2. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer costs

Cost range: $7,000-$8,000

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer are crucial medical steps in the surrogacy process. This part of the cost covers the entire process from egg retrieval, sperm preparation, laboratory fertilization to embryo transfer. The exact amount of the cost depends on the quality of the medical technology and facilities required. In some cases, the cost may be higher if high-end laboratory techniques or advanced embryo screening methods are required.

3. Medical services, pregnancy care and obstetric hospitalization costs

Cost range: $8,000-$15,000

This portion of the fee covers all medical tests, care and delivery costs for the surrogate mother throughout the pregnancy. This includes routine pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, blood tests, and emergency medical care if necessary. Obstetric hospitalization costs, on the other hand, cover hospital care before and after delivery to ensure that the surrogate mother and newborn are cared for in the safest possible environment. The range of costs depends on the level of hospital and quality of services chosen by the expectant parents.

4. Legal costs

Cost range: $5,000

Legal fees are integral to the surrogacy process. Surrogacy involves complex legal matters and it is vital to ensure that the rights of all parties involved are protected. Fees include the drafting and review of the surrogacy contract, legal counseling, and legal support throughout the surrogacy cycle. The involvement of an attorney ensures that the surrogacy process complies with the law and avoids potential legal disputes in the future.

5. Surrogacy agency fees

Cost range: $6,000-$8,000

The surrogacy agent acts as a bridge throughout the process, coordinating communication and matters between the prospective parents and the surrogate mother. The agency fee is primarily used for the screening and matching of surrogate mothers, supervision of the surrogacy process, and emergency mediation when necessary. An experienced surrogacy agency can ensure that the process runs smoothly and provide timely solutions when problems arise.

6. Egg donor matching and reimbursement costs

Cost range: $4,000-$5,000

Egg donation is essential during the surrogacy process if the mother-to-be is unable to use her own eggs. This portion of the cost includes finding a suitable egg donor, conducting medical and psychological screenings, and donor compensation. The amount of donor compensation reflects the time and physical investment in the egg donation process as well as the medical risks assumed.

Although surrogacy costs in Ukraine are relatively inexpensive compared to other countries, prospective parents still need to plan a detailed budget for each service. Each expense not only directly affects the overall cost of surrogacy, but also involves the quality and safety of the process. Therefore, understanding and planning for these costs is an important prerequisite to ensuring a smooth and successful surrogacy process. With a detailed budget and the assistance of a professional surrogacy agency, prospective parents can be better prepared to deal with the various challenges that may arise during the surrogacy process and realize their dream of having a family.

IV. Ukrainian surrogacy process

Surrogacy services in Ukraine provide comprehensive medical and legal support to ensure the legality and safety of the procedure. The entire surrogacy process is analyzed in detail below:

1. Preparation of documents

Before the surrogacy journey begins, prospective parents first need to prepare and submit the following important documents:

• Passport: legal document processing for identification and follow-up procedures.
• Marriage certificate (with Apostille certification): proves the marital status of the prospective parents, which is one of the requirements of the Ukrainian surrogacy law.
• Medical certificate: issued by a specialized doctor attesting to the inability to conceive naturally

2. Choice of procedure

Prospective parents choose to use their own eggs or donor eggs, depending on their medical conditions and needs.

3. Arrival in Ukraine

Upon arrival in Ukraine, prospective parents undergo medical examination and consultation, sperm evaluation, ovulation program, selection of surrogate mother, signing of contract.

4. Embryo creation and implantation

Embryo culture, genetic diagnosis (PGD), embryo transfer.

5. Pregnancy monitoring

Regular checkups: The surrogate mother will undergo at least 10 ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure a smooth pregnancy.

6. Pre-birth preparation and visits

Arranging Accommodation: Expectant parents will stay in a fully furnished apartment in preparation for the arrival of their newborn.

7. Paperwork and legal formalities

Establishment of parental rights: Completion of a DNA test to confirm blood relationship to the infant, processing of the child's birth certificate and travel documents.

Through this detailed process, Ukrainian surrogacy services ensure legal compliance and medical safety, helping families unable to have children naturally realize their dreams.

V. Advantages of Ukrainian surrogacy (by 2022)

Ukraine has become a preferred destination for surrogacy globally due to its European standard healthcare, stable political environment, lower cost of living, and the most supportive legal system for surrogacy in the world. The following section explores in detail the key advantages of Ukraine in surrogacy and explains why Ukraine holds an important position in the global surrogacy market.

