Surrogacy in Ukraine: Everything Intended Parents Need to Know
For many intended couples, surrogacy is rarely the first choice; it is often the result of years of hope, disappointment, and resilience. Some have experienced repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures or recurrent pregnancy loss; others may have been told that carrying a pregnancy is no longer medically possible or safe. The hope remains the same: to build a family of their own.
If you are considering surrogacy in Ukraine, you likely have more questions than answers. Is it legal? How does the medical process work? Will my child be genetically related to me? How are surrogate mothers selected? What happens after my baby is born? Finding clear, trustworthy answers can feel overwhelming, especially when so much of what is available online seems focused on selling a program rather than genuinely helping you understand it.
Choosing surrogacy is a deeply personal decision, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Understanding how the medical process works, what Ukrainian law allows, and what to expect after your child is born can help you approach each stage with greater clarity and confidence.
At a Glance:
What is Surrogacy in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, gestational surrogacy is a legally recognized form of assisted reproduction in which the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child. An embryo created through IVF using the intended parents' or donor gametes is transferred to the surrogate's uterus. This approach is recognized under Article 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine and Ministry of Health Order No. 787, which regulates the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Ukraine. Together, these provide a clear legal framework for eligible intended parents and make gestational surrogacy the standard practice offered by licensed fertility clinics.
Compared with countries where surrogacy laws may differ between jurisdictions or remain legally uncertain, Ukraine offers a structured approach, combining assisted reproductive medicine with clearly defined legal processes. This has made it a popular destination for international couples. Throughout the process, they are typically supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes reproductive medicine specialists, embryologists, legal professionals, psychologists, and program coordinators, all working together throughout the treatment.
Why Do Families Choose Ukraine for Surrogacy?
Every family who considers international surrogacy arrives at that decision for many different reasons. For many, it follows years of hope, disappointment, and difficult choices. For many, the choice isn't just about finding somewhere that offers surrogacy. It's about finding somewhere they can trust, a place where they'll feel cared for and confident every step of the way. Ukraine has become one of the countries that many prospective parents consider when exploring international surrogacy.
For Ira, founder of “The Embryon Family,” supporting intended parents is deeply personal. Adopted before birth, he grew up knowing that families can be built in many different ways. Years later, he and his wife went through three IVF embryo transfers themselves, giving him first-hand insight into the hope, uncertainty, and emotional challenges that often accompany fertility treatment. Today, that lived experience continues to shape The Embryon Family's patient-centered approach, with a strong focus on clear communication, coordinated care, and compassionate support.
Ukraine has developed an established assisted reproduction system with fertility clinics experienced in supporting international intended parents. Its fertility clinics have deep experience guiding families through the entire journey, from IVF and embryo creation, to donor options, genetic testing, matching with a surrogate, monitoring the pregnancy, and handling the legal steps after birth. Many of these services are coordinated within a single program, helping simplify what is often a complex process.
Some of the factors families commonly consider include:
These factors all contribute to Ukraine's reputation, but it's worth being honest here: no surrogacy program can guarantee a pregnancy or a live birth. Outcomes depend on several variables, including embryo quality, maternal health, the underlying cause of infertility, and each individual's medical circumstances.
That's why couples are encouraged to look beyond program availability or pricing alone when choosing a clinic. Transparency, clinical standards, patient support, and evidence-based success reporting matter just as much, if not more.
What Makes Ukraine a Popular Destination?
Is Surrogacy Legal in Ukraine?
Yes. Gestational surrogacy is legally recognized in Ukraine for eligible prospective parents who meet the country’s medical and legal requirements.
In many countries, parents using surrogacy still have to go through adoption or court proceedings after the birth to secure their parental rights. Ukraine takes a different approach. Its laws already provide a structured pathway for establishing parenthood, provided all legal conditions are met. This means that, under Ukrainian law, the parents who are considering surrogacy (not the surrogate) are recognized as the child’s legal parents from the moment of birth.
