Surrogacy in Kazakhstan For Intended Parents

Discover the legal and affordable option of surrogacy in Kazakhstan| Surrogate Mother Cost in Kazakhstan

It is estimated that out of 8 couples globally, one couple finds it hard to conceive and needs some sort of medical assistance to grow their family.  Surrogacy is a controversial issue, and many countries restrict or ban surrogacy due to various reasons.  That is why legal surrogacy options are getting reduced.  Each year, thousands of couples find it hard to conceive and carry the baby and sometimes using a service of ART and third-party reproductive services like Egg Donor and Surrogate mothers are their only hope to become parents. In this article, we will navigate through a “Surrogacy in Kazakhstan” and if this is the right option for you.

Gestational surrogacy is an Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) process in which a lady of reproductive age, carries and gives birth to a baby for intended parents (single or couples), who are unable to carry a baby due to personal or medical reasons.  person or couple. Gestational surrogacy is a complex and long process with financial and emotional inputs. That is why it is important for all parties involved to be fully informed and prepared for the potential risks and challenges.

Overview of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

Surrogacy in Kazakhstan is a legal and affordable option for intended parents seeking to build their families. Kazakhstan has become a popular destination for surrogacy due to its favorable laws, which allow intended parents to establish legal parentage from the moment of conception. In addition, the cost of surrogacy in Kazakhstan is significantly lower than in many other countries. However, it is important to work with an experienced and reputable surrogacy agency to ensure a smooth and successful surrogacy journey in Kazakhstan.

Many countries have laws that restrict or prohibit surrogate parenting, egg donation, sperm donation, and in-vitro fertilization services. Kazakhstan is one of the few countries with the most advanced reproductive technologies laws.  The right to use reproductive technologies including third-party reproductive services is allowed for both local and foreign couples. The medical technology in the field of ART is advanced and on par with the neighboring countries.

When it comes to surrogacy services, Kazakhstan is not as familiar or popular as surrogacy in Georgia and surrogacy in Mexico.  The reason for this might be that there have been more surrogacy agencies, IVF clinics, and the footfall of Western surrogacy seekers in Mexico, Ukraine, and Georgia.  As of now, surrogacy in Russia is not allowed anymore for foreigners, but there was a time when most Asian and European surrogacy seekers preferred Russia.  Surrogacy in Kazakhstan is only allowed for hetero-married couples with valid medical indications.

Type of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan: Gestational Surrogacy:  Surrogacy is a practice in which a woman carries and delivers a child for an infertile couple. In Kazakhstan, surrogacy is legal and regulated by the Family Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  Only gestational surrogacy is allowed in Kazakhstan.

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child as the embryo is created using the eggs from the mother (or from the egg donor) and sperm of the intended parents or donors via the IVF process and the resulting embryos are then transferred to another woman (gestational carrier) in hope of implantation.

Legal Framework of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan.

Is surrogacy legal in Kazakhstan?

Legalization of Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Kazakhstan requires a legal contract between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. The contract outlines the rights and obligations of all parties involved, including the surrogate mother, intended parents, and child. The surrogate mother is compensated for carrying and delivering the child, and the intended parents are responsible for all medical expenses throughout the process. The surrogate mother in Kazakhstan does not have any parental rights and the intended parents are the sole parents of the baby.

In 2012, the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage (Marriage) and Family” was applied, which includes Chapter 9 “Surrogate Motherhood and the Use of Techniques and Technologies of assisted reproduction”. Due to the country’s provisions and relaxed laws, intended parents from different countries such as Europe and Asian countries come to find surrogate mothers in Kazakhstan.

 Surrogacy Contracts

Surrogacy contracts are legally binding agreements between the intended parents and the surrogate mother that outline the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement. These contracts are an important part of the surrogacy process as they establish the rights and obligations of all parties involved and provide a framework for the surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy contracts typically include provisions that cover a wide range of issues, such as the amount of compensation the surrogate mother will receive, the medical procedures that will be used, the rights and responsibilities of the intended parents and surrogate mother, and the custody and care of the child after birth.

The contract may also include provisions related to issues such as termination of the pregnancy, selective reduction or termination in case of multiple pregnancies, medical decision-making during the pregnancy and childbirth, and the surrogate mother’s lifestyle and behavior during the pregnancy.