Legal advantages: safeguarding the rights and interests of prospective parents

The legal framework of surrogacy in Ukraine is based on modern legal traditions and provides clear legal support and guarantees for heterosexual married couples. The Ukrainian legal system in surrogacy is one of the most comprehensive and supportive in the world, ensuring the rights and interests of prospective parents throughout the surrogacy process.

1. Legal guarantees of biological parentage

In Ukraine, immediately after the birth of a child, the names of the biological parents are registered on the newborn's birth certificate. This means that the surrogate mother does not have the right to legally claim to be the mother of the child, thus eliminating the risk of any future legal disputes.

2. Ease of processing travel documents and passports

At the end of the program, the prospective parents are given the child's passport (travel document), which clearly states that they are the mother and father of the child, respectively. The simplicity of this process allows international prospective parents to successfully bring their newborns back to their home countries to enjoy legal family status.

3. Contractual protection and legal security

Surrogacy contracts in Ukraine clearly define the rights and obligations of all parties involved, including cases of force majeure, as well as legal liability in case of non-fulfillment of the terms of the contract. The existence of a contract not only provides a legal basis for the surrogacy process, but also provides double protection for the rights and interests of both parties.

4. Legal status of surrogate mothers

Ukrainian law clearly stipulates that a surrogate mother does not have parental rights over the child after birth. This provision ensures that the biological parentage of the child after birth is not subject to any legal challenge.

Quality medical care at a reasonable cost

Ukraine excels in providing quality medical services, especially in the field of assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy. Medical institutions in Ukraine are not only equipped with advanced equipment and technologies, but also have experienced teams of professionals, which are key factors for successful surrogacy.

1. High-quality donor resources

Ukraine is an ideal place for Western couples looking for white egg and sperm donors. These donors are plentiful and far less expensive than the fees charged by international donor agencies (typically between $15,000 and $20,000 per donation). Ukraine's population of approximately 95% is of European descent, making it easy for prospective parents to find donors who are a good match for their ethnicity.

2. Low birth weight and infant mortality

According to reports of the World Health Organization, Ukraine outperforms many other countries, especially in Eastern Europe, in terms of low birth weight and infant mortality. This data shows that the level of medical care in Ukraine is capable of ensuring the health and safety of babies during surrogacy.

3. Accredited medical institutions and professional methods

According to Ukrainian law, commercial surrogacy can only be carried out in accredited medical institutions, which must strictly adhere to the methods and standards approved by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. This ensures the medical quality and safety of the surrogacy process, further boosting the confidence of prospective parents.

Stable social environment and quality of life

Not only does Ukraine have medical and legal advantages, but its stable democracy and high standard of living provide a favorable social environment for the surrogacy process.

1. Reasonable cost of living

The relatively low cost of living in Ukraine not only makes the cost of surrogacy more manageable, but also provides a more affordable option for foreign couples undergoing surrogacy in Ukraine.

2. Ukraine as a global center of surrogacy

Since 2009, Ukraine, and in particular its capital, Kiev, has become one of the global centers of surrogacy. Ukraine's longstanding commitment to helping childless couples build families has given it a prominent position in the international surrogacy market.

3. Popular destinations for international adoption and surrogacy

Ukraine is not only a popular destination for international adoptions, but also a preferred surrogacy location for many Western couples. With its excellent medical services, abundant donor resources and strong legal safeguards, Ukraine plays a key role in the global surrogacy market.

Ukraine's many advantages in the field of surrogacy make it an ideal choice for prospective parents worldwide.Whether it is legal guarantees, medical services, social environment and economic costs, Ukraine provides comprehensive support and guarantees for the process of surrogacy.By choosing Ukraine as a surrogacy destination, prospective parents will not only have access to high quality medical care and legal protection, but will also be able to realize their dream of a family in a relatively stable and safe environment.However, with the outbreak of war leading to an unstable situation in Ukraine, families going to Ukraine for surrogacy need to think carefully!

