Surrogate motherhood. Genetic Parents

     The surrogate motherhood program provides married couples facing problems of reproduction with a good chance to have their own child born. Under the new Family Code of Ukraine the genetic father and mother must be recognized as the parents of a child having been born. The full responsibility and care of a baby that was born as a result of materialization of the surrogate motherhood program are imposed upon them. In this case, the surrogate mother may not be entitled to claim her motherhood.

The absolute medical indications for surrogate motherhood are as follows:

• - no-uterus condition (congenital or acquired condition);
• - uterine cavity obliteration;
• - deformation of uterine cavity or neck in cases of congenital malformation or as a result of diseases in the past;
• - extragenital and genital pathology conditions, under which carrying of pregnancy is contraindicated or not possible.

The relative medical contraindications for pregnancy are as follows:

• - unsuccessful recurrent IVF attempts with multiple transfers of high-quality embryos not resulting in pregnancy;
• - risks carried by pregnant women and babies to be born (dysfunctions of heart and kidneys, heavy rhesus-factor isoimmunization).

     At the starting point of the surrogate motherhood program genetic parents are expected to enter into the contract with the Surrogate Motherhood Center, under which they will be offered a choice of surrogate mother candidates. After the surrogate mother candidate is selected and all proper medical and psychological examinations are completed, the married couple has to sign the contract with their surrogate mother. The contract stipulates the rights and obligations of both parties.

     Pursuant to the contract, the genetic parents shall undertake to effect payment in favor of the surrogate mother for her services, food and, if necessary, accommodation, as well as for her medical observation to be carried out by medical expert personnel and the delivery. In turn, the surrogate mother shall enter into commitment to carry to term, give birth to, and deliver a newly-born child to its genetic parents in the manner prescribed by law and as provided for by the contract.

     Surrogate Motherhood Center stands out as the guarantor of the interests of the surrogate mother.

     The Surrogate Motherhood Center stands out as the guarantor of confidentiality of the relationship between the surrogate mother and genetic parents (whenever necessary).