Is the path of surrogacy legal in Europe? How to choose a healthy surrogate and a trustworthy agency? Is it expensive? After alongside many intended parents and supporting them legally, medically, and psychologically, World Center of Baby their experience. Find answers to the most concerning questions of intended parents in this article.
When it comes to surrogacy, Europe offers a diverse selection of countries and legal and financial options. Different countries have different legislation on the practice, and critical nuances to keep in mind include the type of surrogacy, gender, country of residence of the intended parents, and more.
Is surrogacy legal in Europe? There are a few countries in Europe where surrogacy is legally allowed or unregulated. Some countries in Europe have banned surrogacy in all its forms, but some permit altruistic surrogacy, and fewer offer commercial paths. Altruistic surrogacy relies entirely on the free will and generosity of the biological mother. In this case, the law is focused more on protecting the legal rights of the surrogate mother.
The better option for intended parents would be to consider countries with legislation to protect their rights. Georgia, Ukraine, and a few others legally permit commercial surrogacy. IN Cyprus and Albania surrogacy is unregulated. More about surrogacy countries here.
Surrogacy cost largely depends on the country. In the United States, the average cost of surrogacy is around $150,000 to $250,000 for the unlimited attempts, with a significant amount being paid for medical services and surrogate compensation. With the price being so high, many intended parents residing in the US turn to surrogacy options abroad. The cost of the Surrogacy services in Europe with high-quality agencies and the latest reproductive technologies usually start at 50,000 euros.
The prices vary depending on the chosen surrogacy destination and the level of services the agency provides, which significantly affect the success rate.
Some programs offer additional options such as donor selection, using more than one surrogate mother, genetic testing and gender selection from existing embryos, and even, if you don’t want to wait, prioritized surrogate matching without a waiting list.
Everything about the price distribution and existing surrogacy programs in Europe here.
Even though the majority of European countries have banned surrogacy, this practice is growing in popularity. Many organizations have dedicated themselves to catering to the needs of LGBT intended parents only, and other clinics to the needs of single parents. Fewer agencies provide surrogacy solutions for all desiring to become parents despite their gender or marital status.
When choosing the agency, intended parents should pay attention to. World Center of Baby heterosexual, same-sex couples, and single intended parents on their journey to parenthood. We value diversity and respect the cultural backgrounds of intended parents and surrogate mothers.
Debating whether to use a surrogacy agency and what the process entails? Find out more here.
The question that concerns the majority of intended parents is how to find a healthy and trustworthy surrogate. Women who wish to become surrogate in Europe usually approach agencies or clinics operating in the region. Before matching with the intended parents, these women undergo detailed physical and psychological tests as well as through legal background screening. When in search of a surrogate, keep in mind that the woman should be between the ages of 21 and 38.
Given the above, the agency’s standards for the selection and testing of surrogates should be exceptionally high, and you should be able to put your trust in the agency you plan to work with.
Check the surrogate selection standards for WCOB here.
Surrogacy in Europe starts at $50,000, with the surrogate compensation taking about 35% of the cost. Medical care, including prenatal care, fertility treatments, prenatal testing, labor and delivery costs, and any additional medical procedures or interventions required during the pregnancy, is covered separately.
In countries that prohibit commercial surrogacy but allow altruistic services, intended parents cover only the expenses related to the pregnancy. However, they can give a monetary reward as a voluntary gift. European law in surrogacy-legal countries does not limit the amount of the fee that is paid to the surrogate.
After all, beginning your surrogacy journey can be overwhelming and intimidating. In such a crucial endeavor, intended parents need all the assurance and support they can get. The experienced and passionate team of the World Center of Baby (WCOB) has dedicated six years to providing legal, medical, and psychological support to people with a dream of parenthood. Hear the experiences of people who became parents through this journey and become one of them.
