#Countries where surrogacy is legal 2024

[gaiafertility]

How Legal Fees Drive Up the Cost of Surrogacy: A Country-by-Country Analysis

For many, surrogacy is a life-changing path with great possibilities for their parenthood journey. Yet, cost comes as a significant factor in the same journey. Although the most widely discussed costs are medical bills and surrogate compensation, legal fees silently account for a large portion of the surrogacy cost. That said, different nations have their unique legal systems controlling surrogacy, which can significantly affect the overall cost. Let’s examine how legal fees affect surrogacy cost in Greece, Colombia, the UK, and other nations, thereby separating the elements causing these increases in cost.

Knowledge about Legal Frameworks around Surrogacy

From those nations that forbid surrogacy completely to those with well-established, supporting legal systems, surrogacy laws differ greatly between countries. Legal surrogacy somewhere usually requires intended parents to negotiate a sequence of legal processes to safeguard the surrogate’s rights as well as their own. Legal fees here involve contracts, court orders, and parental rights, all of which can rapidly mount up.

Surrogacy in Greece: A Clearly Legal Route Not Without Cost

Thanks to its supportive and clear legal system, Greece has grown to be a preferred destination for surrogacy. That said, many overseas intended parents find surrogacy appealing as Greek legislation lets both residents and foreigners seek it. Though Greece provides a rather simple legal route, legal fees nevertheless play a major role in the surrogacy cost in Greece.

Before the embryo transfer may take place in Greece, the court has to approve the surrogacy arrangement. The intended parents of this legal process must pay a lawyer, turn in paperwork, and show up before courts. Though usually seamless, there is surrogacy cost in Greece involved in the process. The complexity of the case will determine whether these legal expenses run €3,000 or €6,000. Although at first look this might not appear excessive, it increases the whole surrogacy budget by adding to other expenses including agency fees, medical bills, and the surrogate mother cost in Greece.

Colombia: Affordable Surrogacy with some legality

Especially for international parents, Colombia is becoming a more reasonably priced surrogacy destination. The somewhat low medical and surrogate compensation rates are one of the main causes of the cheaper surrogacy cost in Colombia. The country’s surrogacy laws are less clear-cut, though, and legal questions might raise the general cost.

United Kingdom: High Legal Fees in a Strictly Regulated System

Among Europe’s strictest surrogacy laws are those in the United Kingdom. Although surrogacy is legal, the procedure is strictly controlled to forbid commercial surrogacy. Intended parents cannot pay the surrogate more than rehired expenditures, which helps to keep the surrogacy cost in UK under control on first glance. Legal fees, though, can greatly raise the overall cost.

Getting a parental order—which passes legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intending parents—is one of the primary legal obstacles in the UK. Legal counsel, court visits, and lots of paperwork are all part of this procedure. Depending on how simple or complex the matter is, legal surrogacy cost in UK may run from £5,000 to £15,000. Although the surrogate cannot benefit from the arrangement, the legal expenses nevertheless make the surrogacy cost in the UK somewhat costly compared to certain other nations.

Surrogacy Around the World: Variations in Legal Costs

Beyond Greece, Colombia, and the UK, several nations have their own particular legal obstacles that might greatly affect surrogacy expenses:

USA

Known for some of the most favorable surrogacy rules for intended parents, the United States also boasts among the highest legal fees. Legal fees by themselves can surpass $15,000 in areas like California, where surrogacy is strictly controlled and established. The U.S. is among the most costly countries for surrogacy given the already high medical and surrogate pay expenses.

Ukraine

Ukraine is a reasonably priced country with well defined surrogacy laws. But the war has complicated things, and the risk and difficulties of doing surrogacy domestically are driving legal bills up.

Canada

Like the UK, Canada just permits altruistic surrogacy, so surrogates cannot be paid more than what is appropriate. Legal expenses can still mount, though, particularly in relation to contract drafting and proving parental rights following birth.

What Causes increase in  Legal Fees?

Legal fees in surrogacy involve far more than just contract drafting; they also cover:

Protection of the intending parents as well as the surrogate depends on a strong legal contract. This covers everything from dispute settlement to surrogate pay and medical treatment.

Many nations have court orders requiring approval of the surrogacy agreement. Sometimes intended parents could have to show up in court several times, which increases legal costs.

Establishing parental rights upon birth is a vital (and expensive) step in nations like the UK. Though there is no genetic link, the surrogate stays the legal parent for the child without a legal system.

Particularly with regard to returning the child to the intended parents’ native country, international surrogacy sometimes entails further legal complications. Extra legal work can result from immigration laws, citizenship questions, and passport applications.

Final words

Although many people have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of parenthood through surrogacy, the legal aspect of things might cause somewhat higher surrogacy cost. Whether you are thinking about surrogacy cost in the UK, Colombia, Greece, or Cyprus, it is important to know how legal fees will impact your whole expenditure.

[surrogacyconsultancy]

What are the future prospects of Surrogacy in France?

