During the last year, more than 50 couples from over 20 countries welcomed a child through Silk Medical’s surrogacy program. Here, we share our experience and outline the main pros and cons of surrogacy for those already going through the process or just considering it.
What Is Surrogacy and How Does It Work?
Surrogacy, or surrogate motherhood, is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a child for others who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. There are two main types of surrogacy:
- Traditional surrogacy: the surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother. Conception usually occurs through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. Because the surrogate is genetically related to the child, this method often involves more emotional, ethical, and legal complexities.
- Gestational surrogacy: an embryo created via IVF from the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors is implanted into the surrogate. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. This method is far more common worldwide, as it provides legal clarity and reduces risks.
Today, gestational surrogacy is the standard in most clinics, especially in countries like Georgia, where the process is legally regulated.
Advantages of Surrogacy
The most obvious benefit of surrogacy is the chance to have a child. Beyond that, there are additional, less obvious advantages that make this path appealing for many families:
- Access to parenthood for diverse families: Surrogacy allows couples facing infertility, single parents, and same-sex male couples to become parents when other options are not viable.
- Genetic connection to the child: With gestational surrogacy, intended parents can use their own eggs and sperm, maintaining a biological link to their child. For some couples, this is the only way to have a biological child.
- Medical supervision and reduced health risks: Surrogates undergo full medical screening and receive comprehensive prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. This professional oversight can reduce health problems compared to pregnancies that the intended parent might carry under certain medical conditions.
- Potential for Higher Success Rates: Surrogates are usually healthy women with proven reproductive history, which can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and healthy birth compared to other fertility methods. You can read more about the process of selecting surrogate mothers in this article.
Disadvantages and Risks
Surrogacy involves several challenges that intended parents should understand before starting the process:
- High costs: In the U.S., it can range from $150,000 to more than $250,000, depending on the agency, medical treatments, and legal work required.
- Emotional complexity: For traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is genetically related, the process can be complicated for all parties involved. In Georgia, only gestational surrogacy is permitted, meaning the surrogate has no genetic link to the newborn, which eliminates these complications.
- Legal hurdles: Not all countries or states allow commercial surrogacy. Some jurisdictions require intended parents to adopt the child after birth if the surrogate is genetically related.
Why Future Parents Choose Georgia & Silk Medical Clinic
One important reason many families look abroad for surrogacy or IVF is the rise of medical tourism.
Medical tourism is defined as traveling to another country for healthcare, often to seek less expensive procedures or treatments unavailable in the patient’s home country. This market was valued at $31.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $162.80 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.0%.
The country of Georgia has become one of the leading destinations for international surrogacy and IVF treatments. This is due to a combination of affordable costs, a clear legal framework, and high-quality medical services.
At Silk Medical Clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia, international patients find:
- Legal clarity: Georgian law has regulated surrogacy since 1997, providing clear conditions for intended parents. The law recognizes intended parents as the legal parents of the child from birth, eliminating the need for adoption procedures. Surrogacy in Georgia is available to married couples or partners in domestic relationships for at least one year.
- Affordability: Surrogacy in Georgia typically costs around $40,000–$70,000, significantly less than in the U.S., where expenses can exceed $250,000. We offer a range of programs tailored to meet different needs and budgets. For detailed information on available programs, visit the Surrogacy Programs page.
- Medical expertise: Silk Medical Clinic provides access to highly qualified fertility specialists and advanced technologies, including AI-powered embryo monitoring, genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M), and secure tracking of genetic material, ensuring precision, safety, and high success rates for international patients. All surrogate mothers undergo thorough medical screening to ensure the highest standards of healthcare.
- Accessibility: Georgia is well-connected internationally, with direct flights to and from many countries. Citizens of the U.S., EU, Canada, and other countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one full year, facilitating easy access for international patients.
This combination makes Georgia, and Silk Medical Clinic in particular, a trusted choice for many families seeking safe and reliable surrogacy options.
Conclusion
Surrogacy can often be a complex decision that requires careful consideration. We understand how important it is for couples to weigh all aspects – medical, financial, and legal – before proceeding. Silk Medical Clinic offers a safe, legally secure, and affordable path to parenthood, and our specialists are ready to answer any questions and provide professional support during the process.
FAQs
Is surrogacy worth it?
For many families, yes. Surrogacy provides a chance to have a biological child when other options are unavailable. However, it requires significant health, financial, and legal preparation.
What do surrogates do?
Surrogates carry the pregnancy, attend medical appointments, undergo IVF procedures, and deliver the child for the intended parents.
How to hire a surrogate?
Parents can work with fertility clinics or agencies that screen and match surrogates. In Georgia, clinics like Silk Medical assist with the entire process.
How long does the surrogacy process take?
The process can take 12–18 months from initial consultation to the birth of the child, depending on legal, medical, and personal factors.
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