WHAT IS SURROGACY?

Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive method in which another woman (a surrogate mother or gestational carrier) carries and gives birth to a child for the intended parents. It is often considered when pregnancy is medically impossible or would involve serious health risks.

Modern surrogacy programs are typically performed using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where embryos are created in a fertility laboratory and transferred into the uterus of the surrogate.

Surrogacy gives many families the opportunity to have a genetically related child when other fertility treatments are unsuccessful or not medically recommended.

Types of Surrogacy

Although the term “surrogacy” is often used broadly, there are two fundamentally different approaches.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not provide her own eggs. Instead, embryos created through IVF are transferred to the surrogate after fertilization. Gestational surrogacy is the model supported by our Center and recognized under Ukrainian legislation. 

Depending on the medical situation, embryos may be created using:

• Intended parents’ reproductive cells;

• Donor eggs;

• Donor sperm where applicable.

Because the gestational carrier does not contribute genetic material, she has no biological relationship to the child.

This approach is widely used because it clearly separates pregnancy from genetic parenthood.

Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy differs significantly. In this arrangement, the surrogate’s own eggs are used, which means she becomes genetically related to the child. Traditional surrogacy is not supported by our Center and is not part of our programs.

Who May Consider Surrogacy?

Surrogacy may become an option for women who cannot safely carry a pregnancy or deliver a child due to medical reasons.

Common indications include:

• Congenital absence of the uterus, including Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome

• Acquired absence of the uterus following hysterectomy

• Severe heart disease

• Serious kidney or liver disease

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Repeated unsuccessful fertility treatments or embryo transfer attempts

• Medical conditions where pregnancy would present significant health risks

• Certain psychological conditions when approved by medical specialists

For some women, pregnancy may place excessive strain on the body and create serious risks to health or life. In such situations, surrogacy can provide a safe and medically guided path to parenthood.

Who Can Become a Surrogate Mother?

A surrogate mother should meet medical and legal eligibility requirements.

Typical criteria include:

• Full legal age;

• At least one healthy child of her own;

• Good physical and reproductive health;

• Medical approval to carry pregnancy.

Before entering a program, candidates undergo screening and evaluation to help ensure safe participation for all parties involved. Read more in our dedicated article.

Surrogacy in Ukraine

The first Surrogacy Program in Ukraine was conducted in 1994. In time Ukraine has become one of the countries where gestational surrogacy has been legally regulated and medically developed.

Surrogacy remains a topic that raises different opinions. Some people express ethical concerns regarding commercialization, while others see it as a valuable opportunity for people facing infertility to have a genetically related child and fulfill their dream of becoming parents.

The decision to pursue surrogacy is personal and often includes medical, emotional, legal, social, and family considerations. Every situation is unique.

Our specialists help intended parents evaluate all available fertility options and choose the most suitable path. In some cases, treatment may begin with an egg donation program and later transition into a surrogacy program without unnecessary financial losses.