I recently wrote an article shedding light on the growing issue of unregulated international surrogacy agencies exploiting desperate intended parents. In the article I talked about how some agencies mislead parents, making false legal claims and placing surrogates, newborns, and intended parents in precarious legal situations.
The surrogacy landscape in Europe has become increasingly complex, with limited regulated options. This has driven some intended parents to seek alternatives in jurisdictions with little to no legal framework, often with devastating consequences. I highlight alarming cases where parents were misled into believing that their surrogacy arrangements were legally sound—only to find themselves stranded, with their newborns stateless and legal pathways unclear.
One particularly troubling case involved a UK couple engaging an agency in Northern Cyprus, only to discover that surrogacy laws in the region did not exist. Their surrogate was relocated multiple times, ultimately giving birth in Georgia—a country where surrogacy for same-sex couples is illegal. Other cases show intended parents trapped for years in foreign countries, struggling to secure legal parentage and travel documents for their children.
I also talked about the role of fertility trade shows in providing questionable agencies with a platform, granting them a false sense of legitimacy in the eyes of intended parents. Many of these expos do not vet providers, leaving vulnerable individuals to navigate the risks alone.
Related article: Should Fertility Shows Let Anybody In?
Growing Families has long advocated for transparency and ethical surrogacy practices. We remain committed to educating intended parents and ensuring they make informed decisions about their family-building journey.
To read the full article and learn more about these concerning developments, click here.
If you have already embarked on a surrogacy journey in one of these unregulated or questionable locations and now find yourself facing legal uncertainty, I urge you to reach out to us. You’re not alone, and we have helped many families navigate their way out of challenging and legally precarious situations. Please don’t wait until things become unmanageable—contact Growing Families today to see how we can assist you in securing a safer, more stable outcome for your family.
If you’re lucky enough to have found this article before making any decisions, I strongly encourage you to speak with us first to ensure you’re not misled into risky agreements. Or you can instead join our upcoming UK/EU Surrogacy & Donor Conception Conference in London on 10 May 2025. This event brings together leading experts, reputable agencies, and parents who have successfully navigated the surrogacy process. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry professionals and intended parents who share your experiences. Learn more and secure your spot here.
