Gay Surrogacy in Cyprus

With the current advancements in reproductive medicine, surrogacy is becoming an increasingly accessible fertility treatment for individuals who otherwise could not get pregnant. This includes male couples of the same sex, a large number of queer and transgender people who want to expand their families, and other people who may have gone through unsuccessful IVF cycles or repeated miscarriages in an attempt to conceive. Gay couples may want to consider surrogacy in Cyprus. The following set of individuals may consider surrogacy:

• Male same-sex couples that cannot carry a pregnancy
• Heterosexual couples that cannot carry a pregnancy for emotional, medical or psychological reasons

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is the treatment or process where a surrogate agrees to carry a pregnancy to term for an intended couple or an individual who cannot otherwise carry the pregnancy. The surrogacy is usually guided by a pre-agreed-upon contract between the surrogate and the intended parents that is binding and carries severe consequences for the defaulters.

What are the Types of Surrogacy?

There are two types of generally recognized surrogacy, they include:

• Gestational surrogacy – In this type of surrogacy, the egg and sperm are obtained from either the intended parents or a donor. However, one gamete should at least be from the intended parents. The fertilization is done in the lab, and the resultant embryo is grown for some days in the same lab. The surrogate is then prepared, and the embryo is transferred to her uterus. She then carries the baby to term and delivers and hands the baby over to the intended parents. Since the baby is not genetically related to the surrogate, fewer legal complications can arise when the intended parents assume parenthood of the baby. This is the reason that it is widely practised by fertility agencies and medical health travel agencies, as well as individuals who are seeking overseas medical treatment and surrogacy in another country.
• Traditional surrogacy – In this type of surrogacy, the egg that is used for fertilization is obtained from the surrogate. She is then artificially inseminated with the sperm from the intended parents. She then carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby, then after, hands the baby to the intended parents. The baby has a genetic relationship with the surrogate because her egg was used in the pregnancy. While this form of surrogacy is not popular due to the legal implications that may arise, in some countries like Canada, it is the only type that is allowed.

Gay Surrogacy in Cyprus 

Since surrogacy laws are not the same in different countries, it is crucial to be aware of the countries that allow and accept same-sex couples to seek surrogacy in their country. Most countries that have legislated surrogacy laws have imposed restrictions that exclude gay surrogacy specifically. Some examples include Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. Many other countries do not have any legislation concerning surrogacy, so the procedure is legal but not regulated; examples are Cyprus, Guatemala and Kenya. In these countries, surrogacy is possible for all couples because there are no laws regarding surrogacy either restricting or allowing it. 

The great thing in Cyprus surrogacy is that there is no discrimination on the gender or the marital status of the intended parents; everybody is treated and regarded as the same. However, it is crucial to seek the help of an agency when seeking surrogacy treatment in Cyprus, especially for gay or queer couples. There are also no age limits for intended couples who are seeking surrogacy in Cyprus. International intended couples will benefit from the help of these agencies as they help navigate the laws and legal requirements. This is a form of overseas medical treatment, which can be referred to as health tourism or medical tourism.

How are the surrogates chosen in Cyprus?

Many international intended couples, whether they are same-sex, heterosexual, married, unmarried, or individuals, will prefer to carry out surrogacy with their own chosen surrogates for the process. These surrogates may be their friend, known associate or a friend from across the globe. However, if they do not have any chosen surrogate, the agency will provide one for them. They will screen and match the surrogate to the intended couple. The following criteria will have to be met, and they include:

• She should be between the ages of 24-35
• She should be mentally, psychologically and physically able to carry a pregnancy to term.
• If married, she should have a strong consent from her husband.
• She should not be a smoker, an alcoholic or addicted to drugs.
• She should be free from any chronic illness.
• She should also not be suffering from any pregnancy-related illnesses.
• She must have also carried a pregnancy to term and had a child previously.

It is also recommended that if the intended couple is going for a surrogate from Cyprus, they should also use a surrogate from a proven fertility agency.

Why choose Cyprus for surrogacy?

Unlike a lot of other countries, Cyprus is much more lenient and liberal with surrogacy. Since there are no particular legislations for surrogacy, the parties involved are left to draft an agreement that is suitable to all parties before the start of the process. This can also be mediated by a reputable fertility agency. They will ensure that there is a definitive agreement that is in place. This will ensure that they are satisfied with the costs, treatment options and terms. Some of the reasons for choosing Cyprus as a surrogacy destination and a destination for other forms of fertility treatment include the following:

• Affordability – Cyprus is one of the most affordable places to carry out IVF treatments, including surrogacy. This is very helpful for couples as they are looking to keep the costs affordable while making their dreams of increasing their family possible. In some cases, the costs of surrogacy start as low as 4500 euros.
• Good living standards – Cyprus is a country with very high living standards and affordable living costs. This ensures that people travelling there for surrogacy enjoy the experience more, and they also get to reduce the stress encountered
• Weather conditions – The weather in Cyprus is wonderful all year round, even during the winter period. This makes it easier to relax and enjoy the process.