Destination profile: Surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan
Australian intended parents considering international destinations might come across surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan as an option.
Note: nothing in this article qualifies as legal advice, nor does it replace advice from a lawyer who can give advice about surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan. The surrogacy and political landscapes can change dramatically at short notice and this article will not be updated frequently. Sarah is not able to verify with 100% accuracy the information in this article.
Intended parents should consider what best practice, ethical surrogacy looks like and research widely before choosing a pathway. Agencies, intermediaries and trade shows are often conflicted from giving unbiased advice. Australian consumer laws will not protect intended parents if an international business does not deliver on their promises.
Kyrgyzstan is in Central Asia, shares a border with China, and has a population of over 7 million. Russian and Kyrgyz are the main languages.
Australia’s Smartraveller website provides up-to-date information for travellers to Kyrgyzstan. In August 2025, Smartraveller advised travellers to exercise a high degree of precaution due to unrest and the threat of terrorism and violent crime.
Legal Status: Gestational surrogacy is available and open to married heterosexual couples. Single men should be sure they can legally enter a surrogacy arrangement – some may be told to present as a couple with their surrogate, and this is legally risky and ethically questionable.
Risks: There are many risks in engaging in international surrogacy and particularly in a country with no formal surrogacy legal framework. Australia does not have an embassy in Kyrgyzstan, and embassy services are provided in Russia.
Intermediaries or brokers may sell surrogacy services with little to no recourse or responsibility for the risks or consequences for intended parents, surrogates or children.
Some services offering surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan offer ‘travelling surrogates’ which may also be referred to as human trafficking. Surrogates travelling from China (where surrogacy is prohibited) may be recruited as surrogates and living in Kyrgyzstan for the pregnancy.
Safeguards: Intended parents should satisfy themselves that safeguards have been met, including that:
- the surrogate has appropriate citizenship, visa and travel documents to be living in Kyrgyzstan.
- adequate legal protections are available to intended parents, the surrogate and the child.
- the surrogate has been medically and psychologically assessed and has access to psychological support.
- the surrogate can read and understand the surrogacy contract, and is assisted by an interpreter when needed – including during medical treatment.
- the surrogate and the child will have access to high quality healthcare, before, during and after pregnancy and birth.
- the parties have access to legal advice from an independent lawyer – one that is not employed by an agency or clinic.
Intended parents should seek advice from a lawyer practising in Kyrgyzstan about the potential changes to the surrogacy legal framework in Kyrgyzstan.
Parentage and birth certificates: For children born via surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan, the surrogate may be named on the birth certificate. There have been cases where other women have been listed on the birth certificate, to avoid scrutiny by authorities. Intended parents should obtain legal advice about any process for recognising themselves as the parent/s of the child.
Australian recognition: intended parents pursuing surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan should seek independent legal advice from an Australian lawyer. Australia does not necessarily recognise an international birth certificate or court order.
You might be exploring surrogacy in Colombia and other international surrogacy destinations.
Intended parents explore many different international surrogacy destinations. Find more information including links to Facebook groups about different options.
If you are considering surrogacy in Australia, you can read about how to find a surrogate, or how to become a surrogate yourself. You can also download the free Surrogacy Handbook which explains the processes and options.
You can read a broad overview for surrogacy in Australia and how it works.
Hi! I’m Sarah Jefford (she/her). I’m a family creation lawyer, practising in surrogacy and donor conception arrangements. I’m an IVF mum, an egg donor and a traditional surrogate, and I delivered a baby for two dads in 2018.
I advocate for positive, best practice surrogacy arrangements within Australia, and provide support and education to help intended parents make informed decisions when pursuing overseas surrogacy.
