Georgia
Overview
Georgia has become a prominent hub for international surrogacy due to its relatively low costs, structured legal frameworks, and medical infrastructure.
Legal Framework
Georgia’s surrogacy laws are among the most supportive globally, offering intended parents (IPs) the automatic legal rights to their child immediately upon birth. Surrogacy is legally limited to heterosexual couples who are either married or can provide proof of cohabitation. By requiring a notarized agreement, Georgia ensures clarity between the IPs and surrogate, protecting IPs from legal disputes.
Costs
The cost of surrogacy in Georgia generally ranges from $58,000 to $70,000, depending on the service provider, type of package, and additional medical requirements. Basic packages cover surrogate recruitment, legal services, fertility treatments, and prenatal care, but more comprehensive packages may include extra medical testing, emergency care, and postnatal support for surrogates.
Exit Times
The timeline for returning home with a newborn from Georgia varies significantly depending on the intended parents’ nationality and the complexity of the local exit procedures. U.S. citizens generally experience shorter exit times, often between 2 to 3 weeks, as the U.S. embassy provides a streamlined process for newborn documentation. British nationals and those from some other countries may face more extended timelines, potentially between 8 and 16 weeks, largely due to the time needed for passport and citizenship documentation. Intended parents are encouraged to work closely with their embassies and consider legal guidance to navigate this process efficiently.
Who Can Build a Family in Georgia?
Presently, surrogacy in Georgia is legally accessible to heterosexual couples, either married or in long-term partnerships with evidence of cohabitation. Single individuals, same-sex couples, and individuals without proof of partnership status are currently ineligible for surrogacy under Georgian law.
Gamete Shipping
The process of shipping gametes (eggs, sperm, or embryos) to Georgia is possible but involves detailed regulatory compliance. Intended parents should first confirm that their shipping clinic and receiving clinic in Georgia can fulfill documentation requirements, which include a detailed medical report, parental details, and legal authorizations. All documents need to be notarized and may also require apostille certification for acceptance by Georgian authorities. Timing and proper coordination are critical, as customs clearance and legal processing can take additional time upon arrival.