Surrogacy is an option now available to people who wish to be parents. This is an alternative to adoption. It provides the added connection to the child either through genetics, via gestation and through involvement in the entire process from conception to birth.
But surrogacy can pose a challenge. It is not legal in all countries. Costs might be too high and surrogates may be hard to find.
That’s why more would-be parents find surrogacy in Cyprus as a better option. There are no legal challenges. Surrogacy is available to intended parents who are single or couples. Parents-to-be may be heterosexual or gay. There is no age limit for intended parents.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman agrees to carry the baby of the intended parents. The woman is called a surrogate.
There are two types. Traditional surrogacy is where the surrogate provides her own eggs and shares a genetic link to the baby. Besides, Gestational surrogacy is another option where the surrogate carries a baby created from the egg and sperm of the intended parents, or of egg and/or sperm donors. The “gestational carrier” does not have a genetic link to the child.
Gestational surrogacy is the most common. Legally, it is less complicated, mainly because the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
Individuals or couples who undergo surrogacy initially receive IVF treatment. Or they participate in the IVF treatment of selected donors. The IVF process can include egg stimulation, egg collection, sperm preparation, fertilization and transfer of embryos to the surrogate.
Where is Surrogacy Legal?
Countries in Europe generally prohibit surrogacy. It is banned in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria. In some countries, altruistic surrogacy is legal but commercial surrogacy is illegal. These include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.
Surrogacy is legal in countries like Russia, the Ukraine, India, Thailand and the United States of America.
The legality of surrogacy in the USA varies from state to state. New York, Louisiana and Michigan do not have permission for paid surrogacy arrangements. Both intended parents cannot be on the birth certificate.
In Cyprus, embryo transfer to a surrogate has no legal impediments whatsoever. Several foreign intended parents have embryo transfers in Cyprus with their own surrogate. The surrogate may be a friend or a family member travelling with them. They avail of the highly affordable IVF costs in Cyprus. Then the births are back in the surrogate’s home country.
Why Surrogacy in Cyprus?
The main advantages of having surrogacy in Cyprus include legal leniency, affordability, quality of service and standard of living.
- Legal Leniency. In Cyprus, embryo transfer to a surrogate is allowed but the surrogate is always the legal mother. So it is important to obtain a Parental Order. Intended parents must do thorough research.
Ask the clinic all pertinent questions and make sure all parties are aware of all points in the agreement. Make sure to cover all areas from the selection of surrogate to the IVF process to the baby’s birth and trip home.
- Cyprus offers one of the most affordable rates for IVF treatments and surrogacy. Costs start at only 4,500 Euros if the intended parents already have a surrogate.
- Quality of Service. Cyprus has top quality clinics that observe the highest standards of assisted reproductive technology. Dunya IVF for example, is listed as No. 7 in Europe and No. 9 in the world by the Global Clinic Rating.
- Standard of Living. Cyprus is a top tourist destination in the Mediterranean. Their advanced, high-income economy allows high standards of living at amazingly affordable living costs. It has warm, sunny weather all year round. It has beautiful, white, sandy beaches. Perfect conditions for making babies!
For those considering surrogacy in Cyprus, the first step is to consult a viable clinic.
According to IVF Specialist Dr. Berk Angün, “Start by getting the right medical diagnosis and get the best medical advice. From there we can guide you on how and where to get advice about your country’s laws. We will help you through the medical process and guide you on how to safely bring your baby back home.”