Surrogacy has always stayed as a lesser discussed topic across many parts of the world. While these countries may not permit any kind of surrogacy services, one still needs to stay updated and informed. Also, knowing the laws in their country is essential for many who want to use surrogacy to start or expand their families. The situation is especially complicated regarding surrogacy for couples in France. Let's examine the possibilities for surrogacy in France by simplifying the specifics.

The role of surrogacy laws in France

There are many complications in regards to the legal system in this part of the world. Also, it's critical to understand that France forbids the practice of gestational surrogacy. This ban stems from French law, which places a high value on the idea that human bodies shouldn't be sold. The French legal system is set up to safeguard the security, freedom, and dignity of surrogate mothers and the offspring born via surrogacy clinic in France. Therefore, under French law, surrogacy contracts of any kind—commercial or altruistic—are not recognized, and entering into one within the nation may result in legal ramifications.

People going overseas to achieve parenthood

With no clear laws regarding surrogacy, many people in the country choose to go overseas. Still, there are administrative and legal obstacles associated with this choice, particularly when it comes to the child's citizenship and legal status during surrogacy for gay couples in France. On the other hand, there are certain favorable conditions in the same regard as well. France has made progress in recent years in acknowledging the parent-child bond for children born via international surrogacy. Also, children born abroad through surrogacy are entitled to French citizenship and legal recognition of their parentage, according to rulings made by French courts. This means that even though surrogacy is still prohibited in France, the government recognizes the legal right to a relationship between the child born through surrogacy and their French parents.

What makes surrogacy related laws so complicated?

The complications around the surrogacy laws further add into the crisis situation regarding surrogacy for couples in France. There are various steps involved in obtaining legal recognition of parentage for children born via surrogacy overseas. Intended parents frequently need the help of legal professionals to navigate the complicated legal system. To establish legal parenthood in France, they might have to go through adoption procedures or other legal processes. Although the procedure can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining, it is an essential step in guaranteeing the child's legal rights and eligibility for French citizenship.

Importance of social and cultural aspects

France is very specific regarding its social and cultural ethics during surrogacy via surrogacy clinic in France. In addition to being a legal concern, surrogacy is a hotly debated ethical and social topic in France. Also, surrogacy opponents contend that surrogacy exploits and commodifies the bodies of women, especially in nations where surrogacy laws are less stringent. They also bring up issues with surrogate mothers' and kids' rights and welfare. This attracts further debates from the other side of the country. Moreover, proponents contend that everyone has a right to a family life and that surrogacy may be able to assist people and couples who are unable to conceive naturally. They support the creation of a morally and legally sound framework that would permit surrogacy in France while enforcing stringent rules to safeguard all parties.

Is there any hope for a change ?

It’s better to stay hopeful and positive regarding the future of the surrogacy for couples in France. Also, there has been a shift in France's surrogacy laws, especially with regard to the rights of children born abroad via surrogacy. That being said, the nation's basic ban on surrogacy has not altered. Legal frameworks and societal attitudes would need to change significantly for surrogacy to be legalized in France. On the other side, there are continuous discussions regarding key aspects like surrogacy cost in France. Lawmakers, legal scholars, and the general public are currently debating whether or not surrogacy laws in France should be implemented in the future. Any move toward legalization would probably be accompanied by strict guidelines to address moral issues, guarantee surrogate mothers' safety, and protect children's rights and welfare. At the same time, we can stay hopeful with the legal system of the country. That said, the French legal system currently in place encourages people who are thinking about surrogacy to explore other options. International and domestic adoption is still viable options for beginning a family. With its own set of rules and requirements for eligibility, France also provides a variety of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to individuals and couples dealing with infertility concerns.

Final words

France has a lot to cover in regards to the changes in their approach towards the surrogacy via surrogacy clinic in France. For French individuals and couples who aspire to become parents, surrogacy offers a difficult route. Although surrogacy is illegal in the nation, recognizing the rights of children born via international surrogacy agreements is a crucial first step in recognizing the various ways in which families can be formed. For those in France considering surrogacy, the path to parenthood entails negotiating a complex web of ethical, legal, and psychological issues.

Source: https://surrogacyconsultancy.wordpress.com/2024/04/05/what-are-the-future-prospects-of-surrogacy-in-france/

[surrogacycare]

How the UK, Argentina and Colombia serves as perfect destination for same sex surrogacy?

The concept of same sex surrogacy is different across various parts of the world. While few rules out the possibility of any same sex surrogacy procedure, others have regulated this practice. Let's plunge into how same-sex surrogacy is practiced in three nations: the United Kingdom (UK), Argentina, and Colombia, investigating the legal systems, types, and considerations unique to each.

How Surrogacy for gay couples in UK works ?

The practice of surrogacy within the UK is more or less same like other parts of the world. Moreover, Surrogacy for gay couples in UK is legal but intensely regulated. Also, the law only allows for altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother can only be compensated for medical costs. This applies similarly to hetero and same-sex couples. The key challenge for same-sex couples, particularly for male couples, is finding a surrogate, as commercial surrogacy agencies are not allowed to function here.

Legal system in UK

The legal system is slightly tricky in UK. That said, the legal guardians of the child at birth are the surrogate mother and, in case that she is married or in a civil relationship, her life partner or partner, unless they did not assent to the surrogacy program. Same-sex couples must apply for a parental order to get legal parenthood of the child born through surrogacy. Also, this process can commence after the child's birth and must be done within six months.