VI. Requirements of Ukrainian surrogacy for surrogate mothers

At the same time, Order No. 24 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine further regulates the details of surrogacy in Ukraine, providing guidelines to protect surrogates and ensure a healthy outcome of the surrogacy process. According to the guidelines, surrogates must:

• Between 25 and 35 years of age.
• The biological mother of at least one child.
• Mentally and physically capable of being a surrogate mother.
• The surrogate may not be related to the commissioning parents.
• The marital status of the surrogate is irrelevant.
• A legal surrogacy agreement must be signed between the parents and the surrogate mother

Nevertheless, surrogacy in Ukraine is not without its inconveniences. All new parents must apply for citizenship or a travel visa to return home with their newborn baby. In countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom, this is easy. However, some countries adamantly refuse to grant citizenship to surrogate babies, including Italy and Switzerland. All couples considering surrogacy in Ukraine should consult with a local family law specialist about the process of obtaining citizenship and bringing their baby home.

VII. Global Alternatives to Surrogacy in Ukraine

With the uncertainty of the current situation in Ukraine, many expectant parents are beginning to look for alternative international surrogacy destinations. To help prospective parents make an informed choice, we have compiled a list of surrogacy destinations worldwide. These countries offer similar legal guarantees as Ukraine, especially after the birth of the child, the names of the prospective parents will appear directly on the birth certificate, avoiding the cumbersome adoption process. These countries are considered legal and safe alternatives to surrogacy in Ukraine.

1,Surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has become an emerging destination for surrogacy in recent years. The country's legal framework supports surrogacy and, similar to Ukraine, the names of the prospective parents appear on the birth certificate of a surrogate baby immediately after birth. In Kyrgyzstan, prospective parents enjoy similar legal protections and accommodations as in Ukraine, without having to worry about additional adoption procedures. Kyrgyzstan is also known for its relatively low cost of living and friendly legal environment, factors that make it an increasingly popular surrogacy option.

2. Surrogacy in Georgia

Georgia's legal framework for surrogacy is very similar to that of Ukraine, making it another strong alternative. In Georgia, married heterosexual couples can legally engage in surrogacy after a doctor's diagnosis. As in Ukraine, Georgia's law ensures that after the birth of a surrogate baby, the names of the intended parents appear directly on the birth certificate, with no legal reference to the surrogacy process or the identity of the surrogate mother. However, recent bureaucratic changes have resulted in delays in the process of bringing newborns back from Georgia, so prospective parents need to consider these potential time factors when choosing this destination.

3. Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers similar legal guarantees for surrogacy and is a suitable alternative to Ukraine. In Kazakhstan, prospective parents can easily be designated as legal parents after the birth of a child, and the birth certificate does not address the surrogacy process or the identity of the surrogate mother. AlthoughSurrogacy costs in KazakhstanRelatively low, prospective parents should be mindful of the country's legal framework and the relatively emerging status of the healthcare system in international surrogacy when choosing this destination, and need to ensure that they are working with an experienced surrogacy agency and attorney to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

4. Surrogacy in the United States

that the United States is considered the gold standard for international surrogacy.With the world's most advanced assisted reproduction technology and top IVF clinicsTheSurrogacy Laws in U.S. Statesvary, but in general, the U.S. offers an extremely high level of legal protections and accommodations for prospective parents. AlthoughSurrogacy Costs in the United Stateshigher, but the high cost also brings with it many security and conveniences not available in other countries. Not only do prospective parents have access to state-of-the-art medical technology, but they can also rely on the well-established U.S. legal system to ensure that their names appear directly on their birth certificates after the child is born, without additional legal procedures. Related reading:Countries where surrogacy will be legal in 2024

Against the backdrop of the current unstable situation in Ukraine, the search for legal and safe surrogacy alternatives is a must for prospective parents.Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the United States all offer strong legal guarantees and medical support, making these countries viable alternatives to Ukrainian surrogacy.When choosing a surrogacy destination, prospective parents should learn in detail about each country's legal requirements, medical services, and associated costs in order to make a decision that best meets their needs. By choosing the right surrogacy destination, expectant parents can safeguard their rights and interests while successfully welcoming a new life into the world.

summarize

Ukraine has attracted many international prospective parents with its clear legal framework for surrogacy and relatively economical surrogacy costs. However, as the situation changes, the implementation and safety of surrogacy requires careful consideration. Being up-to-date with the latest legal requirements and safety is crucial in deciding whether or not to opt for Ukrainian surrogacy.