Surrogacy in Ukraine: An affordable, secure, and legal surrogacy country within Europe.
Update: Most of the surrogacy clinics and agencies in Kiev are shut down due to the military conflict with Russia. These agencies still work with their operation shifted to nearby countries like Georgia. Although surrogacy in Ukraine is still challenging due to the political situation, a number of well-known IVF clinics have resumed their operations and the best surrogacy agencies are rebuilding their programs in different locations.
However, due to the current military situation, which is not getting better, it is advised not to pursue surrogacy till the time peace is restored. There are still some affordable and legal surrogacy countries that intended parents can explore.
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Couples who struggle with infertility often consider surrogacy as the last viable option to grow their family. Over the years, Ukraine has emerged as a popular destination for surrogacy due to its favorable surrogacy laws and relatively affordable surrogacy costs, high-quality medical services, and geographical location.
In this article, we will provide an overview of surrogacy in Ukraine, including the legal framework, process, costs, and requirements for intended parents.
What we will cover in this article:
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All you need to know about Ukraine surrogacy
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Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal?
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Cost of Surrogacy in Ukraine
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Frequent Questions about Surrogacy in Ukraine
All you need to know about Ukraine surrogacy
Commercial surrogacy is allowed in Ukraine since 2002 for married hetero couples. Ukraine offers a supportive legal framework that is favorable to commercial gestational surrogacy. The country recognizes surrogacy as a legitimate means of having a child and provides a clear legal process for intended parents to obtain parental rights. The Ukrainian legal system is also designed to protect the rights of all parties involved in the surrogacy process, including intended parents, surrogates, and the child.
In addition to a supportive legal system, Ukraine also boasts some of the most affordable surrogacy options in Europe. The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine is significantly lower than in many other European countries, without dropping quality or standards of care. This makes Ukraine an accessible option for intended parents who may not be able to afford surrogacy in their home countries.
Ukraine is not a surrogacy option for single males or same-sex couples.
Some critical features of Ukraine Surrogacy:
- As Ukraine is in Europe, it brings the trust of the European standard medical facility.
- The surrogate mother has a healthy lifestyle and a good standard of living as compared to Asian countries.
- The medical facilities in IVF Clinics are world-class and enough care is taken to screen egg donors and surrogate mothers for genetic testing.
- PGS/PGD is allowed with the gender of the baby if possible.
- Legislation around surrogacy is taken care of by the Family Code of Ukraine of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
- Give adequate protection to the international intended parents.
- Surrogacy baby belongs to the intended parents, and the surrogate mother Ukraine has no prenatal rights.
- The name of both commissioning parents comes on the baby’s birth certificate.
In short, we can say, that Ukraine is a new hub for international surrogacy. Besides Ukraine, surrogacy in Georgia is also a popular option in Eastern Europe for surrogacy.
Process of Surrogacy in Ukraine
The surrogacy process in Ukraine typically involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation: Intended parents meet with a fertility specialist to discuss the process and assess their suitability for surrogacy.
- Finding a surrogate: Intended parents find a surrogate through a surrogacy agency in Ukraine. Surrogates in Ukraine are typically between 20-35 years old and have had at least one successful pregnancy.
- Medical and legal screening: Both the intended parents and surrogates undergo medical and legal screening to ensure they are physically and mentally healthy and meet the legal requirements.
- Embryo transfer: Once the surrogate is ready, the embryo is transferred to her uterus.
- Pregnancy and delivery: The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the child.
- Obtaining a court order: Intended parents obtain a court order recognizing them as the legal parents of the child. Baby needs travel documents to go back home and the duration of the exit process varies from country to country but mostly is 4-6 weeks.
Related surrogacy Costs guides:
What is the average surrogacy cost?
How much does surrogacy cost in Ukraine?
How much does surrogacy cost in Georgia?
How much does surrogacy cost in India?
What is the Surrogacy Cost in Colombia?
What is Surrogacy cost in Mexico?
What is surrogacy cost with family members?