How the process goes on?

The crucial component here is the functioning of the surrogacy process. That said, same-sex couples regularly connect in with surrogacy through informal courses of action or through non-commercial surrogacy agencies that help match intended parents with surrogates. Also, the method includes legal understandings, in spite of the fact that these are not enforceable by UK law. After the child's birth, the same-sex couple applies for a parental order to exchange legal parenthood from the surrogate (and her spouse/partner in case appropriate) to themselves.

Surrogacy in Argentina for Same-Sex Couples

Surrogacy for same sex in Argentina functions quite differently. Moreover, the country is known for its dynamic position on LGBTQ+ rights, being the first nation in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. Surrogacy, be that as it may, works in a legal gray area; it's not unequivocally directed by law, but it's not disallowed either. This uncertainty permits same-sex couples to seek after surrogacy courses of action, regularly with the assistance of legal experts to explore the complexities.

Legal system in Argentina

Since there are no particular surrogacy laws in Argentina, the method depends intensely on the agreements made between the intended parents and the surrogate. Also, the need of direction implies that there's a noteworthy agreement on trust and legal contracts outlined to ensure the rights and duties of all parties included.

The functioning of the process

Surrogacy for same-sex in Argentina more often than not starts with counseling with a lawyer who specializes in reproductive rights and family law. These experts offer assistance in drafting agreements and exploring the surrogate's pregnancy and birth aspects. After the child is born, same-sex partners regularly ought to go through adoptions procedures to set up legal parenthood, in spite of the fact that this could change depending on the states inside Argentina.

Surrogacy for same sex in Colombia

A country like Colombia is surely a haven for all the same sex couples looking for same sex surrogacy. That said, Colombia stands out in Latin America for its favorable approach to LGBTQ+ rights and surrogacy. Moreover, surrogacy has been legal since 1988, and recent legal progressions have made the nation an appealing destination for same-sex couples looking to begin a family through surrogacy.

The functioning of the legal system

Colombian law permits for altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate may only be compensated for medical and pregnancy-related costs. At the same time, commercial surrogacy isn't allowed. For same-sex couples, particularly male couples, the method to set up legal parenthood is clear compared to numerous other countries. The intended guardians can be pronounced the legal guardians before the child's birth, eliminating the need for adoption procedure post-birth.

On the other side, the process around surrogacy for same sex in Colombia includes making a surrogacy agreement with the help of legal professional to guarantee all parties' rights are ensured. That said, medical strategies for conception are carried out in fertility clinics that are acclimated to working with same-sex couples. Once the surrogate is pregnant, intended parents can begin the legal process to be recognized as the child’s guardians, making the post-birth process smoother.

Final words

If you are an intended parent looking for a hassle free experience regarding same sex surrogacy, these three countries could come as a great choice. Yet, the surrogacy journey within the UK, Argentina, and Colombia offers its own rewards and even the challenges. Moreover, each nation has its interesting legal system and process, but the basic guideline is the same: the urge to create a family. That said, with the right planning, legal process, and support, same-sex couples can explore these ways toward satisfying their dream of parenthood.

Source: https://surrogacycare.blogspot.com/2024/04/how-uk-argentina-and-colombia-serves-as.html

[coochiequeens]

Finally someone in office calling out international surrogacy for being a new form of human trafficking.

By Joshua Solano Nov 02, 2024, 4:13 am

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is sounding the alarm over the increase in human trafficking cases involving women recruited for illegal surrogacy abroad, following the repatriation of seven victims on October 23, 2024.

These women, aged 20 to 30, were recruited to work as surrogate mothers for unknown clients abroad, the BI said in a press release on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Merriam-Webster defines a surrogate mother as a "woman who becomes pregnant by artificial insemination or by implantation of a fertilized egg created by in vitro fertilization for the purpose of carrying the fetus to term for another person or persons."

The BI said three of the victims left the country under the guise of visiting relatives but fell victim to deceptive promises of surrogacy. The remaining four had no records and likely exited through unauthorized means, the BI added.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said investigations reveal a scheme where traffickers recruit online, then arrange complex travel through multiple borders to avoid detection.

“The Philippines is being targeted by traffickers who lure women with surrogacy offers. We urge Filipinos to avoid these offers, as surrogacy abroad often carries serious legal risks,” Viado said.

In October, 20 Filipino women were rescued by authorities after reportedly being trafficked to become surrogate mothers. Of the 20 women, 13 were pregnant through artificial means.

The pregnant women were supposed to be transferred to another country where they would give birth. The seven others were deported by the Cambodian government over immigration law violations. BI officers also intercepted a 37-year-old woman recruited for surrogacy and headed to Georgia on October 15.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, has earlier sought the conduct of a congressional inquiry into this "new form" of a human trafficking scheme victimizing Filipino women. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)

[metatechinsights]

Fertility Tourism Market Size & Forecast 2025-2035

Industry Outlook

The Fertility Tourism market accounted for USD 0.92 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 17.5 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 30.8% between 2025 and 2035. Fertility tourism refers to the process by which people travel to another country to seek treatments for infertility, which include IVF, egg/sperm donation, or surrogacy. They include low charges, legal requirements, or the existence of better treatment alternatives in the patient’s home country. Some patients prefer fertility tourism to get better success stories, technology, or procedures that are banned in the country. Frequently visited countries are those that boast a stable healthcare system and permissive legislation on reproductive services.

