Surrogacy in Georgia

Surrogacy, the practice of a woman carrying a child for another individual or couple, has long been a controversial topic around the world. However, in recent years, the country of Georgia has emerged as a top destination for those seeking surrogacy services.

With its affordable costs, favorable laws, and high-quality medical facilities, Georgia has become a hub for international surrogacy. This small country, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a rapidly growing surrogacy industry that has attracted couples from various countries, including the United States, Israel, and Western Europe.

In this article, we will delve into the details of surrogacy in Georgia, exploring its legal framework, medical standards, and cultural attitudes toward this practice.

The key takeaway:

1. Legal Framework: Georgia has clear and favorable surrogacy laws. Surrogacy agreements are legally binding, and intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from the moment of conception.
2. Affordability: The cost of surrogacy in Georgia is between $50,000 to $70,000, which is much more affordable than in many Western countries.
3. Experienced Medical Facilities: Georgia boasts modern and well-equipped medical facilities and a high standard of medical care.
4. Surrogate Screening: Surrogates in Georgia typically undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure their suitability for the process.
5. Anonymous Egg Donation: Georgia allows for anonymous egg donation, providing a level of privacy to both the intended parents and the egg donors.
6. Surrogacy Agencies: Several surrogacy agencies in Georgia assist international intended parents in navigating the surrogacy process, from finding a surrogate to managing legal aspects.
7. Cultural Sensitivity: Georgia is known for its hospitality and cultural sensitivity, making it a welcoming destination for international intended parents.

Overview of Surrogacy in Georgia

Georgia has been at the forefront of surrogacy legislation since 1992, making it a favorable destination for intended parents seeking surrogacy options. The country recognizes only straight married or de facto couples as eligible for surrogacy programs.

This guide aims to provide you with a detailed overview of surrogacy in Georgia, including legal frameworks, requirements, processes, costs, and more.  

Benefits of Surrogacy in Georgia:

Choosing Georgia as your surrogacy destination offers a range of advantages that make it an attractive option for intended parents. 

Here are some key benefits:

1. Favorable Surrogacy Laws in Georgia: Surrogacy has been completely legal in Georgia since 1992, providing a secure legal framework for intended parents.

2. Intended Parents Eligibility:Our surrogacy program in Georgia is open to both straight married and de facto couples, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

3. Surrogacy in Georgia Cost Fraction of US Cost:We offer a fixed, all-inclusive surrogacy price package, allowing you to plan your budget effectively. When you sign an agreement, we take care of all aspects, including surrogate recruitment, medical and hospital requirements, and legal procedures, and even provide accommodation for your initial arrival.

Selecting the Right Agency in Georgia, Tbilisi, Europe

When choosing an agency to work with in Georgia, it is essential to find one that offers professional services and can effectively communicate with you in your language. Clear communication is crucial for understanding how surrogates are screened and supported throughout the journey.

Ensure that your chosen agency prioritizes the well-being of you, your baby, and your surrogate. Some Georgian agencies have started recruiting surrogates from other countries, so it is important to ensure that your surrogate is well-informed, safe from exploitation, and receives adequate support throughout the surrogacy process. 

Fertility Clinics in Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is home to at least six reputable IVF clinics with experienced English-speaking doctors who have a strong background in supporting surrogacy-related IVF treatments. Some of these clinics also have their own surrogacy agencies.  Most of the best surrogacy clinics in Georgia have been doing international surrogacy programs for a long time now and are well-versed with the intricacies that come with the complex international surrogacy process.

Frozen Embryos Shipment in Georgia

Georgian regulations regarding shipped embryos and sperm can be complex. The clinics in Georgia require specific documentation, including a letter from the sending clinic outlining information about the intended parents, a copy of the clinic registration license, and other notarized and apostilled documents. 

The Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process in Georgia

Understanding the surrogacy process is vital for intended parents. Here is a detailed overview of the step-by-step journey you can expect when choosing our surrogacy program in Georgia:

1. Initial Consultation:We begin by discussing your specific circumstances and needs, ensuring a personalized approach.

2. Medical Evaluation: You get the pre-IVF tests in your country to ensure medical eligibility and to confirm the type of program we can offer.

3. Documentation: You provide ORIGINAL marriage, birth, and change of name certificates as required.

4. First Payment:You pay the initial installment according to your agreement.

5. Legal Process: You sign a Power of Attorney, allowing our Georgian team to enter into Gestational Carrier Agreements on your behalf.

