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What is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive technique in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a baby for someone else, but is in no way genetically related to the baby she is carrying.
In order to carry out this process, Intended Parents provide the biological material (eggs/sperm) and embryos are formed using In Vitro Fertilization and then implanted into the surrogate.
If Intended Parents are unable to provide their own material, in some cases a donor may be required. We have our own cryobank facilities at our clinic with an extensive database of egg donors.
No biological material is taken from the surrogate mother as she is just the gestational carrier.
Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy
| TRADITIONAL SURROGACY (TS) | GESTATIONAL SURROGACY (GS) |
|---|---|
| The surrogate is genetically related to the baby (biological mother). | The surrogate is not genetically related to the baby, she is just a carrier. |
| Embryos are created using the surrogates own eggs. | Embryos are created in an IVF process. |
| Pregnancy is achieved via Artificial Insemination (AI). | A couple’s embryos are implanted into the surrogate. |
| PGD testing is not an option. | PGD testing can be used. |
| Quicker and less expensive. | Requires medical intervention. |
| Legal issues once the baby is born. | Clear legal procedure. |
| Limited or no screening process prior and during pregnancy. | Full screening process and profile of potential surrogate which continues up until birth. |
Altruistic vs. Traditional Surrogacy
| COMMERCIAL | ALTRUISTIC |
|---|---|
| Surrogates receive financial compensation for being gestational carriers in addition to any expenses which derive from the pregnancy. | Surrogates do not ask for monetary compensation for carrying a couple’s child and will only be reimbursed for expenses related to the pregnancy. |
| Both parties sign a legal contract which provides structure to the arrangement – each party has obligations they must fulfill and both parties are protected. | Any contracts drafted may not be legally enforceable in the country where surrogacy is taking place. No clear definition of reasonable expenses. |
Surrogacy in the USA
vs.
Surrogacy in Ukraine
| SURROGACY AN OPTION FOR: | INTENDED PARENT REQUIREMENTS | PGT | PATERNITY OF THE BABY | DONATION OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Single Intended Parents (male & female) Heterosexual Married Couples LGBT+ Unmarried Couples |
There are no prerequisites for Intended Parents | Paternity granted via a court decision. Baby obtains american passport and family can travel home within a month. | Intended Parents can opt for Sperm and/or egg donors and also adopt embryos for surrogacy programs. The United States offers a wide range of different egg donor phenotypes. | |
| UKRAINE | Heterosexual Married Couples | Couples must be legally married and provide a marriage certificate with the Hague Aspostille Couples must have a medical reason for participation (female infertility) and provide a letter from their GP or clinic |
Both parents appear on the birth certificate as the surrogate has no legal rights under Ukrainian law. The baby inherits the nationality of the father and an application to the father’s embassy must be made to obtain documents before the baby can travel home. | Intended Parents can only use egg donors for surrogacy programmes as the male partner must provide his own sperm. Egg donors are usually Ukrainian phenotypes but other ethnic groups can be sourced. |