Report Scope:

2024

2035Market Size in 2024 & 203520.0015.0010.005.000.0020242035ParameterDetailsLargest MarketNorth AmericaFastest Growing MarketAsia PacificBase Year2024Market Size in 2024USD 0.92 BillionCAGR (2025-2035)30.8%Forecast Years2025-2035Historical Data2018-2024Market Size in 2035USD 17.5 BillionCountries CoveredU.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South AfricaWhat We CoverMarket growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter’s five forces analysis, PESTLE analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, pricing analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and over 10 companiesSegments CoveredType of Treatment, Service Type, Gender, Age Group, Provider Type, and Region

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Market Dynamics

Access to advanced reproductive technologies attracts international patients seeking treatments.

Several factors give rise to fertility tourism among patients, including the high cost of treatment in the patient's home country, readily available advanced techniques, and freedom in legal measures on ARTs of different countries. Almost every patient wants to find a place where new methods of treatment or technologies, such as preimplantation genetic testing or freezing of eggs, are used at affordable prices. Besides, several countries permit ART and surrogacy, and egg donation draws patients from other countries seeking personalized treatment, onsite care, and niche services.

It was estimated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine that about 7.4 million women in the United States are infertile, placing them in a situation to seek services in other countries, especially where the service is inadequate or too costly. It further supports our belief in the increased need for extended fertility services within the international healthcare market.

Lack of insurance coverage increases out-of-pocket costs for patients.

The Fertility Tourism market embodies several limitations related to fiscal and governance constraints. There is still no insurance coverage for fertility treatments, most patients have to incur out-of-pocket expenses. This may discourage anyone who would wish to travel to other countries for treatment because the financial burden can be overwhelming. Furthermore, it is proven that even in different countries, the rules might be different, and this may cause contraindications for patients. That includes various standards of their treatment, the legal aspects of used treatments, and possible difficulties in further treatment.

Other factors likely to discourage would-be patients include distrust over the quality and safety of the facilities in other countries. However, cultural and ethical factors may play a role in the decision-making process. Therefore, people may refrain from traveling to seek other procedures they deem ‘unethical’ or are publicly acceptable by society. All these factors make the decision-making process very complicated by influencing the general growth of the Fertility Tourism Market.

Growing Research and development leads to new fertility treatment options

Fertility Tourism Market has emerged because of the rising need for assisted reproductive technologies, regulations, prices, and accessibility in different countries. Couples looking for better treatments or cheaper ways of having the baby, through IVF, egg donation, or surrogacy, among other services, move around and seek state-of-the-art equipment and services. Spain, Greece, India, and Thailand now benefit from their well-developed medical tourism sectors since they provide global-class fertility services. Fertility tourism itself offers destinations a means to develop their healthcare industries, attract global consumers, and create substantial revenue while offering patients fewer waits and more choices. However, there are issues of ethics, the law, and the safety of patients, which are always probed as this market develops.

Industry Experts Opinion

 “As the field of fertility medicine expands, so does Inception, and through effective marketing and communication strategies, we can deliver key educational messages and introduce new products and service line offerings that will enhance the fertility journey for every aspiring parent,"

TJ Farnsworth, CEO and Founder of Inception.

“Infertility is an emotionally charged experience for any couple. During a consumer research we had conducted, we found that nearly 2 in 3 couples undergoing treatment found it extremely challenging, and over 90% couples lacked the financial support for the same. We noted an emerging sentiment of insurance coverage, especially among the Tier-2 population, where the spending capacity on healthcare delivery is extremely limited. This proposition is a unique and first-of-its-kind to be offered to couples,”

Vikas Anand, CEO of SafeTree Insurance said in a statement.

Segment Analysis

Based on the type of treatment, the Fertility Tourism market is classified into In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Artificial Insemination, Egg, Donation and Surrogacy, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), and Others. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the dominant type of treatment in the Fertility Tourism Market because many people prefer this method. This treatment is preferred by many due to its efficiency and the level of technology used, and it can deal with most causes of infertility. The treatment is generally less costly in some countries and is one of the core motivators of medical tourism. IVF also presents combined methods such as egg/sperm donation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), making the procedure attractive for international clients who need reproductive help.