Surrogacy contracts are usually drafted by an attorney with experience in surrogacy law and must comply with the legal requirements of the jurisdiction where the surrogacy will take place. Both the intended parents and the surrogate mother should have their legal representation to review and negotiate the contract before signing.

The surrogacy contract in Kazakhstan is a critical component of the surrogacy process as it helps ensure that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities, minimizes misunderstandings, and provides a legal framework for the surrogacy arrangement.

Rights and Obligations of the Surrogate Mother

According to the Code of the RK “On Marriage and Family”, chapter 9, a woman who wants to become a surrogate mother in Kazakhstan, should fulfill the below criteria:

• The surrogate should be between the ages of 20 and 35 years.
• She should have brilliant physical, psychological, and reproductive health, which must be confirmed by medical documents.
• She should have at least one child of her own.
• She should have her spouse’s notarized consent if she is married.

Rights and Obligations of the egg donor in Kazakhstan

By the order of the Interim Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan of October 30, 2009, № 624, a woman who wants to become an egg donor in Kazakhstan, should fulfill the below criteria:

• She needs to have good physical, psychological, and reproductive health.
• An egg donor should be between the ages of 18 and 35 Years.
• Need to have at least one child of her own.

Rights and Obligations of the Intended Parents

According to Art. 59 of the Code, intended parents (commissioning parents) are recognized as the parents of the child born because of ART. Once the baby is born, the biological mother becomes the legal mother of the baby and the surrogate mother has no right over the way and it is well documented in the surrogacy agreement.

Besides, this, according to Article 59, all administrators who take part in issuing a birth certificate of the baby from the surrogate, all employees of health organizations, that perform artificial insemination or embryo implantation, as well as notaries certifying the surrogacy contract, are obliged to keep it a secret.
Furthermore, according to the law, the surrogate cannot have a genetic relation to the child which means traditional surrogacy is not allowed.  If the intended parents are unable to give their own eggs for IVF, they might opt for egg donor-assisted IVF.  It is possible to find good egg donors in Kazakhstan.

Stepwise Process of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

 Despite the legalization of surrogacy in Kazakhstan, there are risks and challenges associated with the practice, including medical risks, legal risks, and ethical and moral challenges. However, surrogacy continues to be an option for intended parents who are unable to conceive and carry a child on their own.

The process of surrogacy in Kazakhstan involves finding a surrogate mother, medical procedures, surrogacy pregnancy and childbirth, and post-birth procedures. The costs of surrogacy in Kazakhstan include the surrogate mother’s compensation, medical costs, and legal costs.

A typical surrogacy process in Kazakhstan:   

1. Initial consultation: The intended parents and the surrogate mother meet with a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic to discuss the surrogacy process and determine if it is a good fit for everyone involved. It is advised to ask as many questions as possible to choose the best surrogacy agency in Kazakhstan.

2. Sign agreement: Once you confirm that this surrogacy program is a good fit for you and you agree with the terms and conditions, the next step is to sign up the agreement and take the next step to move forward to the medical process.

3. Legal contracts: The intended parents and the surrogate mother sign a surrogacy contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement, including compensation, medical procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

4. Embryo creation and transfer: If the intended parents are using their own eggs and sperm, they undergo fertility treatments to create embryos. If the intended parents need an egg donor, then they can choose an egg donor as per preference and donor eggs are used for IVF. The embryos are then transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer process.

5. Pregnancy and childbirth: The surrogate mother carries the baby to term, receiving regular medical care and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. When the baby is born, the intended parents take charge of the child.

6. Post-birth procedures: The intended parents and surrogate mother may need to complete additional legal procedures, such as establishing parental rights, transferring custody, or terminating parental rights of the surrogate, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction where the surrogacy took place. Once the baby is born, the well-being of the baby and the surrogate is of utmost importance and she should be given adequate follow-up attention.

Costs of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan.

How much does surrogacy cost in Kazakhstan?

The cost of surrogacy in Kazakhstan is between $50,000  to $65,000 based on the types of services you need and the surrogacy clinics you choose.

It’s important to note that the surrogacy process can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the type of surrogacy being used, medical complications, or legal requirements in different jurisdictions. It’s important to work with experienced professionals and legal counsel throughout the surrogacy process to ensure that everything is done correctly and ethically.

