Cyprus Surrogacy 

Surrogacy is a process where an infertile couple who are not able to conceive through the natural process acquires or contacts the services of a surrogate mother who then agrees to carry a pregnancy to term for them. The surrogate and the intended parents also enter into a legally binding contract which will dictate the terms of the surrogacy process and what is expected of each party, with severe consequences for any that do not follow the terms of the contracts. 

Surrogacy is usually a last resort due to the ineffectiveness of other fertility treatments. It is also the best option for having a baby for couples who are at risk of having a miscarriage, have undergone hysterectomy or due to other reasons, are not able to accomplish pregnancy on their own. It is one of the best fertility treatments which can give the couple a semblance of a natural process in getting a child that is genetically related to them. 

Surrogacy is subject to different laws in different countries and is even outlawed in others. Due to this, couples that are in countries where they cannot access the treatment would use the help of overseas medical agencies or meditour agencies to help them get the treatment in countries with favorable laws. One of the countries where surrogacy is accepted is Cyprus.

Surrogacy in Cyprus

Cyprus is very lenient and liberal with surrogacy, unlike many other countries. The following are some reasons Cyprus is a good location for surrogacy:

• Cyprus is one of the most affordable areas to carry out fertility treatments, including surrogacy. This is very beneficial to couples as it allows them to keep the costs down while working to make their dream of increasing their family possible. 
• Cyprus has a very high standard of living and very affordable living costs. This means that the intended parents who choose the country for their surrogacy will enjoy their experience, reduce their stress levels, and achieve their treatment aims
• Cyprus also boasts of very high success rates in surrogacy, as well as other fertility interventions like IVF. The quality of treatment and the ease of legislation means that the intended parents can enjoy quality treatment with no worries
• Cyprus is also a wonderful destination, and they have fantastic weather all year round. Even in winter, the intended parents can enjoy good weather.

What are the surrogacy laws in Cyprus?

There is no solid regulation that governs the surrogacy program. This means that the country allows embryo transfer to the surrogate with no legal challenges. The contract or agreement between the intended parents and the surrogate is normally binding. The contract should also be in line with the general laws of Cyprus, which is why it is important to get legal advice and information before going into the agreement both for the surrogate and the intended parents. 

The legal custody and parenthood of the child are established either by voluntary acknowledgement or by a court order. The consent of the mother is also vital; it is what is taken into account as she is deemed the natural mother. It usually does not take into account the will of the intended parents or the genetics of the baby. After three months of the delivery of the child, the surrogate mother may share her willingness, renounce her motherhood and allow the intended parents to adopt the child. They then become the legal parents of the baby, but in the case that the surrogate decides to keep the baby herself, she can express that freely under the Cyprus Adoption Law, at least three months after the birth. This will result in the intended parents ultimately losing out on the baby. 

Under the Cyprus surrogacy agreement, local heterosexual couples can then appeal to the court for the adoption of the baby. International couples that want to carry out surrogacy in Cyprus can always contact medical travel agencies or meditour agencies who offer this overseas medical treatment, which surrogacy qualifies as a part of. They will consult with them and inform them of all the intricacies and legal requirements of getting surrogacy treatment in Cyprus. This service can also be regarded as a form of health tourism or medical tourism. 

Who qualifies as a surrogate mother in Cyprus?

A surrogate can be from many backgrounds, and the decision is very important. The criteria that will qualify a woman to be a surrogate include: 

• Healthy and young 
• Women who have no history of serious diseases or any ongoing illnesses
• Women with at least one previous successful pregnancy
• Women who do not smoke, drink alcohol, use narcotics or are addicted to drugs
• Women who are not anorexic or obese
• Women who are mentally and psychologically suitable for pregnancy
• Women who do not have any pregnancy-related issues

What is the process of surrogacy in Cyprus?

The intended parents and the surrogate will undergo appropriate tests that will certify that they are ready for the process of surrogacy. This will include relevant blood tests, gynaecological examinations, and even psychological evaluation to ensure that all the parties are suitable for the process. This is because surrogacy takes an emotional toll on all the parties involved. 

The treatment is planned according to the cycle of the surrogate, preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The eggs are gotten from the donor or the intended parents. Then, they are mixed with the sperm from the intended father. The resulting embryos are then grown for a few days in the lab. 

Ultrasound scans are carried out at regular intervals, and the embryo is transferred once the uterus is ready. The surrogate then carries the pregnancy for about nine months and then delivers the baby. The intended parents will usually want to be present at the hospital to witness the birth. After which, the surrogate is discharged, and they can all go home.

How much does surrogacy cost in Cyprus?

The cost of surrogacy, like in all other fertility interventions will depend on the individual factors of the case in question. The cost of surrogacy in Cyprus can be estimated to start from about 4500 euros if the intended parents already have a surrogate. The price will increase with the factoring in of other circumstances surrounding the case.