A Brief History
In 2019, surrogacy is not legally regulated in the Czech Republic and so is generally considered legal. Surrogacy in the Czech Republic is a blooming business, but what exactly is infertility?
Couples from all over the world are struggling with infertility at an increased rate, one that doctors are feverishly trying to keep up with. Throughout the world, surrogacy laws vary greatly. In many countries the practice is negatively regulated, or altogether illegal. Leaving many hopeful parents without any options in their home nations.
Czech Republic is opening their programs to people of all backgrounds and family dynamics. Perhaps the most encouraging sentiment here, is that now homosexual men from Europe have a truly viable option for creating the families that they need. Thanks to companies like ilaya, one of Europe’s most trusted reproductive medicine clinics, more people are capable of realizing their dreams. Without the worry of needing to travel far from home.
Digging Deeper
Surrogacy in the Czech Republic
Surrogacy laws in the Czech Republic are much less legislatively full than those of other countries. Which makes cross-border programs ideal for couples who may not qualify for programs in nearby countries, like Ukraine.
Laws allow for the donation of genetic material from outside sources, ensuring that the child is not biologically related to the surrogate, which is a type of surrogacy known as “gestational surrogacy” and is considered the gold standard in reproductive medicine. Czech Republic laws essentially state that “people may do anything that is not expressly forbidden by law”. Meaning that because surrogacy is not strictly illegal, that it is perfectly legal in the eyes of the law.
Furthermore, there is legislative protection for any legally binding agreement that is made. So pre-birth orders and surrogacy arrangements are still protected by law. Making it simple for practitioners, legal representatives, and parents alike to continue with the treatments that people need.
What Does Surrogacy in Europe Look Like?
While the need is real, many people are still in the dark about how in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy treatments work. Specifically in European countries where the practice is banned. Leaving many feeling like they have no options to move forward from a diagnosis of infertility. Or, what they do hear are the horror stories of uneducated procedural care and exploitative practices.
We spoke with two of Ilaya’s top physicians to get a reproductive gynecologist’s perspective on why infertility is a global struggle, and what to expect when considering IVF. What they said could definitely surprise you.
Despite efforts to treat and reverse any barriers to infertility, these doctors still see couples struggle to have children of their own, and in increasing numbers.
“First of all, let’s determine what is “unable to conceive”. Only in the absence of the desired pregnancy within one year of regular sexual intercourse, the couple should consult a gynecologist or reproductologist… If the woman is under 35 years old, [there]could be used different types of infertility treatments without IVF.”
The overarching goal being, says the other physician is “necessary to be examined, establish the cause [of infertility], eliminate it and try to get pregnant independently in a natural way.” Both doctors agree that these preemptive measures are necessary, as well as time consuming. “If the in under 35 years old… trying these types of treatment usually takes up to 2 years.” Leaving the majority of parents searching for reproductive help in countries where the procedures aren’t cost prohibitive.
Which is largely where countries like the Ukraine and Czech Republic shine. While facilities and procedures are just as advanced as those of any Westernized country, the cost for procedures is shockingly less.
“Unfortunately, the percentage of infertility is only growing, because women out off their reproductive plans to 35-45 years. By this period, the ovarian reserve of the ovaries is reduced. By this age, chronic diseases arise that can disrupt the function of the ovaries, uterus and Fallopian tubes.” As it becomes more common for couples to hold off on creating families until they’re ready, so too does the incidence of infertility.
“Unfortunately, every year we will face more and more cases of infertility. This is sad statistics.” They say, understanding the drive for better options in reproductive medicine.”
A Growing Need
“Today, as the doctor I see the biggest problem in this field regarding to self-medication, collection of information from online sources, discouragement after negative attempts of IVF and ignoring of the doctor’s recommendations.” Modern lifestyles are creating problems all their own that must be addressed.
“The percentage of patients who come in the early stages of infertility is low. More people used to wait too much before going to the doctor with this problem.” Incidences of underreporting, concerns over the attached stigma, and growing distrust of science and conventional medicine makes it incredibly difficult for doctors to address problems as they arise.
Despite the distrust and inactivity, medical sciences are still bounding forward with effective treatment options. Currently, the most effective treatment options for infertility are those that have been developed and perfected within the last few years.
“Everything depends on factors which cause the infertility problem. For [the]male factor and tuboperitoneal infertility factor – the only option is IVF. When infertility cause is uterine problems – hysteroscopy, prevention of Antiphospholipid syndrome and congenital thrombophilia could help. With endocrine factor- controlled ovulation stimulation, IVF, also TÚNEL, FISH for sperm.” Or, as the other physician points out “IVF with PGD – the genetic examination of embryos”
Improvements in fertility treatments have blossomed alongside of increased need and previously unencountered health issues. Creating new developments in IVF and associated procedures.
“Firstly: the emergence of new, high-quality medications and new stimulation protocols that improve ovarian response but reduce the risk of ovarian hyper stimulation. Secondly: Improvements in medical equipment that are less traumatic for women. And thirdly: improvement of legal part of the procedures.” Are some of the top improvements that these doctors feel will change the face and effectiveness of reproductive medicine in years to come.
“Development in embryology, genetics (advanced diagnostics of embryos). In the future, new methods of research and treatment of the male factor.” Are advances to look forward to.
On top of offering novel treatment and expertise in practice and research, these doctors site other reasons for the rise in parents seeking their assistance. “In Ukraine, doctors work according to European standards. Specialists in this field occupy leading positions in the global market, conducting a lot of research and discoveries. A strong legal framework and support for foreign couples is noted. Also the cost of IVF and other services are several times cheaper than in Europe.”
“In many European countries, surrogacy is prohibited or restricted so intended parents are looking for a solution in countries where it is regulated by law. Ukraine is in this list of countries. Each year we have more international patients.”
As Ilaya’s doctors work closely with those of the Czech Republic, Spain, and the United States, they can offer parents in need the solutions that are tailored to them. Giving everyone the option to realize the family that they have always wanted.
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: Have you ever visited the Czech Republic?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Schalekamp, Mark. This is Europe: (according to its doctors, hairdressers, police officers, sex workers and other experts). Juliette Publishing, 2016.
The featured image in this article, a locator map by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) of the Czech Republic, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.