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[swldx]

BBC 0537 15 Feb 2024

6195Khz 0459 15 FEB 2024- BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from SANTA MARIA DI GALERIA. SINPO = 55333. English, ID@0459z pips and newsday preview. @0501z World News anchored by Neil Nunes. One person has died and 21 people were wounded in a shooting in Missouri at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory parade. Officials said they treated eight victims who were in immediately life-threatening condition and seven others who had suffered injuries that could prove life-threatening. Nine children were among the wounded and are all are expected to recover. Police said they have arrested three suspects in connection to the shooting. The chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee has issued a vague warning of a "serious national security threat" facing the US. The cryptic statement from Republican Mike Turner called on President Joe Biden to declassify the threat, although no further details were given. The White House has said the threat is not imminent, but that congressional leaders would be briefed this week. Some reports in US media suggest the warning is related to Russian attempts to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. The New York Times, citing current and former US officials, said the weapon was not yet in orbit. Up to half of the Amazon rainforest could hit a tipping point by 2050 as a result of water stress, land clearance and climate disruption, a study has shown. The paper, which is the most comprehensive to date in its analysis of the compounding impacts of local human activity and the global climate crisis, warned that the forest had already passed a safe boundary and urged remedial action to restore degraded areas and improve the resilience of the ecosystem. Climate change, pandemics, nuclear warfare and artificial intelligence all pose an existential threat to humanity and need to be addressed with “wisdom and urgency”, more than 100 politicians, academics, and celebrities have warned in an open letter. German automaker Volkswagen said Wednesday several of its models had been refused entry into the United States, after it emerged that a Chinese-made component may have breached forced labor laws. Australia, Canada and New Zealand have warned Israel against a carrying out a “devastating” and “catastrophic” ground offensive on Rafah in southern Gaza, saying “there is simply nowhere else for civilians to go”. The statement by three members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance appears aimed at ratcheting up pressure on Israel to rethink plans for a ground assault on Rafah, where about 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge. African leaders will gather in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, home of the African Union (AU), for the continental body’s annual summit. According to AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, regional integration and “maintaining momentum in addressing issues of peace and security” is high on the agenda. Lawmakers in Greece have begun a debate on a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage. It would make Greece the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. The Valentine’s Day session in parliament follows vocal opposition and protests from the Church, but public opinion has shifted and is narrowly supportive of the reform. If approved, the bill would grant same-sex couples full parental rights but not allow male partners to seek children born in Greece through surrogacy. The vote on the same-sex marriage bill is due Thursday. @0506z "Newsday" begins. MLA 30 amplified loop (powered w/8 AA rechargeable batteries ~10.8vdc), Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 185°, bearing 49°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 7877KM from transmitter at Santa Maria di Galeria. Local time: 2259.

[coochiequeens]

Even advocates of surrogacy should agree that regulations are needed

BY Samuel Burke August 16, 2024

In Europe, commercial surrogacy is largely banned and seen as a form of body commodification, similar to organ trafficking. Only a few countries permit highly regulated altruistic surrogacy, which limits reimbursement to just expenses and no additional compensation—resulting in limited participation. Demand for surrogacy, however, is soaring due to delayed childbearing, increasing medical challenges, and the growth of LGBTQ+ family-building. The surrogacy market, valued at $14 billion in 2022, is projected to skyrocket to $129 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights.

Currently, only a few European countries, such as Ukraine and Greece, permit commercial surrogacy. These nations operate in a legal gray area with minimal oversight, leading to a largely unregulated industry fraught with issues like trafficking women, falsified documents and sham embryo transfers.

Before the 2022 invasion, Ukraine was a global surrogacy hub estimated to have 2,000-2,500 surrogacy contracts annually. Despite the ongoing conflict, the industry continues, with some women still carrying pregnancies in war-torn Ukraine. Controversially, Ukrainian surrogates now leave their families behind and travel to places like Greece and Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey) to complete pregnancies. The women often live with multiple surrogates in the same dwellings while they wait to give birth.

Advocates for reform argue that current practices neglect the welfare of surrogates. Wes Johnson-Ellis, co-founder of the U.K. non-profit My Surrogacy Journey (MSJ), asserts that surrogates should not have to leave their families to move to another country for the pregnancy to help others build theirs.

Pregnancy and birth are vulnerable times for surrogates. They need their support network and family close by to ensure they are fully supported,” Johnson-Ellis says.

MSJ frequently assists families who’ve faced trying circumstances with other agencies. One couple pursuing surrogacy in Cyprus believed their surrogate was Cypriot. However, she was actually from Eastern Europe and returned to her native country, where she gave birth prematurely according to Johnson-Ellis. Tragically, the baby did not survive.

“They are still fighting to have the baby’s body exhumed and sent back to their home country for a proper burial,” says Johnson-Ellis.

Last August, Greek authorities raided the Mediterranean Fertility Institute in Crete and arrested staff amid allegations of trafficking nearly 100 women from Eastern Europe to act as surrogates. Officials also accused the company of falsifying adoption papers for clients from countries where surrogacy is illegal. The institute is now closed and has not responded to inquiries about these allegations. Advocates for affected families, many from Australia, claim they paid for a surrogacy program that was never fulfilled.

The Republic of Georgia had also emerged as a popular surrogacy destination in Europe, but last year, the Georgian prime minister announced that commercial surrogacy would be restricted to Georgian citizens only. This has left the legality of programs in Georgia in limbo, affecting intended parents from around the world who had turned to the country for surrogacy.