To begin the process, families generally need to:
Even though Ukrainian law supports surrogacy within the country, it is just as important for couples to understand the rules back home. Matters such as the child’s citizenship, travel documents and passports, and whether their home country recognizes foreign surrogacy arrangements can vary significantly depending on where they live.
Before You Begin
Who is Eligible for Surrogacy in Ukraine?
Not everyone who is considering surrogacy will meet the legal and medical requirements for treatment in Ukraine.
Eligibility Checklist
Types of Surrogacy
Surrogacy can be broadly divided into two types:
The key difference lies in whether the surrogate has a genetic relationship with the child. Understanding this distinction is important because it explains how parentage is established under Ukrainian law.
In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the prospective parents' gametes, that is, the father’s sperm and the mother’s egg whenever possible, or donor gametes when medically indicated. The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate's uterus. Because the surrogate does not contribute her own egg, she has no genetic relationship to the child she carries.
Traditional surrogacy differs in that the surrogate also provides her own egg, making her the child's biological mother. This approach is rarely used in modern fertility medicine and is not permitted under Ukrainian law because of the additional legal and ethical complexities it may create.
| Feature | Gestational Surrogacy | Traditional Surrogacy |
|---|---|---|
| Surrogate genetically related to the child. | No | Yes |
| Requires IVF | Yes | Not Always |
| Permitted in Ukraine | Yes | No |
Key Difference
Gestational surrogacy is the only legally recognized form in Ukraine because the surrogate has no genetic relationship with the child.
Step by Step Surrogacy Process
Although every family's experience is unique, most surrogacy programs follow the same broad sequence of medical, legal, and administrative steps. This page provides an overview of the process, while our dedicated Surrogacy Process page explains each stage in greater detail.
The process typically begins with an initial consultation and medical evaluation to determine eligibility. Once a treatment plan has been developed, the program moves through surrogate matching, legal documentation, IVF treatment, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and birth registration.
01
Consultation
02
Medical Assessment
03
Surrogate Identification & Matching
04
Legal Agreement
05
IVF
06
Embryo Transfer
07
Pregnancy
08
Birth Registration
Medical Process
The medical process in gestational surrogacy involves several carefully coordinated stages, beginning with fertility assessment and ending with embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring. Each stage is designed to maximize the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy while ensuring treatment is tailored to the prospective parents' individual circumstances.
• Initial Fertility Assessment
The medical process begins with a detailed fertility assessment. Depending on the couple's medical history, this may include hormone testing, ultrasound examinations, ovarian reserve assessment, semen analysis, and a review of previous fertility treatments. These findings help the fertility team determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
• Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
If the intended mother is using her own eggs, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Once the follicles have developed, the eggs are collected using a minimally invasive procedure performed under ultrasound guidance.
• Fertilization and Embryo Development
The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the clinical indication. The resulting embryos are cultured for several days, allowing embryologists to monitor their development and select those with the greatest developmental potential.
In some cases, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) may be recommended to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Whether this is appropriate depends on individual clinical circumstances.
• Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Monitoring
Once the surrogate's uterus has been prepared, a selected embryo is transferred using a simple, non-surgical procedure. Around two weeks later, a blood test is performed to confirm whether implantation has occurred.
If pregnancy is established, the surrogate continues routine antenatal care with ongoing monitoring by both the fertility clinic and her obstetric care team until delivery.
01
Assessment
02
Egg Retrieval
03
Fertilisation
04
Embryo Culture
05
Embryo Transfer
06
Pregnancy Test
07
Prenatal Care
Surrogate Screening
Selecting a surrogate involves a structured screening process. It requires a comprehensive medical, psychological, and background evaluation to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the families involved.
Surrogates typically undergo:
At the Embryon Family, surrogate screening forms an important part of the program, helping ensure that candidates meet both medical and program-specific requirements before matching takes place.
Egg Donation
Not every surrogacy program requires an egg donor. Egg donation is generally recommended when the intended mother cannot use her own eggs because of age, diminished ovarian reserve, previous treatment failure, certain genetic conditions, or other medical reasons.
