General
Surrogacy Laws in Ukraine: What Every International Parent Must Know Before Starting the Process
One of the primary reasons international couples choose surrogacy in Ukraine is the country’s clear and well-defined legal framework. Unlike many nations where surrogacy exists in a legal gray area or is outright prohibited, Ukraine has codified the rights of intended parents, the obligations of surrogate mothers, and the procedures for establishing legal parenthood.
Understanding these laws is not just advisable but essential. Proper legal preparation ensures that your parental rights are protected, that the process runs smoothly, and that your child’s citizenship and documentation are handled correctly from day one.
The Legal Foundation of Surrogacy in Ukraine
Surrogacy in Ukraine is primarily regulated by two pieces of legislation: the Family Code of Ukraine and the Civil Code of Ukraine. The most significant provision is Article 123, Paragraph 2 of the Family Code, which states that when an embryo conceived through assisted reproductive technologies is transferred to another woman’s body, the married couple who initiated the procedure are recognized as the parents of the child.
This provision is remarkably protective of intended parents. It means that from the moment of embryo transfer, the intended parents are considered the legal parents. The surrogate mother has no legal claim to the child, and there is no requirement for an adoption process or court hearing to establish parenthood.
Additionally, Article 139 of the Family Code reinforces the principle that the surrogate cannot contest the parentage of a child born through a surrogacy arrangement. This dual-layer legal protection is one of the strongest in the world and is a major reason why surrogacy in Ukraine is so attractive to international couples.
Who Is Eligible for Surrogacy in Ukraine?
Ukrainian law sets specific eligibility criteria for intended parents. To qualify for a surrogacy program, you must meet the following requirements:
Marital status: Both partners must be legally married. Ukraine requires a valid marriage certificate, which must be translated into Ukrainian and apostilled.
Medical indication: There must be a documented medical reason why the intended mother cannot carry a pregnancy. This could include uterine abnormalities, repeated IVF failures, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other reproductive health conditions.
Heterosexual couple: Under current Ukrainian legislation, surrogacy is available only to heterosexual married couples. Single parents and same-sex couples are not eligible at this time.
Genetic connection: At least one of the intended parents must have a genetic connection to the child. This means that either the eggs or the sperm (or both) must come from the intended parents. Donor gametes may be used for one component if medically necessary.
The Surrogacy Agreement: Legal Protection for All Parties
Before any medical procedures begin, a comprehensive surrogacy agreement must be executed between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. This legally binding contract is a cornerstone of the process and covers several critical areas.
The agreement defines the rights and obligations of both parties, the compensation structure for the surrogate, medical care provisions during pregnancy, conditions under which the agreement may be terminated, and the procedures for establishing parenthood after birth. Ukrainian law requires this agreement to be notarized, and experienced agencies ensure that all legal requirements are met.
Working with an agency that has in-house legal expertise is essential for ensuring the agreement complies with Ukrainian law and addresses the specific needs of the intended parents. Agencies like Militta provide dedicated legal teams that handle all documentation, from the initial surrogacy agreement to the final birth registration.
For more details about how the legal and medical process works, visit Militta’s comprehensive surrogacy guide.
Birth Registration and Documentation Process
One of the most important moments in a surrogacy journey is the birth of the child and the subsequent documentation process. In Ukraine, this is remarkably straightforward compared to many other countries.
Immediately after the birth, the child’s birth certificate is issued by the local civil registration office (known as RAGS in Ukraine). The certificate lists the intended parents as the mother and father, with no mention of surrogacy or the surrogate mother. The surrogate’s consent is not required for this registration because Ukrainian law already recognizes the intended parents’ rights from the moment of embryo transfer.
After obtaining the birth certificate, the intended parents must proceed with several additional steps. The birth certificate must be apostilled and translated for use in their home country. They must then visit their home country’s embassy or consulate in Ukraine to register the child’s birth, obtain citizenship documentation, and apply for a passport or travel document for the newborn.
The timeline for this post-birth documentation process typically ranges from two to six weeks, depending on the home country’s embassy processing times. During this period, intended parents usually stay in Ukraine, and their agency provides accommodation assistance and logistical support.
Country-Specific Considerations for International Parents
While Ukrainian law is clear and protective, intended parents must also consider the legal requirements of their home country. Different nations have varying approaches to recognizing children born through international surrogacy.
Parents from countries within the European Union, for example, may need to go through additional recognition procedures depending on their specific national laws. Some EU countries, such as Spain and France, have historically been more complex in recognizing surrogacy-born children, while others, like Portugal, have clearer pathways.
Parents from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China each face their own specific documentation requirements. A knowledgeable surrogacy agency will be familiar with the requirements of your home country and can guide you through the specific steps needed to bring your child home.
