Ukrainian Surrogacy Backlash | Foreign Correspondent

Ukraine has become a go-to country for couples seeking overseas surrogacy.
Many Australian clients have used the Lotus agency to access Ukrainian surrogates.
Two couples are warning prospective parents to do thorough research before signing up.
Read more here: ab.co/2P7LJUV
About Foreign Correspondent:
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[@tatjanakane503]

Preterm delivery is a huge risk for twins, but couples, like these parents, still stubbornly and irresponsibly transfer two embryos at a time (instead of recommended one embryo), and then when babies are born earlier, they blame agency, doctors, hospital, everyone else. The same problem used to happen in western countries and that’s why recently most western countries are insisting on a single embryo transfer.

[@mercedm87]

We agree with you.

[@bestpersonintheworld3027]

I have no sympathy for the intended parents. The information about exploiting surrogate mothers is there. The stories of babies left behind is there.

[@ellimae1548]

I could never do that without seeing the mom and providing the care she needs. And be there for the birth..too risky..

[@pixibelle3282]

So if they allowed it under strict guidelines in Australia, they wouldn't need to go overseas to human baby mills.

[@teresag-75]

Honestly, from EVERYTHING I have seen/watched about surrogates from the Ukraine, I believe it NEEDS to be stopped. Every company that I have seen that uses surrogates in the Ukraine, has major issues, which leads to death, brain damage, major health issues for the children and in some cases, the babies are abandoned by their birth parents for whatever reason. It saddens me that Australian’s can’t use a surrogate in their own country.

[@Antoninavinstonova]

I think that is in most countries :( surrogate babies are often twins as well so that makes the risk even bigger. I agree it should be stopped

[@ingridalice9707]

I wasn't going to add any comment but I felt this needed saying. Finding a woman who is in vulnerable/in poverty and then proceeding to take steps to offer her money to use her body like that? Couples need to take some ownership of the fact that they are funding a very manipulative industry. Surrogacy should be completely of the woman's choice, without factors such as poverty influencing their decision. I'm aware that many couples claim they didn't know about the vulnerability/mistreatment, but really, its a simple google search to find out this information about the economic vulnerability of some people in Ukraine. Sometimes people will only listen to the information they want to hear. Yes, I'm sure there are some couples out there that genuinely believe that the surrogate would be treated with 100% respect and dignity, but it seems for the most part, as long as they get a baby at an affordable price this not their priority. Of course companies using immoral practices are to blame, but so are couples who fund this whole process and just continue to claim ignorance when something goes wrong. I wonder if all couples who had a bad experience with surrogacy would be sharing the story if it didn't directly impact the baby, 'only' the surrogate? Would they go back to their normal lives and forget about the invasion and manipulation they induced on a woman's life as long as their baby was healthy? A women who perhaps felt like she had no other choice? A woman who died or became incredibly sick after childbirth due to poor healthcare conditions? Have any of these couples interviewed taken measures to see that these women were properly cared for after birth, one lady said she was shocked by the surrogate still covered in blood days after birth, did she ensure that the surrogate was looked after? Feed, clothed and provided with trauma support? I didn't see any mention of this, only a comment on a news service that this surrogate will probably never see.

[@drink5773]

So what if your baby is born with disability will you still take your baby home or will you leave them in Ukraine (like many Americans have done)

[@hippykiller75]

This is a Child manufacturing facility....Totally illegal

[@PasserMontanus]

In Ukraine, it is totally legal. Check your facts before posting.

[@tatjanakane503]

Nonsense and totally non empathetic from you to judge the whole situation based on this biased video.

[@marmadukescarlet7791]

PasserMontanus legal, perhaps; ethical? Absolutely not! This is pure exploitation of poor and vulnerable women, who would never choose surrogacy if they had other options for escaping poverty, marginalisation and chronic disadvantage.

[@howiseeit5129]

You have zero empathy for couples that want a family but i gather you don't have that sorrow!

[@Katiemadonna3]

I agree.

[@creedstat]

So basically use another woman's body without care if that women has proper medical and could potentially die in the process when Ukraine has tens of thousands of babies with no families.....pure selfish greed and disgusting!

