Month: December 2020

Lack of Regulation and COVID-19 Leaves Ukrainian Surrogate Mothers and Babies in Limbo

Kate Baklitskaya, Magalena Chodownik | New Easter Europe | December 24, 2020

This article is a comprehensive piece detailing how surrogacy practices in the already unregulated Ukraine have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The difficulties in protecting the rights of both Ukrainian surrogates and children are highlighted, along with the illegal practice of moving surrogates across the Polish border to arrange childbirth inside the EU. Human rights activists in Ukraine and Poland are calling for regulation of the surrogacy industry in both countries.

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Russia’s Civic Chamber Urges Legislative Regulation of Fertility Treatment and Surrogacy

RAPSI | December 7, 2020

According to this article, Russia’s Civic Chamber has developed recommendations on assisted reproductive technologies, based on public hearings over the summer. These proposals will fill current legislative gaps, such as protecting children born through surrogacy and licensing intermediary surrogacy agencies.

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Japan Should Update Laws on Assisted Reproduction: Yomiuri Shimbun

The Straits Times | December 7, 2020

This Editorial in the Straits Times asserts that legislation in Japan must keep up with advances in assisted reproductive technology, including regulation to safeguard babies born and to address egg and sperm donation and surrogacy. The Editorial raises issues of ethics, commercialization and eugenics and calls on the application of a supplementary provision of a new special law that would study a range of issues and enact legal measures related to assisted reproduction.

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Fertility Industry Growth Expected Despite COVID-19 Headwinds

Bianca Facchinei | Newsy | November 27, 2020

This Newsy video highlights the likelihood that the international surrogacy industry will continue to grow despite barriers that have emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fertility clinics have been caring for babies stranded from parents, costs have risen, and parents face barriers obtaining necessary passports and visas. Surrogacy360’s own Emily Galpern weighs in on the matter as a featured expert; she cautions against entering into international surrogacy arrangements amidst the pandemic and observes that the current situation reflects concerns that existed prior to the pandemic.

Watch the full video here ->

Blue and White Propose Gay Surrogacy Bill, Opposed by Netanyahu Faction

Gil Hoffman | The Jerusalem Post | December 1, 2020

Israel’s Blue and White party has submitted three new bills, including one that would allow gay men to hire surrogates within the country, expand the pool of local surrogates, and regulate international arrangements.

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