Scandals and swiftly shifting surrogacy laws have sent intended parents in Europe scrambling to relocate their embryos to countries with more stable or established surrogacy frameworks, primarily in the Americas. 

The United States is the top destination for commercial surrogacy due to its well-established legal framework and advanced medical care. However, it is also the most expensive, with total costs for IVF and surrogacy—including medical, legal, and agency fees—averaging $190,000 to $230,000.

Those high costs have traditionally made Canada a more affordable surrogacy option, with costs for IVF and surrogacy averaging $60,000 to $100,000. Although commercial surrogacy is banned, Canadian law permits altruistic surrogacy, similar to the U.K., Denmark, and the Netherlands. This lower cost has dramatically increased demand, leading to average wait times of 10 to 18 months and driving hopeful parents to seek commercial surrogates in Latin America.

Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico are attracting intended parents as alternatives to Europe, with costs typically under $80,000. Mexico City, in particular, has become a popular choice due to its low costs and progressive surrogacy laws.

“Confidence in Mexico is shifting,” says Johnson-Ellis of My Surrogacy Journey, which has launched a service guiding families there. “Mexico actually has more guardrails and regulations in place than the U.S. and has even had the support of the Mexican Supreme Court since 2021.” He points to Mexico City’s practice of issuing pre-birth orders that recognize the intended parents as the legal parents and even list the surrogate as the gestational carrier, not the biological mother when she’s used donor eggs. 

The surrogacy boom in the Americas is coming at Europe’s expense. Advocates argue that Europe’s ban on commercial surrogacy limits access to services and, ironically, increases the exploitation and coercion of women.

“With a commercial model, everyone knows where they stand,” Johnson-Ellis says. “There’s no gray. It’s very black and white. And I think with surrogacy, you need black and white.”

[coochiequeens]

She's right and she should say it.

Apr 12, 2024

MELONI-SURROGACY:Surrogate parenthood is 'inhuman', Italy's Meloni says

Surrogate parenthood is an "inhuman" practice that treats children as "supermarket products," Italy's prime minister said on Friday, urging parliament to pass a bill to prosecute those who go abroad for it.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked about surrogate parenthood being 'inhuman' during an event. (REUTERS)

Parenting via surrogacy is already illegal in Italy, punishable with jail and fines, but the right-wing coalition of Giorgia Meloni has vowed to impose an even stricter ban on it as part of its conservative agenda.

"No one can convince me that it is an act of freedom to rent one's womb, no one can convince me that it is an act of love to consider children as an over-the-counter product in a supermarket," she said at an event in Rome.

"I still consider the practice of uterus renting to be inhuman, I support the proposed law making it a universal crime."

The Italian parliament is discussing a bill drafted by Meloni's Brothers of Italy party to prohibit Italians from having a baby in countries where surrogacy is legal - such as the United States and Canada.

The party's position echoes the Vatican's.

The bill, approved by Italy's lower house Chamber and now at the Senate, has been criticised by rights groups and some opposition politicians who see it as targeting LGBTQ people.

"The issue cannot be tackled with universal prohibition, but with regulation that balances the rights at stake," ex-foreign minister Emma Bonino told daily Corriere della Sera this week.

[coochiequeens]

If critics are unhappy with surrogacy bans making it harder for gay men to have children because in Italy gay men can only have a civil union and not marriage which makes it harder to adopt then maybe advocates should work on marriage equality and adoption rights instead of......exploiting women

Italy’s new law classifies surrogacy as a universal crime on the same level as terrorism and genocide

Our expectations were low but oh my God.

By Benedetta Geddo Published: Oct 18, 2024 7:13 AM EDT

On Wednesday, October 16, the Italian Senate approved a proposed bill that was already passed last year by the lower house of the Parliament, making surrogacy “a universal crime” punishable according to Italian law no matter where Italian citizens are in the world when committing it.

This new law, whose creation and promotion were carried onwards by members of the Fratelli d’Italia party that is the current government majority, expands on an already existing law dating back to 2004, which bans surrogacy—usually referred to in Italy as “gestation for others” or “renting a uterus”—throughout the country. 

The ban is now placed on Italian citizens no matter where they are in the world, and that technically should go for both the aspiring parents seeking surrogacy as well as any medical staff who facilitates it—who would all face steep fines and even jail time. There remains the question of the practical application of several aspects of this new law, which are fuzzy at best according to several legal experts and even some politicians behind the bill and would present quite the challenge for Italian lawyers and judges during a potential court case.

While statistics reported by The Washington Post show that most of the Italian citizens who travel abroad to have a child are heterosexual couples dealing with infertility issues, this new law would disproportionally affect same-sex couples—particularly gay couples, who would have a harder time explaining their return to Italy with a newborn infant than other couples would. Same-sex couples, in general, are already banned from adoption in Italy—and from marriage since the only union available to them is “a civil union”—and this furthers narrows their chances at becoming parents in a feel that feels very much targeted and could very well be.

This new law is one of the West’s most restrictive ones on the matter, even in Europe where surrogacy is much more constricted than in the United States, and it does certainly send a message about the stance Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her party have on “traditional family values” and reproductive issues—which were already quite clear to begin with. Meloni herself called it “a law against the mercification of the female bodies and of children,” in a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account.