Surrogate Rights and Protections in Ukraine
Ukrainian surrogacy law also establishes protections for surrogate mothers. To be eligible, a surrogate must be between 18 and 35 years of age, have at least one healthy child of her own, and pass comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. These requirements ensure that surrogates are making informed, voluntary decisions.
Surrogates in Ukraine receive compensation that is contractually guaranteed, along with full medical care throughout the pregnancy and a reasonable recovery period after birth. Reputable agencies ensure that surrogates are treated with dignity and that their health and wellbeing are prioritized throughout the process.
Surrogacy in Ukraine in 2026: Current Status and Safety
As of 2026, surrogacy programs in Ukraine continue to operate with full legal backing. The legal framework governing surrogacy has remained stable, and clinics in central and western Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv and Lviv, maintain their operational capacity.
Reputable agencies have implemented comprehensive safety protocols to protect all parties. This includes careful selection of medical facilities in secure locations, contingency planning for logistics, and continuous communication with intended parents throughout the process. International travel to Ukraine is facilitated through European transit routes, and agencies assist with all travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Law in Ukraine
Can the surrogate mother change her mind and keep the baby?
No. Under Ukrainian law, the surrogate has no legal rights to the child. The intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from the moment of embryo transfer, and the birth certificate is issued in their names.
Do I need to go through an adoption process after the surrogate gives birth?
No. Unlike many other countries, Ukraine does not require any adoption proceedings for surrogacy-born children. The intended parents’ names appear directly on the birth certificate.
What documents do I need to start a surrogacy program in Ukraine?
You will typically need a valid marriage certificate (apostilled and translated), passports for both intended parents, medical documentation confirming the need for surrogacy, and a notarized surrogacy agreement. Your agency will provide a complete document checklist.
How do I bring my surrogacy-born child back to my home country?
After obtaining the Ukrainian birth certificate, you must register the birth at your home country’s embassy in Ukraine, obtain citizenship documentation, and apply for a passport or travel document for the child. This process typically takes two to six weeks.
Is surrogacy in Ukraine safe in 2026?
Yes. Surrogacy programs operate successfully in central and western Ukraine, with established safety protocols. Leading agencies like Militta have extensive experience managing programs for international clients and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all parties involved.
Ensuring a Legally Secure Surrogacy Journey
The legal landscape of surrogacy in Ukraine is one of the most favorable in the world for intended parents. With clear legislation that protects parental rights from the very beginning, a straightforward birth registration process, and no need for adoption proceedings, Ukraine provides a secure foundation for building your family.
The key to a successful surrogacy journey lies in thorough preparation and partnership with experienced professionals. By choosing a reputable agency with proven legal expertise, you can navigate the process with confidence, knowing that every step is handled in compliance with Ukrainian law and with your family’s best interests at heart.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed two fuel stations in Ogun State engaging in under-dispensing of petroleum products and non-compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.
Leading the enforcement team around the Akute-Ajuwon axis of the state, the Head of Distribution Systems Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Adebowale, said the move became imperative in view of repeated breaches of regulatory requirements by the affected stations and the need to protect the rights of consumers from sharp practices.
According to him, the development is part of its ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with industry regulations, protect consumers from sharp practices, and ensure that petroleum marketers dispense the correct quantity of products across the state.
He explained that records available to the authority showed that the fuel stations have consistently violated regulatory compliance by under-dispensing petroleum products, illegally breaking official seals placed on the facility, and resuming operations without authorisation.
According to him, such actions amount to a violation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2023 and undermine efforts to protect consumers from exploitation.
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is carrying out a lawful enforcement on this facility. Our records have consistently shown that this company has been violating regulatory compliance.”
“It is high time we made it clear that they cannot continue to under-dispense products, deliberately remove our seals, and believe that nothing will happen; that is why we are here to enforce the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2023 he said.
“When it comes to under-dispensing, they are cheating members of the public by not selling the correct quantity of fuel. Also, once a station is sealed, it has no authorisation to operate. But this station deliberately removed our seal and continued operations, which is against the law.”
Mr Adebowale disclosed that the authority has been monitoring the station’s activities since 2025, describing the violations as persistent despite several enforcement actions.
He revealed that the affected station had been sealed no fewer than six times within the period, but continued to remove the authority’s seals and ignore invitations extended by the regulator.
“From our records, this has been happening since last year. The station has also refused to honour our invitations. It has been sealed not less than six times, yet it keeps removing our seals and resuming operations.”
On the sanctions awaiting the operators, Adebowale said the authority had served the stations with enforcement notices, while the facilities would remain shut until all stipulated conditions are met.
He added that the NMDPRA management would also consider suspending the operating licence of the affected stations, while also sending a strong warning to any fuel station intending to go against the rules of PIA.