When donor eggs are used, the donor undergoes medical and psychological screening before beginning treatment. The eggs are fertilized using the intended father's sperm or donor sperm, depending on the treatment plan, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the surrogate.
Using donor eggs does not change the legal framework governing gestational surrogacy in Ukraine. Instead, it provides an additional option for families whose own eggs are unlikely to result in a successful pregnancy.
Timeline
There is no single timeline that applies to every surrogacy program. The overall duration depends on factors such as medical preparation, surrogate matching, embryo availability, and legal requirements.
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and planning | 1-2 Weeks |
| Medical preparation and investigations | 2-6 Weeks |
| Surrogate matching | Varies |
| IVF treatment and embryo transfer | Several weeks |
| Pregnancy | Approximately 40 weeks |
| Birth registration and travel preparation | Varies by nationality |
What Does Surrogacy in Ukraine Cost?
For many families, cost is one of the first questions that comes to mind. However, comparing programs based on price alone can be misleading. Understanding what is included and what is not often provides a much clearer picture of the overall value.
A comprehensive surrogacy program may include fertility consultations, IVF treatment, surrogate screening, legal documentation, pregnancy monitoring, and program coordination. Depending on the treatment plan, additional procedures such as PGT-A, donor eggs, embryo freezing, or extended medical care may increase the overall cost.
When comparing fertility clinics, it is helpful to ask for a clear breakdown of what is included in the quoted price. Some programs may appear less expensive initially but exclude important medical, legal, or administrative services that result in additional costs later.
At the Embryon Family, intended parents receive a personalized treatment plan based on their medical history and family-building goals, helping them understand both the recommended treatment pathway and the associated costs before beginning the program.
Tip: Always request a detailed cost breakdown and clarify which services are included before making comparisons between clinics.
What Are the Success Rates?
Success rates are one of the first things families look at when comparing fertility clinics.
Imagine two clinics both reporting a 70 percent success rate. At first glance, they may appear equally effective. However, one clinic may primarily treat younger patients with uncomplicated fertility issues, while the other accepts more medically complex cases. This is why success rates should always be interpreted alongside the patient population and treatment approach.
However, these numbers should always be interpreted alongside factors such as age, embryo quality, underlying fertility conditions, and the treatment approach used.
No fertility clinic can guarantee pregnancy or live birth. Each treatment cycle is unique, and outcomes vary from one family to another. A clinic reporting high success rates may also have stricter patient selection criteria, making direct comparisons between clinics difficult.
Several factors influence treatment outcomes, including:
Rather than focusing on a single percentage, prospective parents should ask how success rates are calculated, whether they refer to pregnancy or live birth, and whether the reported figures are relevant to their own clinical situation.
At the Embryon Family, treatment plans are developed after a detailed fertility assessment, allowing the medical team to recommend the most appropriate approach based on each family's individual circumstances.
Benefits of Surrogacy in Ukraine
Choosing where to pursue surrogacy isn't simply about selecting a country. It's about choosing a healthcare system, legal framework, and clinical team that you feel comfortable placing your trust in. Ukraine has become one of the countries many families consider because it offers more than fertility treatment alone. Alongside IVF and embryo creation, many clinics provide coordinated legal support, surrogate matching, pregnancy monitoring, and post-birth guidance, helping intended parents navigate what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process.
Some of the benefits commonly associated with surrogacy programs in Ukraine include:
In addition to these practical advantages, many intended parents value having a multidisciplinary team that coordinates medical, legal, and administrative aspects of care. Fertility specialists, embryologists, legal professionals, program coordinators, and counselors each contribute to supporting families throughout the process.
Choosing a fertility clinic, however, should involve more than comparing services alone. Transparency, communication, clinical expertise, and personalized care are equally important when deciding which program is the right fit.
Risks and Considerations
Surrogacy is a carefully planned medical and legal process, but like any fertility treatment, it comes with uncertainties. Understanding these before you begin can help you make informed decisions and prepare for what lies ahead.