Then again, this is ultimately yet another step in a considerable effort to control the culture about reproductive rights—something that isn’t exclusive to Italy but is happening all around the world as policies tend to shift towards the right everywhere. While abortion is firmly allowed in Italy thanks to a law that dates back to 1978, accessing it is often a hard, frustrating, and emotionally painful trial thanks in no small part to the intervention of several pro-life groups right down to hospital’s waiting rooms

This law is another signal in that same direction. One that implies that even though the State doesn’t have any rights on a person’s organs even after their death—since organ donation must be agreed upon by either the person who would be doing the donation or their next of kin, in Italy just like in many other countries around the world—the only exception is a woman’s uterus. On that, apparently, the State has every right to interfere. And that is ultimately the real issue, independent of one’s own personal feelings and opinions about surrogacy.

[coochiequeens]

Countries that ban commercial surrogacy but allow altruistic surrogacy are by default allowing would be reproductive purchasers to guilt trip young women into inconveniencing herself for over a year when they could look into adopting.

MAY 31, 2024 - 1:10PM

Ireland has mummy issues. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the upcoming Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. The proposed legislation, which passed through the Dáil on Wednesday, would allow those who have been resident in Ireland for two years to hire women from a list of approved countries to serve as surrogates, gestating and giving birth to babies who will then be handed over to them.

The main body of the bill concerns the licensing of agencies engaged in international surrogacy and the establishment of new legal frameworks. So-called “intended parents” will have legal rights, even where the baby is born abroad, provided the child has a “genetic link to at least one” of them.

While the ban on commercial surrogacy remains in place, a “reasonable sum” can be offered, and it seems entirely likely this will open the door to pregnancy-as-employment. For example, legitimate expenses will include the loss of income by the surrogate mother for up to one year and the salary of a cleaner for the duration of the pregnancy. There are a range of safeguards in place to ensure that prospective surrogate mothers are not exploited, but whether these will be respected in jurisdictions outside Ireland remains questionable.

With fertility rates plummeting across the world, the baby-making business is set to boom; in 2022 the surrogacy industry was valued at $14 billion. Given the swelling commercial clout, it seems likely smaller countries will cave to domestic and international pressure by loosening laws.

The Irish bill will bring the country closer to the UK, which allows for altruistic surrogacy. Notably, while Russia and Ukraine have lax laws and effectively allow surrogate mothers to be paid, all forms of the practice are outlawed across much of Europe, including Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

Many of the bill’s proponents have heralded it as marking progress toward equality between same-sex and opposite-sex couples, toward a forward-looking Ireland free from the scandals of its Catholic past.

The bill’s righteous and progressive aims were cemented in January when the Pope called surrogacy “a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs.” “A child is always a gift and never the basis of a commercial contract,” he added.

Chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, Alan Farrell TD, swelled with pride during��a debate on the bill as he reflected: “We have seen dramatic changes in women’s rights and LGBT rights in Ireland, led by the public and pursued by the Government. This bill is the latest where successive governments have sought to build on that progress and deliver real change that reflects more understanding and an equal country.”

A spokesperson from the LGB rights group “Not All Gays” told me that opposition to the legislation has been framed as “anti-LGBTQIA”. “When will they stop weaponising LGB’s struggles and genuine homophobia to push for ethically dubious laws that could be plucked straight out of Gilead?” she asked. “We are not your shield to be used to silence reasonable debate or opposition to laws that seek to erode the rights and civil liberties.”

Just as with the dissolution of women’s rights at the hands of trans activists, this most recent threat to women’s dignity, health and happiness has come cloaked in the rainbow flag. But in reality, it signifies nothing more than a social shift toward the commercialisation of women’s bodies.

It is a triumph of market forces, of the state-sanctioned use of wombs for the production of a designer accessory. Provided the mother meets the minimum requirements, couples and individuals who have commissioned babies will be able to pose with them for Instagram snaps as soon as the mother has given birth.

The bill will probably pass into law, and Ireland will become a land where virgins may indeed become mothers. It is conceivable that future generations will look back on the period of legalised surrogacy with horror as we now do the brutal homes where unmarried mothers had their infants ripped from their care.

Josephine Bartosch is a freelance writer and assistant editor at The Critic.

In the meantime

[coochiequeens]

Exactly how does Men Having Babies and SEEDS plan to make renting wombs and ripping babies away from their mothers at birth more ethical?

The nonprofit Men Having Babies (MHB) is endorsing The Society for Ethics for Egg Donation and Surrogacy's (SEEDS) new Standards of Ethical Conduct for Member Agencies. The Standards include LGBTQ+ inclusive definition of infertility to be used in screening intended parents for surrogacy, curbing the over-commercialization of the field by detailing acceptable advertising practices, and enhancing the status of the United States as a place dedicated to the ethical operation of agencies that provide gestational surrogacy and egg donation services.

