Eurasian Surrogacy Laws: A Landscape of Hope and Hurdles

Understanding Surrogacy Laws in Eurasia

The dream of holding your own child is powerful. But what happens when that dream runs into obstacles? Many people turn to surrogacy, a path that offers hope.

So, what do you do if it's not possible in your country? Go abroad?

Unfortunately, there are many differences in surrogacy laws from country to country. This means you must understand the rules in both your country and the surrogate's country before you move forward.

Let's look at some of the regulations regarding surrogacy.

Why Surrogacy Laws Matter

Surrogacy laws are in place to protect everyone involved in bringing a new life into the world. They make sure that:

• The intended parents are recognised as the baby's legal family,

• The surrogate is treated with respect and care, and

• Most importantly, the child is safe and secure from the very beginning.

  
  

Without clear rules, there can be confusion about whom the legal parents are, causing problems with citizenship, parental rights, and the child's future. These legalities, especially around international surrogacy, help to protect vulnerable women from being exploited and prevent "reproductive tourism."

Also, as technology evolves, surrogacy laws need to guide agencies on how to address ethical issues like "designer babies."

Ultimately, these laws help prevent misunderstandings, protect vulnerable people, and ensure the whole process is ethical, offering security and clarity as families are built.

Why Such Big Differences in Surrogacy Laws?

Each country shapes its surrogacy laws based on its culture, ethics, and social views. This creates a mosaic of legal approaches across the Eurasian continent.

Some nations offer clear pathways, while others have restrictions or outright bans.

Understanding Different Legal Approaches

When researching surrogacy laws by country, you'll generally find:

• Traditional Surrogacy. In these cases, the egg of the woman carrying the baby is inseminated. 

• Gestational Surrogacy. This is when there is no genetic relationship between the woman carrying the child and the baby. A different egg is used for insemination.  

• Prohibited. Several countries forbid surrogacy entirely. Attempting it there can lead to significant legal problems. Nations like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have such bans.

• Altruistic Only. In places such as the UK, Greece, or the Netherlands, surrogacy may be allowed if the surrogate mother does not receive payment beyond her pregnancy-related expenses. Commercial arrangements are forbidden. Often, court orders or strict eligibility rules apply.

• Compensated Allowed (Commercial). Some countries allow compensated surrogacy, in which the woman carrying the baby receives payment. These places usually have laws regulating the process. Georgia and Ukraine are examples, but laws can change, so check with the clinic and a legal adviser.

• Unregulated. A lack of specific laws creates uncertainty. This legal grey area is a huge risk for the intended parents and surrogates.

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Qualification for the parents also varies. Some laws permit surrogacy only for married heterosexual couples or medical proof that surrogacy is your only option.

The Legal Landscape Across Eurasia

When we look at Eurasia, we see a wide range of surrogate laws.

Greece, for example, allows altruistic surrogacy, but with strict rules. Only heterosexual couples and single women can use this option. A court order is needed, and the surrogate has no parental rights.

Countries like Germany and France forbid all forms of surrogacy, often due to ethical concerns. Ukraine allows commercial surrogacy, but it has specific rules. Russia, once a popular place for surrogacy, has changed its laws.

The UK permits altruistic surrogacy, but the legal process is different from other countries. Intended parents often must get a parental order after the baby is born. A parental order moves the parentage from the surrogate mother to the intended parents.

This shows that the rules vary even in countries that allow altruistic surrogacy.

Georgia offers a clear legal system for heterosexual married and unmarried couples seeking legal surrogacy. As the parents, you will have legal parental rights from the beginning. The country also doesn't require you to live here for a specific time before you can apply, and a notarised agreement is also signed with the surrogate mother to formalise the process. 

A Quick View of Surrogacy Laws by Country

Country	Legal Status	Key Requirements
Georgia	Commercial surrogacy permitted	Heterosexual couples, regardless of marital status; a legally notarized contract is finalized with the surrogate.
Ukraine	Commercial surrogacy permitted	Heterosexual married couples only; medical necessity required.
Greece	Altruistic surrogacy only	Court approval pre-treatment; excludes single men and same-sex couples.
Germany	All forms banned	Birth mother is legal parent; foreign surrogacy unrecognised.
Kazakhstan	Commercial surrogacy permitted	Strict regulations; legal parenthood granted at birth.
Armenia	Surrogacy permitted	No automatic citizenship for children of foreign parents.
Portugal	Altruistic surrogacy only	Portuguese citizens or residents; married heterosexual couples only.
Netherlands	Altruistic surrogacy only	Private arrangements only; no public advertising allowed.
Spain	All forms banned	Surrogacy contracts are declared to be null and void.
Belarus	Surrogacy permitted	Heterosexual married couples or single women with medical needs.
Denmark	Altruistic surrogacy only	Rarely practiced; commercial surrogacy criminalised.
Azerbaijan	All forms banned	Criminal charges for intermediaries.
Kyrgyzstan	Surrogacy permitted	Notarised contracts; spouse consent required if surrogate is married.
UK	Altruistic surrogacy only	Birth mother is legal parent; parental order required post-birth

Surrogacy laws are complex and subject to change. This table is for informational purposes only.

Ethical Surrogacy: Our Priority

Georgia's Advantage

Unlike Ukraine, Georgia places no requirement for a clear medical reason. Unlike Greece, it welcomes international parents without court delays. At the European Fertility Clinic, we pair this legal security with compassionate care, ensuring that every family's story begins with certainty.

We make sure that everyone involved is treated fairly and with respect. Surrogacy is a sensitive and impactful situation, and we offer personalised care to support you.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you build your family.

The legal aspects of surrogacy can be confusing, but we are here to guide you through it all.

Disclaimer: The European Fertility Clinic is here to guide you with trusted insights on your road to parenthood. The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Remember, every fertility journey is unique. Our expert team is ready to tailor solutions to your needs. For specific guidance, please contact us. 

Your family starts with the right care; let us help you take the next step.