Ukraine is a global surrogacy hub – but that could be about to end

A Mother’s Sacrifice in the Shadow of War

Ukraine is a global surrogacy hub – Karina, a 22-year-old woman from eastern Ukraine, now finds herself in the role of a surrogate mother. Her womb carries an embryo not born of her own, but one created from the genetic material of a Chinese couple. This choice came after the destruction of her home in Bakhmut, a city that became a focal point of Russia’s early invasion. At 17, the city she once called home was reduced to rubble and ash, forcing her and her partner to relocate to Kyiv. Despite their efforts to rebuild, financial strain has persisted, with meager resources barely covering basic needs like bread and diapers for their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Karina’s decision to become a surrogate was driven by necessity. “At first, becoming a surrogate made me angry and disappointed,” she recalls, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “Now I’ve just accepted it.” The war has upended lives, leading to widespread job losses, soaring inflation, and a sharp decline in Ukraine’s GDP. For many, surrogacy has become a lifeline, offering a path to financial stability in uncertain times. Karina, however, faces a bittersweet reality: while she earns £12,500 ($17,000) for her pregnancy, the amount is reduced after one of the twins she was carrying passed away. Her contract stipulates that payments are contingent on successful delivery, leaving her with a smaller share of the compensation than initially promised.

Surrogacy as a Global Industry

Before the war, Ukraine was a critical player in the international surrogacy market, often cited as the second-largest hub after the United States. The country’s legal framework, which allows for commercial surrogacy with relatively low costs and streamlined procedures, attracted thousands of foreign clients. Ukrainian women became known for their willingness to carry children for couples from across the globe, ranging from affluent Western families to those in Asia and the Middle East. This industry not only provided income for many women but also contributed to the economy, with surrogacy clinics generating significant revenue and employment opportunities.

Despite the conflict, the surrogacy sector has shown resilience. Experts note that the number of surrogate births has rebounded to nearly pre-war levels, a testament to the industry’s adaptability. However, the war has left its mark. Many women, like Karina, are now motivated by survival rather than choice, with financial desperation driving decisions that might have been made for personal fulfillment before. For Karina, the offer of £15,500 ($21,000) for carrying a child is a welcome reprieve from the economic uncertainty that surrounds her daily life.

Legislation Under Scrutiny

Now, Ukraine’s parliament is considering a bill that could reshape the surrogacy landscape. The proposal seeks to introduce stricter oversight, effectively banning foreigners from using Ukrainian surrogates. This change has broad support, with lawmakers emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable women from being exploited in the process. The law aims to address concerns that surrogacy has turned reproduction into a commercial transaction, with critics accusing clinics of prioritizing profit over the well-being of the mothers.

“Ukrainian women should not be having surrogate babies for foreigners when birthrates have plummeted due to the war,” argues Maria Dmytrieva, a women’s rights activist. She views the law as a necessary step to prevent the commodification of human life and protect mothers from being pressured into surrogacy for financial gain. Yet, Dmytrieva believes the legislation does not go far enough. She advocates for a complete ban, asserting that the practice’s ethical implications cannot be ignored. Her stance is supported by others who see surrogacy as a form of exploitation, particularly in a country where economic hardship has increased.

The Clinic’s Defense

Among the most prominent surrogacy clinics in Ukraine is BioTexCom Centre for Human Reproduction, the largest in the country. The clinic has faced criticism for its operations, including a 2018 investigation into its CEO, Albert Tochilovsky, and two former staff members. The probe alleged human trafficking offenses, with the prosecutor’s office citing a DNA mismatch between a set of parents and a baby as part of the evidence. BioTexCom defended its actions, claiming the issue arose during sperm collection in another country and that its staff were not responsible.

The clinic has also been challenged for its advertising tactics. In 2021, an online campaign titled “Black Friday sale on surrogate babies” drew attention for its approach to marketing. Similarly, an AI-generated ad in January this year depicted a woman forced to choose between heating her home or providing clothes for her children, highlighting the dire circumstances many Ukrainians face. BioTexCom argues these strategies are effective, noting that they help raise awareness about surrogacy as a viable option for families seeking to expand their own. However, opponents see the ads as manipulative, exploiting the suffering of the war for commercial gain.

Changing Dynamics and Future Implications

As Ukraine grapples with its new reality, the surrogacy industry is at a crossroads. While the war has created a demand for surrogacy among desperate families, the proposed legislation could limit its accessibility for foreign clients. For Ukrainian women like Karina, this may mean a shift from surrogacy as a financial opportunity to a more ethical or emotional choice. “I plan to have as many surrogate babies as my body allows,” Karina says, her determination evident. “It’s my way to save up for a home.”

The law’s potential impact extends beyond individual stories. It could affect the broader economic reliance on surrogacy, which has become a key source of income for many in rural areas. Clinics may need to adapt, possibly targeting local clients or adjusting their operations to meet the new regulations. The debate over surrogacy reflects deeper societal tensions: the balance between personal choice and economic survival, and the role of law in safeguarding women’s rights in a time of crisis.

Supporters of the bill argue that the war has intensified the vulnerability of Ukrainian women, making them susceptible to exploitation. “The number of desperate women is growing,” says Dmytrieva, who sees the law as a way to reclaim agency over reproduction. Yet, others question whether the legislation will achieve its goals or merely shift the power dynamics within the industry. For now, Karina’s journey continues, a testament to the complex interplay of war, economics, and the human desire to create a family. As the new law moves closer to approval, the future of surrogacy in Ukraine remains uncertain, with its fate hanging in the balance of policy, ethics, and personal sacrifice.