The Australian Surrogacy Podcast Episode 46: Kim. Kim pursued surrogacy in the Ukraine. She had a hell of a ride to get to this point in her surrogacy journey. Infertility, IVF, donor eggs, and finally surrogacy in the Ukraine. This interview was conducted in the week before she and her husband jetted off to the Ukraine for the birth of their daughter.
The Australian Surrogacy Podcast shares stories from intended parents and surrogates from around Australia. Some of these stories involve overseas journeys, where donor conception and surrogacy might be done differently and with different regulations than that which we know is best practice in Australia. Donor-conceived people have the right to access information about their donor and other genetic family members. Surrogate autonomy and welfare should be promoted above the interests of the intended parents.
Unfortunately, not everyone who is offering their services to you have your interests at heart. You should be wary of people who take commissions for referrals to surrogacy agencies and may not declare their interests to you.
You might also like to consider your own value systems and what ethical surrogacy might look like, and read my ideas about best practice surrogacy.
Many Australians consider surrogacy overseas, including to the Ukraine. You can read more about surrogacy in the Ukraine and other countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico and Georgia, with links to Facebook groups for intended parents going overseas.
If you are considering surrogacy or donor options, whether in Australia or overseas, you might like to research more about what we know is best practice and what promotes the best interests of children:
Podcast Episode 37: Kate from VARTA and relevant VARTA resources.
Podcast Episode 41: Gail Pascoe, from Donor Conception & Beyond.
More information about overseas surrogacy is available on the Blog.
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.