Medical Considerations
One of the biggest questions families have is, “Will the first IVF cycle be successful?” Unfortunately, no clinic can guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on several factors, including embryo quality, maternal age, implantation, and the underlying cause of infertility. Some families may also require donor eggs or additional procedures, which can influence both the treatment plan and the timeline.
Legal Considerations
The legal process doesn’t end with Ukrainian law. While Ukraine provides a clear legal framework for eligible gestational surrogacy arrangements, every country has its own rules regarding citizenship, birth registration, parenthood, and travel documents. Understanding these requirements before treatment begins can help avoid delays after your baby’s birth.
Practical Considerations
Even when treatment is progressing well, practical questions often arise. How long will you need to stay in Ukraine? What documents will your embassy require? When can you travel home with your baby? Planning for these questions in advance can make the experience much less stressful.
Emotional Considerations
Surrogacy can be emotionally demanding as well. Waiting for treatment updates, managing expectations, and making important medical and legal decisions can feel overwhelming at times. Choosing a clinic that communicates clearly and provides ongoing support can make a meaningful difference.
At the Embryon family, intended parents are supported by a multidisciplinary team that brings together medical specialists, legal professionals, and program coordinators to guide families through each stage of the process.
Legal Process
Before beginning treatment, it's important to understand how surrogacy is regulated in Ukraine. The legal process starts well before embryo transfer and continues after the birth of the child, making legal guidance an essential part of the program.
Legal Framework at a Glance: What Intended Parents Should Know?
At the Embryon Family, families receive guidance throughout the legal process, helping them understand the documentation required before treatment and the administrative steps that follow after the birth of their child.
Important: Surrogacy laws and administrative procedures may change over time. Prospective parents should always seek legal advice based on their nationality and individual circumstances before beginning treatment.
Birth Registration and Citizenship: After Your Baby is Born
The birth of a child through surrogacy is followed by several legal and administrative steps before the family can return home. While birth registration is completed under Ukrainian law, citizenship and travel requirements depend on the laws of the intended parents' home country.
What Happens After Birth?
| Country | Recognition of Parentage | Citizenship | Travel Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Depends on state law | Usually by descent | US Passport |
| UK | Additional legal process may apply | British citizenship subject to eligibility | UK Passport |
| Germany | Additional legal recognition required | Case-specific | German Passport |
| Austria | Case-specific | Case-specific | Austrian Passport |
| Israel | Subject to Israeli legal requirements | Israeli citizenship procedures apply | Israeli Passport |
Before You Return Home
To help avoid delays, families should:
At the Embryon Family, intended parents receive guidance on the documentation required within Ukraine and support throughout the post-birth administrative process. However, decisions relating to citizenship and travel documentation are governed by the laws of the family's home country.
Important: Citizenship and travel requirements vary between countries. Couples should always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or legal professional before beginning treatment.
Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic
Almost every fertility clinic describes itself as experienced, supportive, and patient-focused. The real question is: how do you tell one program from another? Choosing a fertility clinic is one of the most important decisions families will make during the surrogacy process. Looking beyond marketing claims and understanding what each clinic actually offers can help you make a more informed decision.
While medical expertise and success rates are important, it can also help to understand the people behind a clinic. The Embryon Family was founded by Ira, whose own experience with IVF gave him a deeper appreciation of the questions, emotions, and uncertainty that many intended parents face. That perspective continues to influence the clinic's emphasis on honest communication, realistic expectations, and personalized support throughout treatment.
While treatment costs and program availability are often the first things families compare, they should not be the only factors guiding the decision. A well-established clinic should provide transparent information, experienced medical care, and support throughout every stage of treatment.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Fertility Clinic?
When comparing fertility clinics, consider the following:
At the Embryon Family, surrogacy programs are supported by a multidisciplinary team that works closely with families from the initial consultation through birth registration. Medical treatment, legal guidance, program coordination, and ongoing communication are integrated to help families navigate each stage of the process with greater confidence.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is surrogacy legal in Ukraine?
