Current Legal Standing in Georgia (Early 2026)

Legal Status

As of early 2026, surrogacy remains legal in Georgia for foreign heterosexual couples under the existing national legal framework. Both domestic and international surrogacy programs continue to operate lawfully.

Georgia’s legislation has historically supported surrogacy arrangements through clearly defined rules that protect:

• Intended parents
• Surrogate mothers
• Children born through surrogacy

The “Ban” Update: Draft Law Introduced in 2023

In June 2023, the Georgian government introduced a draft bill proposing a ban on commercial surrogacy for foreign nationals, while allowing only altruistic surrogacy for Georgian citizens.

Key points about the proposal:

• It attracted strong attention from legal experts and the international surrogacy community
• It was initially expected to take effect in January 2024
• The intention was to restrict paid surrogacy arrangements involving foreigners

Status of the Bill (2026 Update)

• The draft law is currently pending before the Georgian Parliament.
• It has not been passed or enacted.
• There have been no formal legislative changes to existing surrogacy laws.
• Surrogacy programs for foreign intended parents are still operating.
• Political and public debate continues, particularly around limiting surrogacy to altruistic models for citizens only.

While the legal framework remains unchanged as of early 2026, the situation should be regarded as evolving.

Key Requirements for Intended Parents in Georgia

To legally engage in surrogacy in Georgia today, intended parents must generally meet the following criteria:

1. Relationship Status

• Only heterosexual couples are eligible.

Couples must be:

• Officially married.
• In a civil (cohabiting) relationship for at least one year.

2. Legal Parentage (Article 143)

Under Georgian law:

• Intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from the moment of conception.
• The surrogate mother has no parental rights.
• The surrogate cannot claim custody or retain the child under any circumstances.

3. Birth Certificate

• The names of the intended parents are placed directly on the birth certificate.
• The surrogate mother’s name is not mentioned.
• No post-birth adoption or court procedure is required.

Surrogacy Law in Georgia: Legal Foundations

Georgia legalized surrogacy and gamete donation in the 1990s, creating one of the most structured surrogacy systems in the region.

Key Legal Highlights

• Since 1997, egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy have been legal.
• Donors and surrogate mothers have no parental rights.
• Intended parents are registered as the child’s legal parents immediately after birth.
• Birth certificates are typically issued within one to two weeks.

Required Documents for Birth Registration

• Surrogacy agreement.
• IVF clinic certificate confirming embryo transfer.
• Maternity hospital certificate confirming childbirth.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Provisions

Article 143

• IVF is permitted for infertility treatment.
• Donor eggs, sperm, or embryos may be used with written consent.
• Surrogacy is allowed when a woman with any medical condition is unable to carry a baby.
• Intended parents assume full parental rights and responsibilities.
• The surrogate has no right to be recognized as a parent.

Article 144

• Frozen embryos may be used for ART procedures.
• Storage duration is determined by the couple’s written consent.

Legal Stability and Future Outlook

Despite ongoing global debates around commercial surrogacy, Georgia continues to offer legal stability and clarity. Its framework balances reproductive rights with structured regulation, reinforcing its position as a key destination for medical tourism and assisted reproduction.

That said, as Parliamentary discussions continue, future amendments cannot be ruled out.

Important Advisory Note

Because surrogacy laws in Georgia are subject to potential legislative change, intended parents are strongly advised to work with an experienced, legally compliant agency that has a clear contingency plan in place. This ensures continuity, legal protection, and risk mitigation if regulations are modified during an ongoing surrogacy journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, surrogacy remains legal and operational in Georgia as of early 2026. Although a draft law introduced in 2023 proposed banning commercial surrogacy for foreigners, it remains pending and has not altered the existing legal framework.

For intended parents navigating the complex landscape of assisted reproduction, Georgia continues to provide:

• Legal recognition of parenthood from birth.
• Clear statutory protections.
• A predictable and secure surrogacy environment.

As developments are closely monitored, Georgia remains a significant and legally structured player in global reproductive health services.

Go through: Changing surrogacy laws