IVF with Surrogacy: Navigating a Complex Landscape
For individuals and couples for whom pregnancy is not possible — due to absent or severely compromised uterine function, recurrent pregnancy loss, or medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe — surrogacy represents the pathway to parenthood. The surrogacy landscape is complex and highly variable by country, with different legal frameworks, varying levels of regulation and significant ethical considerations.
Understanding your options as an international patient requires careful navigation of both the medical and legal dimensions. This guide provides an overview of the key considerations.
Types of Surrogacy
Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created from the intended parents’ own gametes (or donor gametes), and has no genetic connection to the child. This is the form of surrogacy most commonly pursued through fertility clinics and is the type offered in most regulated surrogacy programmes.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own eggs are used, making her the genetic mother of the child. Traditional surrogacy is less commonly pursued in regulated programmes due to the more complex legal and ethical implications.
Legal Landscape: What International Patients Need to Know
Surrogacy law varies dramatically between countries. Some countries permit commercial surrogacy (where the surrogate is compensated beyond expenses), some only allow altruistic surrogacy (where compensation is limited to expenses), and many prohibit surrogacy entirely. Destination countries with established surrogacy programmes for international patients include Georgia, Ukraine (with pre-war caveats), Albania and certain others.
Turkey does not legally permit surrogacy. Patients who enquire with Dr.Visor about surrogacy are directed to appropriate legal destinations where regulated programmes operate.
The Medical Process
The medical component of gestational surrogacy involves IVF: the intended mother (or egg donor) undergoes stimulation and egg retrieval, embryos are created and tested if appropriate, and the surrogate’s uterine lining is prepared for embryo transfer. The IVF component may be performed in Turkey with embryo transfer in the surrogacy destination country, or the entire process may take place in the destination country.
Legal Parentage
Securing legal parentage — ensuring that the intended parents are recognised as the legal parents of the child at birth and in their home country — is the most important and complex element of any surrogacy arrangement. Legal counsel specialising in reproductive law in both the destination country and the intended parents’ home country is essential before any surrogacy arrangement is entered into.
How Dr.Visor Can Help
Dr.Visor provides information and signposting for patients exploring surrogacy as a pathway to parenthood. We work with experienced reproductive medicine specialists and can connect patients with reputable legal advisors in appropriate jurisdictions. We do not facilitate surrogacy arrangements directly but provide the guidance patients need to navigate their options safely. Speak to our team at drvisor.com.