“That is against the rules. They do not have any right to operate until we authorise them to do so. This is a clear deviation from regulatory compliance. According to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), when this happens, we must carry out enforcement, and that is why we are here today.
Beyond conducting this exercise, we are also using this opportunity to address the public through the media. As long as operators are doing the right thing, they have nothing to fear. However, for those going against compliance levels—whether through under-dispensing or direct violation of our seal—all necessary enforcement, penalties, and sanctions will be strictly applied against such offenders.”
“A letter has been served, the station has been completely shut down, and they must meet all the conditions, including payment of the applicable penalties. We are also looking at suspending the operating licence, subject to management’s approval,” he said, warning that any further attempt to tamper with the seals or resume operations illegally would attract criminal prosecution.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it has moved to reduce port gridlock by releasing trucks into Apapa and Tin Can ports in scheduled batches based on terminal demand, while enforcing strict rules against indiscriminate parking on port access roads.
The General Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Debo Lawal, said the NPA management, led by Managing Director, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, was committed to ending indiscriminate truck parking around the ports and aligning operations with global best practices.
He said the authority was working with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP) to regulate truck movement into terminals through a phased release system.
According to him, trucks will now be released in scheduled batches based on terminal demand, instead of allowing all approved trucks to enter the port corridor simultaneously.
“If a terminal requires 100 trucks, they will not all be released at once. They will come in batches to reduce pressure on the port access roads,” he said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Mr Lawal said a joint task force had been clearing Apapa and Tin Can port access roads since June 26, 2026, operating until about 8 pm daily to prevent indiscriminate parking.
He added that another clearance exercise would soon be conducted to sustain the gains and prevent a return to the persistent gridlock that previously characterised the port corridors.
The port manager, however, urged truck operators to support the initiative by exiting the port environment immediately after loading or offloading cargo.
He noted that some truck drivers still parked along access roads after completing port operations, despite repeated engagements by the authority.
“We engage truckers and their leadership every day, but enforcement will continue alongside sensitisation to ensure compliance,” he said.
On infrastructure, Mr Lawal said the federal government, through the NPA, had begun payment of the five per cent counterpart funding required for the 726 million dollar port rehabilitation project.
He disclosed that preliminary activities, including borehole drilling and site investigations, had been completed, while contractors were expected to mobilise to the site before the end of July.
According to him, a technical stakeholders’ meeting was held on July 7, while a broader stakeholders’ review was scheduled for July 13 to assess progress and address implementation gaps.
Mr Lawal said the rehabilitation project, alongside ongoing reforms, was aimed at reducing cargo clearance time, eliminating documentation bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency at the nation’s seaports.
He added that the National Single Window project was about 80 per cent completed, with a dedicated office already established near the port to improve inter-agency coordination.
According to him, the digital platform will integrate banks, the Nigeria Customs Service, shipping companies and other government agencies to improve efficiency, plug revenue leakages and enhance revenue collection.
Mr Lawal expressed confidence that improved digitisation, reduced human interference and more efficient truck management would strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and enhance operations at the Apapa and Tin Can ports.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said the implementation of the Defined Benefit Scheme Pension Harmonisation is a reform meant to advance and enhance pension payment equity in the country.
The chief executive of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya, said this initiative was a landmark reform designed to restore fairness, improve retirees’ welfare and strengthen confidence in the administration of the country’s legacy pension system.
The harmonisation exercise marks one of the most significant policy interventions in the Defined Benefit Scheme since PTAD was established in 2013 to take over the management of pensions under the old federal pension arrangement.
Unlike periodic pension increases that merely raise existing benefits by a percentage, she stressed that pension harmonisation was further than that by recomputing pensions using the latest approved salary structures that existed before the closure of the Defined Benefit Scheme.
She noted that the objective is to ensure that retirees who held similar positions and rendered comparable years of service receive equitable pension benefits regardless of their retirement dates.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of years of agitation by pensioners over historical disparities in pension computation.
She added that the PTAD’s harmonisation programme seeks to resolve that challenge by restoring parity within the system. According to her, pension harmonisation is the formal recomputation of pensions using approved salary structures applicable before the DBS cut-off date.
In practical terms, it ensures that pension outcomes are determined by rank, grade level and years of service rather than the year of retirement.
The Directorate believes the exercise will significantly improve social justice by correcting historical inequities that disadvantaged thousands of retirees.
The harmonisation applies primarily to pure Federal Government pensioners as well as eligible retirees under the Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD), Defunct and Transferred Agencies Pension Department (DTAPD), and the Education and Health Pension Department (TEHPD), particularly those who initially served under the Federal Government before their agencies were transferred to state governments.