The total cost of surrogacy consists of many small costs like medical procedures like IVF fees, egg donor compensation, surrogate mother compensation, legal costs, pregnancy care, post-birth care, and admin fees to manage the surrogacy process.

More recourse:

What is the average cost of surrogacy?

Tips to reduce surrogacy cost

Kazakhstan surrogacy cost  

The cost of surrogacy in Kazakhstan can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific surrogacy agency or clinic chosen, the intended parents’ individual needs and preferences, and any additional costs for travel or accommodations. However, in general, surrogacy in Kazakhstan is known to be more affordable than in many other countries.

The cost of surrogacy in Kazakhstan typically ranges from around $50,000 to $65,000 USD. This cost usually includes expenses such as surrogate compensation, medical fees, legal fees, and agency fees. It’s important to note that there may be additional costs for travel, accommodations, and other expenses depending on the specific surrogacy arrangement.

 Why surrogacy in Kazakhstan?

Although surrogacy in Kazakhstan is not as popular, intended parents, whose requirements are not fulfilled in other countries, can consider this option. The factors why you should consider Kazakhstan:

• The legislation in reproductive technology is good and permissive and does not differentiate between local and foreign couples. However, only married hetero couples can do surrogacy services.
• Good fertility and IVF clinics are available with a comparable success rate of IVF. The medical technology and equipment are at par with other countries.
• Excellent medical care and advancement with most of the medical team have international exposures.
• Kazakhstan surrogacy cost and cost of ART services are lesser and still manageable.
• A good database of Asian and European egg donors and low-cost egg donor surrogacy programs are possible.
• The overall surrogacy cost is less with no compromise in quality.
• Kazakhstan has a visa-free administration with many countries

Risks and Challenges of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

Like any medical procedure or legal process, surrogacy in Kazakhstan has its own set of risks and challenges.

Here are some of the most common risks of surrogacy in Kazakhstan:

Medical risks: Surrogacy involves medical procedures, such as fertility treatments like IVF, embryo transfer, and pregnancy. These procedures carry risks, such as multiple pregnancies, premature birth, and complications for both the surrogate mother and the baby.

Legal risks: The laws and regulations around surrogacy can be complex and vary by jurisdiction. It’s important to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the intended parents and surrogate mother have appropriate legal representation to navigate the process.

Ethical and moral challenges: Surrogacy raises ethical and moral questions related to the use of reproductive technologies and the commodification of human life. Some people may object to surrogacy on moral or religious grounds, and it’s important to consider these issues carefully before deciding to pursue surrogacy.

Psychological risks: The surrogacy process can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved. The surrogate mother may experience emotional distress when giving up the child after birth, while the intended parents may face difficulties in bonding with the child or managing the expectations and demands of the surrogacy arrangement.

Financial risks: Surrogacy can be expensive, and the costs can vary depending on the jurisdiction, medical procedures, and legal fees. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved and to work with reputable professionals to minimize financial risks.

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Conclusion

There is not much noise about surrogacy in Kazakhstan due to the availability of other popular surrogacy countries like Georgia and Ukraine.  Surrogacy is legal in Kazakhstan and is available to both domestic and international intended parents. The surrogacy process in Kazakhstan involves medical and legal procedures, including selecting a surrogate, undergoing fertility treatments, creating, and transferring embryos, and signing a surrogacy contract.

The surrogacy laws in Kazakhstan are relatively permissive, and the process is generally considered to be straightforward and affordable compared to other countries. However, there are risks and challenges associated with surrogacy, such as medical risks, legal complexities, ethical and moral challenges, psychological risks, and financial risks.

It’s important to work with experienced professionals and legal counsel to ensure that the surrogacy process is conducted ethically and in accordance with the law, and to carefully consider the risks and challenges before deciding to pursue surrogacy in Kazakhstan. The intended parents should consult a family lawyer in their home country to understand the surrogacy law in their home country.

Article 1 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan as of December 26, 2011 “On Marriage and Family” (hereinafter: Code) sets forth definitions for surrogacy, surrogate mother, and surrogacy contract.  It is advised to learn more from the official government website: Surrogacy in Kazakhstan (egov.kz)

The future of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan seems stable if not very popular.  Due to the low surrogacy cost and closing of surrogacy in other countries, many intended parents can consider surrogacy in Kazakhstan, however, it is good to consider all factors and take a consultation with a surrogacy professional to guide and assist them.

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.