Complete Guide to Surrogacy in Ukraine

Complete Guide to Surrogacy in Ukraine

Surrogacy in Ukraine has become one of the most established and internationally recognised assisted reproduction programs in the world. For decades, intended parents from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia have chosen Ukraine because of its clear legal framework, advanced reproductive medicine, and relatively affordable costs compared to many Western countries.

Unlike in many jurisdictions where surrogacy is legally uncertain or restricted, Ukraine provides a structured legal pathway for married heterosexual couples who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves. The country combines modern IVF technology, experienced fertility specialists, and a legal system that recognises the intended parents as the legal parents from the moment of birth.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything prospective parents need to know about surrogacy in Ukraine in 2026: the legal framework, costs, process, risks, medical standards, and what international parents should expect.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate mother) carries and gives birth to a child for another couple (the intended parents).

There are two main types of surrogacy:

Gestational Surrogacy

This is the type practised in Ukraine. The surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child. The embryo is created through IVF (in vitro fertilisation) using:

• the intended mother’s eggs, or donor eggs
• the intended father’s sperm.

The embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used. This form is not used in Ukraine because it creates legal and ethical complications.

Why Ukraine Is a Global Surrogacy Destination

Ukraine is one of the few countries where international surrogacy programs have operated consistently and legally for many years. Several factors explain why intended parents choose Ukraine.

1. Clear Legal Framework

Ukrainian law explicitly regulates gestational surrogacy through Article 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine and Orders of the Ministry of Health regulating assisted reproduction. Under Ukrainian law:

• The genetic parents are recognised as the legal parents from birth.
• The surrogate mother has no parental rights.
• The intended parents are recorded directly on the birth certificate.

2. High-Level IVF Medicine

Ukraine has developed a strong reputation in reproductive medicine. Our clinic offers:

• Advanced IVF laboratories and genetic testing (PGT-A).
• Egg donation programs and embryo cryopreservation.
• High success rates comparable to EU clinics.
• Modern approaches (pronuclear transfer technology, cord tissue banking).

Our doctors in Ukraine have international training, and BioTexCom operates according to European reproductive medicine standards, recognised by the FDA and European authorities.

3. Affordable Surrogacy Programs (2026 Cost Comparison)

Compared with countries like the United States, Ukraine offers significantly lower program costs.

Lower costs do not necessarily reflect lower medical quality. Rather, they reflect lower medical service costs and lower surrogate compensation compared to Western countries.

Who Can Use Surrogacy in Ukraine?

Ukrainian legislation allows surrogacy only for specific categories of intended parents.

Eligible Intended Parents

Under Ukrainian law, surrogacy is permitted for:

• Married heterosexual couples.
• Couples with medical indications preventing pregnancy.
• Cases where at least one intended parent has a genetic connection to the child.

Common medical indications include: absence of the uterus, severe uterine pathology, repeated IVF failure, or serious health risks from pregnancy.

Who Cannot Use Surrogacy in Ukraine

Ukrainian law currently does not allow surrogacy programs for:

• Single individuals.
• Same-sex couples.

The Surrogacy Process in Ukraine: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The process begins with a consultation with a responsible coordinator to review medical history, discuss IVF options, and confirm legal eligibility. BioTexCom allows remote consultations for international patients.

Step 2: Medical Evaluation

Both intended parents undergo medical testing, including fertility diagnostics, hormone analysis, infectious disease screening, and semen analysis.

Step 3: Embryo Creation

Embryos are created in the IVF laboratory using intended mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) and intended father’s sperm. Embryos may be tested through genetic screening before transfer.

Step 4: Surrogate Matching

The clinic selects a surrogate mother meeting strict criteria:

• At least one healthy child of her own.
• Good physical and psychological health.
• Absence of infectious diseases.

Step 5: Legal Agreement

Before embryo transfer, a surrogacy agreement is signed between the surrogate mother, the intended parents, and the medical clinic, regulating responsibilities, compensation, and legal obligations.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

Embryos are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. Pregnancy confirmation occurs approximately 14 days later through blood tests.

Step 7: Pregnancy Monitoring

The surrogate receives regular prenatal care, and intended parents receive medical updates and ultrasounds to monitor fetal development.

Step 8: Birth and Legal Registration

• The intended parents are registered directly on the birth certificate.
• The surrogate signs documents confirming the birth.
• International parents then obtain citizenship and a passport for the baby to travel home.

Is Surrogacy Safe in Ukraine During the War?

Since 2022, international parents have raised safety concerns. Despite the war, reproductive clinics in major cities continue to operate. Key measures implemented include:

• Relocation of patients when necessary.
• Secure medical facilities and contingency birth plans.
• International coordination with embassies.

Advantages of Surrogacy in Ukraine

• Legal certainty: Clear recognition of intended parents.
• Established IVF infrastructure: Highly experienced reproductive specialists.
• Cost efficiency: Programs significantly cheaper than in the US.

International experience: Clinics have worked with foreign patients for many years.