Table of Contents
- What Happens During Your Surrogacy Planning Session
- International Surrogacy Process Steps You’ll Learn About
- Surrogacy Planning Consultation Checklist: What to Prepare
- Why Schedule Your Planning Session Now
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- Schedule Your International Surrogacy Planning Session in Ukraine
Starting a surrogacy journey is a major decision, especially when you are considering treatment in another country. Before making any financial or medical commitment, it is important to understand whether you qualify, what documents are required, how the process works, what you can expect in terms of timing and costs, and what legal steps will be involved.
At HermanFamily Group, our main surrogacy direction is Ukraine. We support international Intended Parents throughout the process, from the initial medical qualification to the birth of the baby and preparation of the necessary documents.
Our programs are carried out in Lviv, Western Ukraine, approximately 70 km from the Polish border.
Who Can Consider Surrogacy in Ukraine?
Ukrainian surrogacy legislation has specific requirements for Intended Parents.
Surrogacy in Ukraine is available to heterosexual married couples who meet the applicable medical requirements. The Intended Mother must have a medical indication that makes pregnancy impossible or unsafe.
Possible medical indications may include:
- absence of the uterus;
- congenital abnormalities of the uterus;
- serious uterine conditions;
- repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts;
- medical conditions that make carrying a pregnancy unsafe;
- other circumstances recognized under Ukrainian legislation.
Every case must be reviewed individually by our medical and legal specialists before the program can begin.
If you are unsure whether your medical history meets the requirements, you can provide your relevant medical records for preliminary review.
What Happens During an International Surrogacy Planning Session?
A consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation before you decide whether to proceed.
During the call, we can discuss:
- your medical history and indication for surrogacy;
- whether you are planning to use your own or donor eggs;
- whether you already have frozen embryos;
- the medical qualification process;
- surrogate matching;
- the expected timeline;
- program costs and payment stages;
- embryo transportation, if required;
- travel to Ukraine;
- the birth and post-birth process;
- legal documentation and registration of the baby.
We can also answer your questions about everyday practical matters, such as accommodation, transportation and how much time you may need to spend in Ukraine.
What Medical Documents Are Usually Needed?
The exact documents depend on your situation and the type of program you choose.
For Intended Parents using their own eggs, our doctors may request medical records such as:
- previous IVF protocols;
- hormonal test results;
- pelvic ultrasound;
- medical reports confirming the indication for surrogacy;
- pregnancy and miscarriage history, where applicable;
- spermogram and other relevant male fertility tests.
If you already have frozen embryos, additional documents are required, including the embryo cultivation and freezing protocols and available PGT/PGT-A results.
You do not need to have every document before contacting us. We can explain exactly what is required after learning more about your situation.
Can You Use Your Own or Donor Eggs?
Yes. We offer different program options depending on your medical circumstances.
If you are medically able to undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, you may be able to create embryos using your own eggs and your partner’s sperm.
For patients who cannot use their own eggs or who prefer a donor egg program, we also offer programs using donor oocytes.
The most appropriate option can be discussed after our medical team reviews your case.
What About Frozen Embryos?
If you already have embryos created at another fertility clinic, they may be transported to our partner clinic in Ukraine using a specialized medical courier.
The embryos must first be reviewed and accepted by the receiving clinic. We will need the relevant laboratory documentation, including information about how the embryos were created, cultured and frozen.
Our team can coordinate the embryo transportation process with the clinics and the medical courier.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline depends on your individual circumstances.
The first stage is medical qualification. Once the necessary documents have been reviewed and you are officially qualified, we can proceed with the agreement and preparation of the program.
If you are creating embryos with your own eggs, you will need to travel to Ukraine for the egg retrieval and sperm collection.
If you already have frozen embryos, you generally do not need to travel to Ukraine for the embryo transfer. The embryos can be transported to our partner clinic, subject to medical and laboratory approval.
The exact timeline to birth depends on the medical preparation, embryo availability, surrogate matching and pregnancy itself.
Do You Need to Travel to Ukraine?
For Intended Parents creating embryos with their own eggs, a visit to Ukraine is required for the egg retrieval procedure and sperm collection.
After the embryo creation stage, you normally do not need to remain in Ukraine throughout the pregnancy.
For Intended Parents who already have frozen embryos, the embryos can usually be transported without the Intended Parents travelling for the transfer.
You will, however, need to plan your trip to Ukraine for the birth of your baby and the necessary post-birth procedures.
Why Lviv?
Our programs are conducted in Lviv, Western Ukraine.
Lviv is approximately 70 km from the Polish border and has established transport connections with Poland and other European countries. Our team and partner clinics have continued working with international patients throughout the war.
We understand that travelling to Ukraine may raise concerns. During your consultation, we can explain the current practical situation, travel arrangements and how our team supports Intended Parents during their stay.
What Happens After the Baby Is Born?
The legal and administrative process begins after the birth.
In Ukraine, the Intended Parents are registered as the child’s parents according to the applicable legal procedure. The surrogate does not remain the legal mother of the child.
Our team coordinates the necessary medical, legal and administrative steps and helps Intended Parents prepare the documents required for their departure with the baby.
The exact documents and procedures can depend on the Intended Parents’ citizenship and the requirements of their country of residence, so we recommend discussing these matters with the appropriate legal professionals before starting the program.
Why Schedule a Consultation Before Choosing a Program?
There is no single surrogacy program that is right for every family.
A consultation allows us to understand your medical situation, family circumstances and expectations before recommending an option.
You can use the consultation to ask questions about:
- eligibility;
- medical requirements;
- donor eggs;
- frozen embryos;
- surrogate matching;
- costs;
- payment stages;
- travel;
- pregnancy monitoring;
- birth;
- legal documentation;
- the expected timeline.
Most importantly, you can receive information specific to your circumstances rather than making a decision based only on general information online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is discussed during an international surrogacy planning session?
Your planning session covers your family-building goals, medical history, legal requirements in your country, the international surrogacy process steps specific to your situation, timeline expectations, and what support you'll receive from medical and legal teams. You'll also discuss your preferences regarding the surrogacy journey and address any concerns about legal parentage, citizenship, and birth certificate procedures.
How do I prepare for a surrogacy planning consultation?
Gather your medical records, any previous fertility treatment reports, and information about your relationship status and family structure. Review the surrogacy planning consultation checklist provided by your team, prepare a list of questions about the international surrogacy process steps, and consider your timeline and expectations. Having this information ready helps your consultation team understand your situation and provide personalized guidance.
Do I need to travel for my initial surrogacy planning session?
Your initial planning session can often be conducted remotely, making it accessible regardless of where you live. However, you may eventually need to travel for medical screenings, legal consultations, and to meet with your reproductive endocrinologist. Your team will discuss travel requirements and logistics during your planning session.
How long does an international surrogacy planning session usually last?
Initial planning sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. This time allows your team to understand your situation, explain the international surrogacy process steps, answer your questions, and outline the next phases. Follow-up consultations may be shorter and focus on specific topics like legal coordination or medical screening results.
What happens after I schedule my planning session?
After your session, you'll receive a personalized plan outlining the international surrogacy process steps for your specific situation, including timelines, costs, and support services. Your team will coordinate next steps like medical screening, legal consultations, and surrogacy agency matching. You'll have ongoing access to your team for questions and guidance throughout your journey.