6. Paperwork and Preparation:We arrange for the apostilling of marriage and change of name certificates, if necessary. If applicable, you select an egg or sperm donor and sign the agreement.

7. Embryo Transfer:You provide your sperm or embryos to our clinic, either in person or by shipment. Clear instructions are given to the clinic regarding embryo transfer protocols.

8. Surrogate Introduction:Within days of making your first payment, you are introduced to a prospective surrogate.

9. Gestational Carrier Agreement:Upon confirmation of surrogate pregnancy, you formalize the Gestational Carrier Agreement by executing it directly with the surrogate.

10. Ongoing Support:Our team provides continuous liaison and coordination with our team in Georgia throughout the pregnancy. You receive regular updates, and access to medical reports, ultrasound images, and blood test results.

11. Final Stages:In the last month of pregnancy, the doctor will advise a tentative delivery date. You can plan your visit and be ready for a pending birth.

12. Post-Birth Procedures:We help in getting the baby’s birth certificate with both partner names and provide assistance with exit paper documents.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Georgia? Surrogacy Laws in Georgia 

Georgia has established a legal framework that recognizes heterosexual couples as the legal parents of a baby born through surrogacy, even if they are foreigners. It is important to note that surrogacy in Georgia is limited to married heterosexual couples or de facto heterosexual couples who can prove they have been living together for more than one year. Unfortunately, other types of intended parents, including same-sex couples and single parents’ surrogacy in Georgia are not allowed.

Surrogacy Laws and Legal Parenthood in Georgia

In Georgia, once your baby is born through surrogacy, you and your partner will be legally recognized as the child’s parents. It is important to note that children born via surrogacy to foreigners in Georgia do not acquire Georgian citizenship. Instead, the intended parents must apply for citizenship from their home country. Rest assured that both intended parents’ names will be listed on the Georgian birth certificate.

However, it is necessary for you to be present in the country for the birth and a period afterward to navigate the process of obtaining travel documents.

The duration of obtaining travel documents varies depending on your country of residence, with average times ranging from 2 to 16 weeks. We along with our local team can provide you with legal contacts, advice, and guidance on obtaining citizenship and travel documents.  

Finding a Surrogate Mother in Georgia

Georgian surrogacy agencies play a vital role in helping intended parents find a suitable surrogate and, if needed, an egg donor. These agencies work closely with partner IVF clinics to facilitate the entire process, from IVF treatment to pregnancy care and legal and administrative services. However, due to cultural and language barriers, establishing a deep relationship with your surrogate may be limited. It is crucial to thoroughly research and assess the ethics and track record of an agency before making any commitments. Your peace of mind and the well-being of both you and your surrogate should always be a top priority.

Building a Relationship with Your Surrogate

In Georgia, the nature of the relationship between intended parents and surrogates is often limited due to factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and geographical distance. However, it is still vital to establish a connection with your surrogate to provide her with peace of mind, ensure her well-being, and express your gratitude for her selfless act. While the level of involvement may vary, open and respectful communication can help foster trust and understanding.

Wait Times for Surrogates

Due to the restrictions on surrogacy in Ukraine caused by the war, wait times for surrogates in Georgia have increased significantly. Once embryos are created or shipped, you can expect a waiting period of 3 to 4 months to be matched with a surrogate and prepare for embryo transfer. While the waiting period may vary, it is important to approach the process with patience and the guidance of experienced professionals.

Finding Egg Donor in Georgia

Finding an egg donor in Georgia can be a process that involves careful research, consultation with professionals, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines.  

The most common method of finding egg donors is to engage with local egg donor agencies. These agencies have databases of pre-screened egg donors and can assist you in finding a suitable match. They handle the logistics, such as medical and psychological evaluations, background checks, and coordination of the donation process.

You can also choose an egg donor for you via a surrogacy clinic in Georgia, as the fertility clinic maintains its own egg donor database.  The overall cost of egg donors in Georgia is $3000 to $4000 based on the types of egg donors you choose.

Whether you work with an agency or find an egg donor independently or via fertility clinics, it’s important to conduct thorough screenings. This includes reviewing the donor’s medical history, conducting genetic testing, and ensuring they undergo psychological evaluations. These screenings help assess the donor’s overall health and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Cost of Surrogacy in Georgia

Surrogacy costs in Georgia typically range from US$40,000 to US$70,000, depending on the program and agency you choose.

