Ukraine Surrogacy: War Fuels desperate choices

Karina, a 22-year-old from eastern Ukraine, is six months pregnant through surrogacy, a decision driven by the economic devastation caused by the ongoing conflict. Her city, Bakhmut, was heavily damaged, forcing her and her partner to relocate to Kyiv, where they struggled to find stable employment.

Driven by desperation, Karina opted for paid surrogacy, a path she wouldn't have considered before the war. She now resides in a clinic-provided apartment near Kyiv and expects to earn a significant sum, though her initial payment was reduced after one of the twins she was carrying died. She plans to have more surrogate pregnancies to afford a home.

Ukraine, previously a major global hub for commercial surrogacy, has seen its industry nearly recover to pre-war levels despite the conflict's impact. However, a proposed bill in Ukraine's parliament seeks to ban access for foreigners, who constitute 95% of intended parents, and introduce stricter oversight.

Supporters of the bill aim to curb the commodification of reproduction and protect vulnerable women. Critics, like women's rights activist Maria Dmytrieva, argue the practice should be banned entirely, citing exploitative advertising and clinics targeting impoverished women. Controversial advertising campaigns by clinics, including one promoting a 'Black Friday sale' on surrogate babies, have drawn criticism.

Concerns also surround cases of abandoned children. Wei, born prematurely in 2021 through a surrogacy arranged by BioTexCom, was left behind by his intended parents from Southeast Asia due to his severe disabilities. He now requires lifelong care in a state-run facility. While Ukrainian law holds intended parents legally responsible, cross-border enforcement is challenging.

Despite these issues, some couples, like Himatraj and Rajvir Bajwa from London, have had positive experiences with Ukraine's surrogacy services, finding it more affordable and organized than in the UK. They spent the first three months of their son's life in Kyiv during the conflict due to passport processing delays.

Both Karina and the Bajwa couple reject the notion of exploitation, emphasizing personal choice and the joy surrogacy has brought them. Karina asserts her autonomy, stating, 'This is my body, my decision... I'll get my reward for giving them happiness.'