Surrogate mothers in Ukraine
The surrogacy process in Ukraine is relatively straightforward, with clear legal guidelines and standards of care. Intended parents can work with a reputable surrogacy agency to find a surrogate who meets their needs and requirements. The agency will also assist with the legal process, including obtaining a birth certificate and securing parental rights.
Surrogates in Ukraine are carefully screened and selected to ensure they meet rigorous medical and psychological criteria. They are provided with comprehensive medical care and support throughout the surrogacy process, including regular check-ups and access to a team of medical professionals.
The requirements for surrogate mothers in Ukraine are as below:
- Between the age of 25 to 35 years.
- She should have one healthy baby of her own.
- The gestational carrier must be mentally and physically fit to carry the baby.
- A legal surrogacy agreement needs to be signed between the parents and the surrogate mother.
- She should not be related to her parents.
Requirements for Intended Parents in Ukraine Surrogacy Programs
To be eligible for Ukraine, intended parents must meet the following requirements:
- At least one of the intended parents must have a genetic connection to the child.
- Intended parents must be legally married or in a civil partnership.
- Intended parents must provide a medical certificate stating that they are unable to carry a pregnancy to term.
- If the female partner is not capable of carrying the baby. That can be the absence of the womb or deformation of the uterus which can make pregnancy impossible.
- If a couple has done four cycles of IVF cycles and is still not successful due to unknown fertility, they can apply for surrogacy.
Benefits of Ukraine for Surrogacy
There are several benefits of Ukraine as a surrogacy country, including:
- Favorable legal framework: Surrogacy is legal and well-regulated in Ukraine, providing legal certainty for intended parents.
- Affordable costs: Surrogacy in Ukraine is relatively affordable compared to other countries, with costs ranging from $45,000-$55,000.
- High success rates: Surrogacy clinics in Ukraine have high success rates, with an average success rate of 60-70%.
- Experienced surrogacy professionals: Ukraine has a well-established surrogacy industry, with experienced professionals who are well-versed in the process.
- Short Waiting Times for Surrogates: Unlike other countries, the waiting times for surrogates are relatively short. This means that intended parents can realize their dream of parenthood sooner.
- International Accessibility: Ukraine is a popular destination for surrogacy due to its proximity to Europe and other parts of the world. This makes it a convenient option for intended parents who may need to travel for medical procedures.
Is surrogacy legal in Ukraine?
Surrogacy is legal in Ukraine and has been regulated since 2002. The law allows intended parents to obtain a court order recognizing them as the legal parents of the child born through surrogacy. Surrogates do not have any parental rights or obligations towards the child.
Ukraine Surrogacy Law says:
“Registration of the baby is regulated by the Order 24 and Order 771 of the Health Ministry of Ukraine, which deals with the medical procedure of artificial insemination and embryo implantation.”
The order declares that in cases of birth to a baby conceived by another couple (a surrogacy arrangement) the registration of the child is made based on the surrogacy agreement signed by the Intended Parents.
- This means a valid and enforceable surrogacy agreement is an integral part of the surrogacy process in Ukraine.
- The agreement is submitted alongside the medical document certifying that the surrogate mother gave birth to the child of the Intended Parents. It will allow the Intended Parents to be registered as legal parents of the child.
Legally, surrogacy treatment in Ukraine is regulated by Article 123 of The Ukrainian Family Code (amended December 22, 2006, No. 524-V).
- A married couple can choose gestational surrogacy arrangements to have babies.
- A well-written informed consent of all parties (intended parents and surrogate) participating in the surrogacy program and related agreements, confirming the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Order 24 of the Health Ministry of Ukraine further regulates the details of surrogacy, which gives guidelines that protect the surrogate and ensure a good outcome to the process.
Receiving Baby Birth Certificates in Ukraine:
The baby’s birth certificate is issued in the name of the commissioning parents. Even if the commission parents use an egg donor or sperm donor, their name comes on the baby’s birth certificate. It is important to have at least one genetic link between the baby and the intended parents.
The baby’s birth certificate has the commission’s parents’ names, and no surrogacy is mentioned.