Yes. Gestational surrogacy is legally recognized in Ukraine for eligible prospective parents who meet the country’s medical and legal requirements.
2. Will the surrogate be genetically related to my baby?
No. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created through IVF before being transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate does not contribute her own egg and therefore has no genetic relationship to the child.
3. Can donor eggs or donor sperm be used?
Yes. Donor eggs, donor sperm, or both may be recommended when medically indicated. The treatment plan depends on each family’s individual fertility assessment.
4. How long does the surrogacy process take?
The overall timeline varies depending on factors such as medical preparation, surrogate matching, embryo availability, and legal requirements. Your fertility team can provide a personalized estimate based on your treatment plan.
5. Is one IVF cycle always successful?
No. Like all fertility treatments, IVF does not guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on several factors, including embryo quality, maternal age, surrogate health, and the underlying cause of infertility.
6. Will my child receive citizenship automatically?
Citizenship is determined by the laws of the intended parents’ home country. Families should understand these requirements before beginning treatment.
Why Families Choose the Embryon Family
The Embryon Family was founded on a simple belief: families deserve more than medical treatment alone. They deserve clear information, honest guidance, and compassionate support throughout one of the most important decisions of their lives.
That philosophy is rooted in personal experience. Our founder, Ira, was adopted before birth and later went through three IVF embryo transfers with his wife. Having experienced the uncertainty, hope, and emotional challenges that often accompany fertility treatment, he created “The Embryon Family” to make the surrogacy journey more transparent, supportive, and patient-centered for other families.
Today, that philosophy is reflected in every stage of the program. Families are supported by a multidisciplinary team of reproductive medicine specialists, embryologists, legal professionals, and dedicated program coordinators who work closely with intended parents from the first consultation through post-birth documentation. At the Embryon Family, families are supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes reproductive medicine specialists, embryologists, legal professionals, and dedicated program coordinators. From the first consultation through embryo transfer, pregnancy, and post-birth documentation, the focus is on providing evidence-based care while supporting families through each stage of treatment.
Furthermore, the Embryon Family's program combines fertility treatment with legal guidance, surrogate screening, program coordination, and personalized support. By bringing these services together, couples have a single point of contact throughout much of the process, helping them stay informed and prepared as treatment progresses.
Every family's circumstances are different. For this reason, treatment recommendations are developed after a detailed medical assessment, allowing the care team to tailor the program to each family's individual needs and reproductive goals.
Taking the Next Step
Choosing surrogacy is a significant decision, and understanding both the medical and legal aspects of the process is essential before beginning treatment. From eligibility and IVF to surrogate screening, birth registration, and returning home with your child, each stage involves important decisions that are best made with accurate information and professional guidance.
Ukraine has developed a structured framework for gestational surrogacy, supported by experienced fertility specialists and established legal regulations. However, every family's circumstances are unique, and the most appropriate treatment plan will always depend on individual medical history, fertility needs, and the legal requirements of the family's home country.
If you are considering surrogacy in Ukraine, speaking with an experienced fertility team can help you better understand your options, clarify the next steps, and determine whether surrogacy is the right path for your family.
Ready to learn more? Contact the Embryon Family team to discuss your individual circumstances and receive personalized guidance on your fertility and surrogacy options.
- Dr. Vira Yuriivna Sirenko
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Fertility Specialist – Medical Content Reviewer
Dr. Vira Yuriivna Sirenko is an obstetrician-gynecologist and fertility specialist with a Candidate of Medical Sciences degree and over 30–40 years of experience in reproductive medicine. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, modern assisted reproductive technologies including IVF, and gynecological endocrinology. She practices at the Dakhno Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Kyiv, combining fundamental scientific research with active clinical practice.
- Last Updated: 26 August 2026
- Medically Reviewed
- Evidence-based
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“Please be advised that the Embryon Family does not export donor egg cells to other countries; however, we do export embryos. Additionally, it is important to note that single parent surrogacy is not permitted in Ukraine.”