Not for all couples who wish to become parents, the process of conceiving a child, pregnancy and childbirth is a prosperous period. Many women and men in the Netherlands and other countries around the world are facing the problem of infertility.
Depending on the problem, the couple may be recommended assisted reproductive methods: IVF, including the use of donor eggs, or the help of a surrogate mother. Surrogacy in the Netherlands is partly permitted by law, so infertile couples can become the genetic parents of their child with the help of a surrogate mother.
Cost of the service
The price of surrogate mother services depends on the program features. Typically the price includes:
- Compensation for the expenses of the surrogate mother, which are related to the fulfillment of the contract for bearing a child (healthy food, travel, accommodation).
- Medical expenses: examinations before and during pregnancy, medications, childbirth.
- Legal assistance: obtaining a birth certificate and other related services.
The cost of surrogacy in the Netherlands averages from 22 thousand euros, it can increase in price at the birth of twins, cesarean section and some other nuances that are specified in the contract.
Legality of surrogacy
The legislation of the Netherlands allows only altruistic surrogacy, that is, a surrogate mother should not receive remuneration for bearing a child. Some other aspects of surrogacy are also limited.
For example, advertising of surrogate motherhood services and services to select a suitable woman to carry a child for another couple are strictly prohibited in the country. Such actions are punishable by law.
The signing of an official document on the provision of services on a paid basis does not give any guarantees of their performance due to the unclear wording of the surrogacy law. It is also not possible to anonymously use the services of an egg donor, which is especially important for people who want to keep the secret of the birth of a child. Sometimes there is a long wait for donor material, as not many people are willing to donate eggs, revealing their identity.
| Regulated by law | yes |
| For gays | allowed |
| For the lonely | allowed |
Conditions under which surrogacy is allowed
Despite strict restrictions, in the Netherlands, a married couple who has faced the problem of infertility and has tried all other methods of treatment can still use the services of a surrogate mother. Surrogacy in Amsterdam and other cities of the country is allowed for women for whom self-carrying and giving birth to a child is impossible or can lead to life-threatening complications.
It is allowed to use the surrogacy service in such pathological conditions:
- deformation of the uterus or its absence;
- structural and morphological changes in the endometrium, as a result of which a woman cannot become pregnant or bear a child;
- previous unsuccessful IVF attempts;
- habitual miscarriage.
In the Netherlands, it is allowed to seek the help of a surrogate mother if a private agreement is made with a woman friend who will give consent to bear a child. A married couple who wants to use such services is not allowed to publicly announce the search for a surrogate mother, including on social networks.
Where else is surrogacy allowed?
Surrogacy process in the Netherlands
Surrogacy in the Netherlands includes the following steps:
Carrying out a comprehensive diagnosis of biological parents and a potential surrogate mother
Collection of biological material from the parents
Cultivation and transfer of the embryo
Confirmation of pregnancy
Blood tests for hCG, ultrasound.
Advanced care for a pregnant woman throughout the entire period
The surrogate mother has the right to full compensation of expenses, including rent, meals, transfer.
The birth of a child in a perinatal center,
including the use of childcare, babysitting and pediatrician services.
Legalization of the newborn
Couples should be aware that the last step can be challenging given the ambiguity of surrogacy laws in the Netherlands. It is important to use the services of proven clinics, where there are professional lawyers. They can help resolve the issue of registering a child, transferring parental rights from a surrogate mother to biological parents.
Why should you go to the Netherlands to participate in the program?
Despite the strict requirements for surrogacy, many couples go to the Netherlands to participate in the program. The essential advantage is the high quality of medical services. When working with the agency, clients also receive legal support and coverage of possible risks.
Where else can citizens of the Netherlands use the services of a surrogate mother?
Since the surrogate mother and biological parents are not protected by law when participating in the program in the Netherlands, many citizens choose other countries where such a service is regulated by law. Using the services of the Family Pathway, each couple will be able to find a reproductive health clinic in Ukraine, Georgia and other countries. Specialists will help you make the right choice, taking into account the budget, wishes for the level of medical care, citizenship and other individual aspects.