Matter of fact biological parents are considered the legal parents of the baby soon after the conception of the baby via a surrogate mother.
Baby exit process
After the baby’s birth, the process of getting the baby citizenship and the travel documents varies from country to country. Citizens of countries like the USA or UK, get the baby documents within a specific time frame. The process of baby exit is well documented in most countries.
But, few European countries, where surrogacy is not allowed legally, might find it challenging to get citizenship of the baby. That is why it is important that you consult your local family lawyer before enrolling yourself in a surrogacy program in Ukraine.
Countries like Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, and Belgium do not encourage surrogacy arrangements for their citizens. Parents from these countries should consult their local reproductive attorney before starting cross-border surrogacy in any part of the world.
More resources:
Countries Where Surrogacy Is Legal (International Surrogacy 2023)
Top 4 Cheapest Countries For Surrogacy That Parents Should Know (in 2023)
The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine
Typically, the cost of surrogacy in Ukraine is in the range of $45,000 to $55,000. Unlike other countries, Ukraine IVF Clinic offers more personalized and customized services to international parents. Exclusive prizings like VIP or premium surrogacy programs is available including a surrogate house for the surrogates.
We work with the most reputable surrogacy agencies in Ukraine and can help you find the right agency that meets your needs and budget. Our team of experienced surrogacy consultants is here to guide you through the entire surrogacy process, providing you with expert advice and support every step of the way.
We understand that surrogacy is a deeply personal and emotional journey, and we are here to support you throughout the process. Our goal is to make your surrogacy journey in Ukraine as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, so you can focus on building your family.
How much does a surrogate cost in Ukraine?
The typical surrogacy cost in Ukraine is around $50,000. However, the actual cost varies depending on several factors, such as the IVF clinic, the number of services included in the surrogacy package, and the legal fees
This fee typically covers the medical procedures and screening involved in the IVF process, the surrogate’s compensation, egg donor compensation, the surrogacy agency fee in Ukraine, and the legal expenses for establishing parental rights.
Guaranteed Surrogacy Program in Ukraine
There are several surrogacy agencies and clinics in Ukraine that offer guaranteed surrogacy programs. These programs typically involve multiple attempts at IVF with a surrogate until a successful pregnancy is achieved.
Under a guaranteed surrogacy program, the intended parents pay a higher upfront fee but are guaranteed to have a successful surrogacy outcome or receive a refund of a portion of their fees. The exact terms and conditions of these programs vary between agencies and clinics, so it is important to carefully review and compare them before deciding.
More resources for Ukraine surrogacy:
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? Everything You Need To Know (in 2023)
Guaranteed Surrogacy Baby Program: An Overview
How much does surrogacy cost in Ukraine?
Ukraine- Cheapest country for surrogacy
What are alternatives to Ukraine?
Due to the ongoing political situation in Ukraine, it is not advised to do surrogacy till the time peace is restored. So, what are other affordable and legally secure surrogacy countries that are as good as Ukraine? Here are a few best countries in the world for an international surrogacy process.
Surrogacy in Mexico
With a new Supreme Court decision in 2021, surrogacy in Mexico is now one of the best options globally for singles and couples of all sexual orientations seeking to have a family through an affordable and legal surrogacy arrangement.
In June 2021, the Supreme Court of Mexico ruled just that, that discrimination against foreigners and different family types was indeed unconstitutional. This ruling from the highest court in the land forms the basis for legal surrogacy in Mexico.
Secure or Guaranteed baby plan (for single males) is available for 66,900 USD.
Fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services until you are home with your baby. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Mexico City with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.
Inclusive Guaranteed Egg Donor Surrogacy in Mexico for all family types (Mexico City) is $66,900
Learn more: https://www.ivfconceptions.com/surrogacy-in-mexico/
Surrogacy in Colombia
Colombia has emerged as the best gay surrogacy country in 2019. It has all the qualities that can make it an ideal surrogacy option for affordable gay surrogacy and hetero-couple surrogacy.
