Surrogacy

The path to parenthood can be quite challenging. For many families, the dream of having a child becomes a true test. Year after year, they struggle for the opportunity to gaze into the eyes of their greatest treasure. They repeatedly seek help from doctors and reproductive specialists, undergo numerous tests and treatments, and risk their health, hoping for each new attempt to succeed. However, even the most determined battle does not guarantee success. In moments of total hopelessness, surrogacy provides a final chance for the happiness of parenthood. 
Who is a surrogate mother? A woman with a big heart who gives infertile couples what they desire above all else - the healthy continuation of their lineage. She is a woman who willingly agrees to carry a child and hand it over to her biological parents.

What causes infertilityAccording to estimates from the World Health Organization, 60-80 million couples worldwide suffer from infertility. This number varies depending on the region but accounts for approximately 8-12% of all couples on the planet. 
The most common causes of infertility in women include the absence of ovulation, reproductive system abnormalities, infections, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, menstrual cycle problems, and others. Furthermore, research published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences reveals that approximately 40-50% of infertility issues are attributed to male factors. This includes inflammatory and infectious diseases of the male reproductive organs, poor sperm quality, and so on. So we are looking at a global, widespread problem that scientists worldwide have been striving to overcome for decades. In the meantime, surrogacy safely serves as an assisted reproductive method for many families facing this issue.
It is important to note that despite the societal stigma surrounding surrogacy, these services are entirely legal across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Family Code legislatively approved surrogacy starting from January 1, 2004, making our country one of the most attractive in the world for implementing such programs.

Who needs surrogacy services?Ukrainian legislation allows any heterosexual couple in a registered marriage to go for surrogacy programs freely. One of the main requirements is providing evidence that the couple is turning to this method of assisted reproduction due to significant medical reasons and indeed has indications for it. For example:● When there are previous miscarriages in the medical history. ● When pregnancy poses significant risks to the woman's health. ● When there are conditions that make this process impossible. ● In cases of a high level of genetic abnormalities in the child, and so on.

Types of surrogacyThere are two main forms of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.Traditional surrogacyTraditional surrogacy involves using the genetic father's sperm to fertilize the surrogate mother's egg. In this case, the child is biologically related to the woman who carries the pregnancy and is genetically linked to her. For the longest time, this was the only way for a surrogate mother to become pregnant. Right up until modern tech allowed for the creation of embryos outside the womb. Currently, traditional surrogacy is prohibited in Ukraine.Gestational surrogacyThis method was first introduced in 1985 and has since become the preferred approach in most countries worldwide. In the case of gestational surrogacy, the child is not biologically related to the surrogate mother. An embryo is created using the genetic father's sperm and the biological mother's egg. This embryo is then implanted into the uterus of the surrogate mother, who carries the pregnancy. As a result, the surrogate mother does not share DNA with the child and is not the genetic mother.
Three individuals are involved in the process: Genetic father - the man whose sperm is used to fertilize the genetic mother's egg.Genetic mother - the woman whose egg is used to create the embryo. Surrogate mother - the woman who voluntarily, either for free or for monetary compensation, is willing to carry and give birth to a child for another woman who cannot do so independently due to personal contraindications.
Who can become a surrogate mother in Ukraine?Women who wish to become surrogate mothers in Ukraine must meet a set of requirements. A future surrogate mother must be physically and mentally prepared for the procedure. The requirements are designed to minimize risks for the pregnant woman and the intended parents. After all, the goal for each is a healthy child and future goodwill. So before a potential surrogate mother is included in the database, she must undergo an interview and a comprehensive medical examination.The main requirements include:● Being a capable woman below the age of 36;● Having at least one healthy biological child of your own;● Being in good health with no pathologies, complications, serious diagnoses, etc.;● Having no harmful habits and leading a stable, responsible lifestyle;● Being a citizen of Ukraine;● Having written consent from the husband if the surrogate mother is married, allows her to participate in the surrogacy program.
Certain clinics may have additional requirements for candidates. However, marital and financial status or other miscellaneous factors are usually irrelevant. Note also that even close relatives of the intended parents (mother, sister, cousin, etc.) are allowed to carry the pregnancy. Each surrogacy journey is unique - it is a highly individual experience. But one thing remains unchanged: it is an event that changes lives forever.
It is hard to imagine the gratitude felt by couples who have gone through countless attempts and failures but have been allowed to discover the amazing world of parenthood. Being a part of their child's life, witnessing similarities, and feeling a connection - these priceless feelings are made possible thanks to surrogate mothers.