How Are Surrogates Protected Under Georgian Law?
Georgia has become a major destination for surrogate pregnancies since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, attracting intended parents seeking affordable and accessible reproductive services. The country's relatively lenient regulations and lower costs compared to Western Europe have fueled a surge in demand, particularly among Ukrainians displaced by the war. This shift has transformed Georgia into a growing hub for international surrogacy arrangements, raising questions about oversight and ethical implications.
The influx of clients has led to the rapid growth of surrogacy agencies and medical clinics across Tbilisi and other urban centers. Many Ukrainian couples, unable to access fertility treatments at home due to the conflict, turn to Georgian providers for in vitro fertilization and gestational carrier services. While some agencies report increased transparency and improved medical standards, others operate in legal gray areas, with concerns about surrogate compensation, informed consent, and postnatal rights. Interviews with intended parents reveal both gratitude for the opportunity to build families and anxiety over unclear contractual terms and limited legal recourse.
What Happens When Disputes Emerge?
Georgian law permits commercial surrogacy and grants parental rights to intended parents immediately after birth, but it offers limited protections for surrogates themselves. There is no mandatory psychological screening, no standardized minimum wage for carriers, and no legal requirement for independent legal counsel during contract signing. Advocates warn that economic vulnerability may lead to coercion, especially among women from rural areas or marginalized communities. Though some clinics voluntarily follow international ethical guidelines, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving surrogates with little recourse if complications arise or agreements are broken.
Disputes over parental rights, medical expenses, or surrogate compensation have surfaced in several cases, often complicated by cross-border legal conflicts. Intended parents from countries where surrogacy is restricted or banned may face difficulties securing citizenship or travel documents for their children born via Georgian surrogates. In rare instances, surrogates have attempted to retain custody, though Georgian courts typically uphold pre-birth agreements. Legal experts call for clearer international frameworks and stronger domestic regulations to prevent exploitation and ensure accountability across all parties involved.
Is surrogacy legal in Georgia for foreign couples? Yes, Georgia allows commercial surrogacy for heterosexual foreign couples, with legal parenthood established at birth regardless of the surrogate’s nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are surrogates in Georgia paid fairly? Compensation varies widely, typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, though critics argue this is low given the physical and emotional risks, especially without standardized protections.
Can same-sex couples access surrogacy in Georgia? No, Georgian law currently restricts surrogacy to heterosexual married couples, excluding LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents from the process.