All-Inclusive Guaranteed Baby Surrogacy Plan in Colombia for gay men surrogacy and single male surrogacy (Bogota) is $65,000
The surrogacy cost in Colombia for the guaranteed baby program (fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services) is $65,000. Surrogacy in Colombia is the most recommended for same-sex couples or single males due to the AFFORDABLE, LEGALLY SECURE, & ALL-INCLUSIVE GUARANTEED BABY PLAN. Almost 90% of cases, in this new destination, are gay couples who cannot afford high surrogacy costs in the USA.
Learn more: https://www.ivfconceptions.com/surrogacy-in-colombia/
Surrogacy in Georgia
The legal system for surrogacy in Georgia is similar to that of Ukraine. It is permitted for married, heterosexual couples who have a medical diagnosis of infertility. The intended parents are recognized as the legal parents on the birth certificate, and there is no mention of the surrogate or surrogacy. However, there have been some recent bureaucratic changes that may cause delays in bringing the baby home from Georgia.
All-Inclusive Guaranteed Baby Surrogacy Plan in Georgia (Tbilisi) is $66,000
The surrogacy cost in Georgia for the guaranteed baby program (fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services) is $66,000. Our surrogacy in Georgia program includes unlimited IVF with an egg donor and embryo transfer procedures to a surrogate mother until you have a healthy baby. This program is exceptionally in demand due to its low cost and live baby birth guarantee. The cost is less than 50% of the typical USA surrogacy cost and is fully legally secure. Available to married couples with more than one year of marriage.
Learn more: https://www.ivfconceptions.com/surrogacy-in-georgia/
If any of the above programs suits you and you wish us to help you in your surrogacy parenthood journey, we are just a click away. Or else, if you wish to discuss your specific gestational surrogacy case, contact us!
FAQ For Surrogacy in Ukraine
Is surrogacy arrangement in Ukraine legal?
Yes, Ukraine has explicit surrogacy laws in Ukraine for locals and foreigners. In Ukraine, surrogacy is officially regulated by Clause 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine. The surrogacy baby belongs to commission parents right from conception and their name comes on the baby’s birth certificate and no court order is needed.
The typical surrogacy cost in Ukraine starts from $45,000 to $55,000. The actual cost varies on the type of services needed. The most popular choice is all-inclusive guaranteed baby plans for $60,000 which include unlimited IVF with your choice of an egg donor and surrogate transfer till you have a live baby.
Yes, you can choose. A technique like PGD is done to rule out the genetic anomaly and at the same time to choose the gender of the baby, if required. This service is available in most IVF clinics in Ukraine or you can choose a leading Ukraine surrogacy agency.
No, as the process is already established. The baby exit time varies but is most simple and quick for US citizens. From birth to civil registration, DNA tests, and getting travel documents take 3 weeks. For European countries citizens, this process might be longer depending upon their local consulates.
No, only for married hetero couples. Same-sex couples or singles should avoid this destination as their surrogacy contract is not legally binding. As of now, Ukraine does not support same-sex marriage. Choose the best surrogacy clinic in Ukraine for legal support. For legally secure and affordable single parents’ surrogacy click here.
Yes. It is a secure surrogacy option for married hetero couples, because: In Ukraine surrogacy is regulated by Clause 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine Registration of the baby is regulated by Order 24 and Order 771 of the Health Ministry of Ukraine Order 24 of the Health Ministry of Ukraine regulates the details.
Ukraine is a viable option for couples struggling with infertility. The legal framework, favorable costs, and high success rates make Ukraine an attractive destination for surrogacy.
The issue of the ethical treatment of surrogates in Ukraine is a complex one that has been subject to some debate. While surrogacy is legal in Ukraine, there have been reports of some unethical practices in the industry, such as the exploitation of vulnerable women, inadequate compensation, and poor working conditions.
Surrogacy in Ukraine during the war is not recommended and it is not safe to engage in the surrogate process in Ukraine due to the military situation. Most of the surrogacy agencies relocated their operation to nearby countries. So, it is not safe for intended parents, surrogate mothers, and surrogacy professionals to do surrogacy as of now.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.
Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately helps couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.
Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and a logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.
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