In China, many same-sex couples who are in stable relationships hope to build a family and raise children together. However, access to assisted reproductive treatment for same-sex couples remains limited domestically. As a result, some couples begin exploring overseas fertility and surrogacy options.
Georgia has attracted attention because of its assisted reproductive services and legal framework surrounding certain forms of third-party reproduction. To help readers better understand the process, Jiabao Libao takes a closer look at a common question: What is the surrogacy process in Georgia for male same-sex couples?
1. Preliminary Preparation and Legal Assessment
Both partners generally begin by completing semen analysis, infectious disease screening, and relevant genetic testing. Sperm may also be cryopreserved in advance as a backup.
One of the most important steps is a legal feasibility assessment. A qualified Georgian lawyer should review the couple’s circumstances and confirm whether a legally recognized pathway to parenthood is available under current law.
Documents that may be required include both partners’ passports, notarized documents relating to their relationship, and semen analysis or fertility reports.
2. Egg Donor Selection and Embryo Creation
The next stage involves selecting an egg donor through a legitimate fertility clinic or service provider. Depending on the program, intended parents may be able to review general donor information such as age, blood type, education, and health history.
The couple may choose to use sperm from one partner, or in some programs, each partner may use his own sperm to create separate groups of embryos.
After sperm collection, the egg donor undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. Fertilization is then performed in the laboratory, often using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The embryos are usually cultured to the blastocyst stage on day 5 or 6. Depending on medical indications and individual preferences, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may also be considered.
Suitable embryos can then be preserved using vitrification, a rapid embryo-freezing technique. Depending on the clinic and treatment plan, the embryo creation stage may require a stay in Georgia of approximately 10 to 14 days.
3. Gestational Carrier Matching and Legal Documentation
A gestational carrier is typically selected through a fertility clinic or service provider and undergoes medical and psychological screening.
Programs commonly require the carrier to fall within an appropriate reproductive age range, often around 20 to 35 years old, to have previously given birth to at least one healthy child, and to have no significant history of pregnancy-related complications.
Signing the surrogacy agreement is a key part of the process. Depending on current Georgian legal requirements, agreements may need to be formally prepared and notarized before embryo transfer.
If donor eggs are involved, additional agreements may also be required between the relevant parties. Because these legal documents can affect parental recognition and birth registration, they should be reviewed by an independent lawyer before treatment proceeds.
4. Embryo Transfer, Pregnancy, and the Baby’s Birth
The gestational carrier first undergoes endometrial preparation. A frozen embryo is then thawed and transferred into the uterus.
Pregnancy testing is usually performed around 10 to 14 days after embryo transfer. If pregnancy is confirmed, the gestational carrier continues with regular prenatal monitoring throughout the pregnancy, while the intended parents receive updates on the progress.
Intended parents may choose to arrive in Georgia approximately one to two weeks before the expected delivery date.
After the baby is born, the next stage involves completing the birth registration and parental documentation required under local law. The exact procedure for determining whose names appear on the birth certificate depends on the applicable Georgian laws and the intended parents’ legal status.
Once the birth certificate has been issued, additional authentication and travel-document procedures may be required. For Chinese nationals, this may include contacting the Chinese Embassy in Georgia regarding the appropriate travel documentation for the child and preparing the documents needed for entry into China and subsequent household registration.
Overall, for male same-sex couples considering overseas surrogacy, legal planning and careful selection of medical and service providers are just as important as the IVF treatment itself.
If you are considering surrogacy in Georgia, you can contact us for more information. We can explain the general medical and legal process and provide recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