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Men Having Babies (MHB) is pleased to announce its board's formal endorsement of The Society for Ethics for Egg Donation and Surrogacy's (SEEDS) new Standards of Ethical Conduct for Member Agencies. These new standards constitute the first time that professionals involved in gestational surrogacy and egg donation in the United States have created self-binding standards, as compared to the longstanding ethical frameworks that apply to medical, legal, and mental health providers involved in surrogacy and egg donation. "We feel that the creation of the SEEDS Standards will serve to codify and even improve upon prevailing best practices that already set the US and Canada apart among other countries where surrogacy is practiced," said Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB's founder and executive director. "Some differences still exist between the positions of SEEDS and those of MHB, and the terminology we use is sometimes different. However, the new SEEDS Standards reflect many of the values we share, and they are a testament to the professionalism of those working in this field."

In addition to the board's endorsement of these Standards, Men Having Babies is proud to announce that beginning in 2024 all US based surrogacy agencies that participate in MHB events and the Gay Parenting Assistance Program will be asked to demonstrate adherence to these new SEEDS Standards. MHB hopes that this will be another step in the direction of making these Standards widespread and promoting the United States as a place dedicated to the ethical operation of agencies that provide gestational surrogacy and egg donation services.

Men Having Babies is proud to have played a unique, supporting role in the development of these groundbreaking standards. Lisa Schuster, MHB's director of programming and a former gestational surrogate, has been invited as an observer to SEEDS's Standards Committee, and provided input and observation through the lens of MHB's mission of promoting ethical surrogacy practices that minimize the risks and maximize the potential short and long-term benefits to all involved.

Not only do the Standards address professional aspects related to the business and operational conduct of member agencies, Men Having Babies is especially proud to highlight details of the Standards that, in line with MHB's Framework for Ethical Surrogacy for Intended Parents, address issues related to the rights and wellbe- ing of all parties involved.

Men Having Babies applauds SEEDS' use of the LGBTQ+ inclusive definition of infertility to be used in screening intended parents for surrogacy. This language comes from the inclusive definition of infertility, which MHB helped to draft, used by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association in their model legislation, and which has already been passed in new legislation in Illinois last year. The Standards embrace the concept of 'status' as it relates to infertility, in addition to the medical condition and disease, prohibiting agencies from providing services to those who do not "demonstrate a need for surrogacy associated with a disease, condition, or status characterized by [...] a person's inability to reproduce either as a single individual or with their partner without medical intervention". This position corresponds to MHB's Ethical Framework which advocates that surrogacy should be legally allowed as a parenting option to individuals, single or coupled, that lack the reproductive capacity to become parents without the help of a surrogate or have a medical reason for needing the help of a surrogate, but not to women who simply do not desire to become pregnant – sometimes referred to as "social surrogacy".

Also, in the spirit of MHB's Ethical Framework are SEEDS's efforts to curb the over-commercialization of the field by detailing acceptable practices relating to advertising, and prohibition of the use of inaccurate, misleading, or coercive information, or placing undue emphasis on monetary incentives and compensation to potential donors or surrogates. With respect to compensation, Men Having Babies is pleased that, given the unique and unexpected circumstances that can arise in any surrogacy journey, the Standards prohibit the bundling of the recompense for the personal sacrifice and risks associated with the surrogacy process into a "flat rate" along with reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses and compensation associated with specific contingencies.

Men Having Babies applauds the hard work and dedication of the professionals involved in surrogacy and egg donation and, in line with our policies related to ethical surrogacy, is proud to endorse these new Standards.

About Men Having Babies  The international nonprofit Men Having Babies (MHB) is dedicated to providing current and future gay fathers with unbiased advice, support, and financial assistance. The organization's Membership Benefits Program (MBP) offers a wide range of exclusive guidance resources, including MHB's unique Peer Advice Parent Network, and access to discounts from over 160 surrogacy providers. Among the benefits of membership is the ability to apply to the Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP), which annually provides hundreds of individuals or couples with over a million dollars worth of cash grants, discounts, and free services from leading service providers. MHB's annual conferences offer unbiased guidance and access to a wide range of relevant service providers. Their extensive online resources include FAQs, a video library, Ask the Expert articles, and a comprehensive surrogacy and gay parenting research library. The organization also offers a comprehensive Surrogacy Providers Directory, including ratings and reviews of agencies, clinics and law firms. MHB's Advisory Board of distinguished surrogacy professionals leads the provision of expert advice to members, and our framework for Ethical Surrogacy has received endorsements from LGBT parenting organizations worldwide.

For more information about Men Having Babies, visit menhavingbabies.org

About The Society for Ethics for Egg Donation and Surrogacy's (SEEDS) SEEDS is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of egg donation and surrogacy agencies, whose purpose is to define and promote ethical behavior by all parties involved in third party reproduction. SEEDS, which stands for the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, carries out its mission by working with ART professionals to create a unified voice and develop and issue ethical standards for the various aspects of third party reproduction. We have currently developed several standards, and many more are planned. Our goal is to reach a wide audience of agencies and ART professionals and hear their opinions and input about industry standards. Ideally we will come to industry-wide agreement on the standards.

For more information about SEEDS: https://seedsethics.org/

Media Contact

Yan Dekel, Men Having Babies, (213) 647-3298, yan@menhavingbabies.org

This is under the Family Zone chapter