The costs can be influenced by factors such as the type of program (shipped embryo programs or guarantee programs), the use of your own embryos or donor programs, and additional services included in the package. As compared to other countries, cheap surrogacy in Georgia is possible.  However, at the current time due to the high demand for surrogate mothers, there has been a sharp increase in the cost of surrogacy in Tbilisi.

It is essential to have a clear understanding of what is covered in the packages offered by service providers and to budget for travel expenses, accommodation, and passport costs. The complete Surrogacy team can assist you in comprehending the packages and identifying any undisclosed additional costs.

Here is an overview of what the total price includes in a typical surrogacy package in Georgia:

– Consultancy fees

– Donor and Surrogacy agency fees

– IVF, including ICSI and unlimited embryo transfers

– Donor compensation (payable after retrieval)

– Donor stimulation medication

– Surrogate mother’s medical exams

– Surrogate mother’s medication for preparation and standard infections

– Surrogacy contract and legal fees

– Surrogate mother’s transportation and accommodation fees

– Surrogate compensation

– Support medication after embryo transfer for surrogate

– Pregnancy test

– Review of surrogate application/medical records

– Prenatal vitamins

– All medical and hospital expenses in the public hospital system

– Regular medical visits and tests during pregnancy

– Standard prenatal screenings

– Surrogate transportation for embryo transfer

– Surrogate transportation costs for pre-natal checks and routine medical checks

– Fully screened surrogate

– Psychologist visits for surrogate during pregnancy

– Airport transfers for intended parents upon arrival for birth

– Complications arising for the surrogate during delivery or pregnancy

– Medical and hospital costs for delivery

– Post-birth care of surrogate by doctor and clinic

– Surrogate transportation home

– Issuance of registered birth certificate

– Notary and apostille fees for standard documents

Our surrogacy programs in Georgia:

Our surrogacy program in Georgia offers a unique opportunity for both straight-married and de facto couples to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. With our closely supervised program and dedicated team on the ground in Tbilisi, we provide a total solution that includes recruitment, screening, and management of surrogates, comprehensive medical services, legal support, and seamless coordination of travel and accommodation.

Conclusion

Choosing to embark on a surrogacy journey is a significant decision, and it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the associated risks and ways to minimize them. At Complete Surrogacy, we are committed to supporting intended parents like you by providing informative resources and guidance. With our extensive experience and global connections in the field of surrogacy, we can help you select the right options and make informed choices that align with your family-building needs.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Complete Surrogacy. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately help couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.

FAQs

What does surrogacy mean?

Gestational surrogacy is a process in which a woman, known as a surrogate or gestational carrier, carries and gives birth to a baby on behalf of another person or couple who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term themselves.

What are the types of surrogacy?

There are two main types of surrogacy:

Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own eggs to conceive the child. This is usually done through artificial insemination, where the surrogate’s eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor’s sperm. It is not common practice.

Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries a baby conceived using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and eggs, or a combination thereof. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a laboratory and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child. This is the most practiced surrogacy arrangement.

Is surrogacy safe?

Surrogacy, when properly regulated and conducted under appropriate medical and legal guidance, can be a safe option for intended parents and surrogates.

Where can we get affordable surrogacy?

Georgia, Ukraine, Mexico, and Colombia are a few international surrogacy countries that offer the cheapest surrogacy.

Is surrogacy legal in Georgia?

Yes, surrogacy has been legally well-regulated since 1992. However, only married hetero couples and de-facto couples who can prover partnership for more than one year can do surrogacy.  Gay surrogacy in Georgia is not allowed.  You can get in touch with us to know and discuss affordable and legal surrogacy countries for gay couples.

How much does surrogacy cost?

The average surrogacy cost in Georgia is between $40,000 to $70,000 based on the surrogacy services you need. 

Which country offers the cheapest surrogacy?

Georgia, Ukraine, Mexico, and Colombia are a few international surrogacy countries that offer the cheapest surrogacy.

How long does the surrogacy process take?

The duration of the surrogacy process can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances, location, and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. On average, the surrogacy process typically takes around 12 to 18 months from the initial steps to the birth of the child.