Prior to the full scale Russian invasion of 2022, Ukraine was the world’s second-largest surrogacy destination, underscoring its prominent role in the global surrogacy industry. Ukraine has gained a strong reputation in the field of reproductive medicine, thanks to its highly skilled professionals and advanced medical facilities. The country offers a wide range of fertility treatments, including surrogacy, with a focus on high-quality care and affordable services. The expertise of Ukrainian doctors, combined with favorable legal frameworks, makes it a trusted destination for individuals and couples seeking reproductive solutions.
The surrogacy landscape in Ukraine offers numerous advantages. Surrogacy in Ukraine is governed by a legal framework established in Clause 123 of the Family Code, which provides clear guidelines for the practice. While compensation is allowed, it is crucial to ensure that it is not perceived as payment for the child. Furthermore, Ukraine's established surrogacy legal framework guarantees that the intended parents' and the surrogate’s rights are protected from the very beginning. An agreement between the intended parents clearly states the rules that must be followed and the compensation that is to be paid out for the process. This agreement is certifies by the notary, meaning that it has legal powers.The availability of professional reproductive medicine experts helps strengthen Ukraine's reputation as a reliable surrogacy destination. Surrogacy costs in Ukraine are significantly lower compared to many other commercial surrogacy destinations.
The Surrogacy Insider seeks to give intended parents thorough knowledge of the Ukrainian surrogacy process. From legal requirements to qualify to expected budgets and timelines, this page is designed to assist you in comprehending every element of surrogacy in Ukraine so that you are prepared to make well-informed decisions.
Types of Surrogacy and Their Implications in Ukraine
In Ukraine, surrogacy is limited to gestational surrogacy—the only officially approved type. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an IVF-created embryo created from the intended parents' or donors' egg and sperm. Under Ukrainian legislation, traditional surrogacy—where the surrogate also offers her egg—is prohibited, therefore stressing the dedication to safeguarding the rights of the intended parents. The difference is important since gestational surrogacy provides parents more legal security by guaranteeing no genetic relationship between the surrogate and the baby.
In Ukraine, surrogacy is currently only accessible to heterosexual married couples with a medical indication for surrogacy. However this might change soon with the Draft law 6475-D, introduced in April 2023 including provisions permitting both heterosexual and same-sex couples to access surrogacy services. As of 2024, Draft Law 6475-D has not yet been voted on.
Full Scale Invasion of 2022
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted the surrogacy landscape in Ukraine, once a global leader, due to travel restrictions, safety concerns, and other challenges. However, many agencies and clinics adapted quickly, relocating operations to safer regions like Lviv and Uzhgorod, close to the borders with other countries, to continue supporting surrogacy arrangements. While the logistical and political landscape remains uncertain the industry has shown resilience, and Ukraine remains an important destination for surrogacy once the conflict subsides.
Understanding the Legal Landscape for Surrogacy in Ukraine
Ukrainian law permits surrogacy for heterosexual married couples, with clear regulations that protect parental rights from the very beginning. Unlike in other destinations, in Ukraine, intended parents are identified as the legal parents at the birth of the child, and their names are noted on the birth certificate without the need to go through the adoption process. This straightforward approach lessens the complexity sometimes present in surrogacy agreements elsewhere.
Intended parents have to follow some administrative procedures to complete the required paperwork for their child following birth. This includes getting a birth certificate and making plans to apply for a child's passport to enable a return home.
How Much Does Surrogacy in Ukraine Cost?
Many intended parents find the cost of surrogacy in Ukraine to be much less than in other countries, which appeals to them. The price range is roughly from 45,000$ to 70,000$. Expenses usually cover medical treatments like IVF, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and agency costs. The type of the chosen “package” will affect the overall surrogacy cost in Ukraine, but the overall prices are much less.
Often costing half or perhaps a third of what intended parents would spend elsewhere, the price of surrogacy in Ukraine is far more affordable than in the United States or Canada, where the price can be up to 250,000$.
Some agencies and service providers offer payment plans that let intended parents spread their expenses into stages of the journey, others will provide discounts for a full or partial payment at the beginning. It is crucial to work with respectable and experienced organizations that can offer open cost breakdowns.
Pros of surrogacy in Ukraine
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Clear legal framework protecting parental rights: Ukrainian law explicitly recognizes the intended parents as the legal parents of the child, offering undoubted security.
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Affordable costs: The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine is lower than in other countries, making it practical for intended parents who may want to find a more affordable solution
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Quality medical care: Ukraine boasts modern medical facilities and a wide network of experienced reproductive specialists.
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Availability of surrogates: As a well-established surrogacy destination, there is a steady pool of women willing to become surrogates, many of whom are seasoned and have previously completed one or more successful journeys.
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Many experienced providers to choose from: As a seasoned surrogacy destination, Ukraine offers a wide range of agencies and IVF clinics to choose from, located in various cities, providing intended parents with multiple options for medical and logistical support.
Cons of surrogacy in Ukraine
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Political uncertainty and risks associated with the war: The political uncertainty and risks associated with the ongoing war in Ukraine have created instability in the surrogacy industry, with logistical challenges, safety concerns, and potential legal changes affecting both surrogates and intended parents.
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Travel logistics is complex: With no direct flights into Ukraine there would be a need for connecting flights and changing modes of transport through neighboring countries, adding time and potential complications to the journey for intended parents.
Why Choose an Independent Surrogacy Consultant?
Choosing an independent surrogacy consultant like Olga Pysana can provide numerous benefits. Unlike an agency, an independent consultant offers unbiased and personalized support, tailoring guidance to meet the specific needs of each intended parent. With all the services and packages, this ensures that intended parents receive transparent information about all aspects of surrogacy in Ukraine, including legal processes, medical facilities, and emotional preparation.
An independent consultant’s role is to help you navigate both the emotional and logistical complexities of surrogacy, from understanding medical procedures to handling documentation. Olga’s experience in the field equips her to provide valuable insight and continuous support, giving intended parents the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions throughout their journey.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to learn more or need personalized assistance with your surrogacy journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Us today to start your journey towards building the family you’ve always dreamed of.
FAQ
Yes, surrogacy is legal in Ukraine, but only for heterosexual married couples. The country’s clear regulations ensure the rights of intended parents and surrogates are protected from the start.
The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine varies depending on the services and medical procedures involved, but it is generally more affordable compared to other countries where commercial surrogacy is practiced. Prices range between 50,000$ to 70,000$.
Surrogacy in Ukraine is available to heterosexual married couples who have medical reasons for needing a surrogate. There are specific eligibility criteria that intended parents must meet to proceed.
The Surrogacy Insider, led by Olga Pysana, offers personalized consulting services and packages that provide intended parents with comprehensive support throughout their surrogacy journey. From connecting to the reputable providers to emotional support, Olga is there to make the process as smooth as possible.
The surrogacy Insider 2024