[@kimcater9199]

How is this not a form of child trafficking?

[@Katiemadonna3]

it is, masked as familiy planning.

[@lachiwoods]

not gonna lie, seriously think that growing families should be investigated by the ACCC for misleading and deceptive conduct... to say that you provide 'independent advice', only to have sponsorship arrangements with a surrogacy provider that is itself dodgy, is in itself misleading and causes damage to the families affected. shame on them!

[@justinm2697]

Just because you think a law is unjust doesn't mean you have the right to break it. This Growing Families "not for profit" company should be investigated.

[@shatteredshards8549]

@dʒeɪms The state isn't getting in the way of fertility, the state is trying to prevent what amounts to human trafficking. The same way it's illegal to sell your organs.

[@tatjanakane503]

They are not breaking the law. Sharing information about overseas surrogacies is allowed. And the parents are not breaking the law because they are not on the grounds of their home country when they sign the contract.

[@tatjanakane503]

Shattered Shards terrible analogy. Selling organs is nothing like trying to plan a family and have a baby you will love. When woman can’t carry a pregnancy (missing uterus, bad cervix, detached placentas...) , and when she can’t get surrogacy in her country, of course she will try overseas.

[@Manu-rp4sj]

babies factories exploiting poorness

[@padminiramachandran6998]

They should be kicked on their ass. And should be banned

[@howiseeit5129]

These surrogates are not forced into it.the alternative is to work in an alternative job.most surrogates feel happy and satisfaction helping another woman have a child.

[@bestpersonintheworld3027]

@@howiseeit5129 that is a fairytale intended parents tell themselves so they can sleep at night. If you go to a poor country to find surrogate - it is exploitation

[@shakostarsun]

@@bestpersonintheworld3027 And the better option is just poverty and starvation with no income at all?

[@amandachie7047]

Holy shit someone please give that man some water

[@RayoSpeedRider]

😂😂😂 thanks for that good laugh!

[@Ariarne12345]

Sounds like his dentures are loose.

[@RayoSpeedRider]

Maybe I’m ignorant but I would assume $140,000 could buy you a surrogate in the States or in Australia.

[@Antoninavinstonova]

its illegal in Australia

[@bevlumb6530]

Just because you don't agree with the law doesn't mean you can ignore them. If everyone did that can you imagine what state we would be in

[@MarCeyG]

You'd think for 140K, you could find a surrogate in a more health care advanced country.

[@madiemic0506]

How narcissistic do you have to be to think “my DNA is so special that I will spend ridiculous amounts of money, break laws, and ignore how the surrogates are treated. “ Want a child and can’t physically have them? Adopt! There are so many children that need families. Don’t spend money to help companies like this grow!

[@kimmasuen4107]

Yes, so many older children. Unfortunately not enough white perfect babies.

[@RB-vg5ig]

Adoption also comes with sham companies, tens of thousands of dollars spent, and legal issues.

[@58Kym]

So are you saying, only the wealthy and well heeled can have children by other means if they can’t carry or concieve themselves? Not well off? Well no children for you!

[@kimmasuen4107]

@@58Kym it's not right but it's very true. The average adoption can cost $50,000 or more. Most people don't have that laying around. We adopted 20 years ago and other than Midwife fees we didn't pay a thing. We would have been happy to help the birth mother with expenses but we live in a state that will stop the adoption if they find out you've so much as bought her a sandwich, literally. It took 11 yrs. We were never going to be able to afford an average adoption. When God chooses a child for you, He makes it happen! We were so blessed, Miracle after Miracle brought her to us.

[@kimmasuen4107]

@@58Kym I forgot to state that we did pay for a home study which was about $350.

[@purplesweetpepperpepper2756]

No buyers no sellers

[@Thisisjohnbax]

I know a lady who has 5 year old twins, from a surrogate in New Delhi, it certainly wasn't seamless but they were good friends with a Doctor in their country from New Delhi & his brother ran a surrogate agency. It's all good now but pregnancy & delivery can go wrong, any cutting corners, risky actions will cause harm.

[@RatTaxi]

I had to stop watching when the guy with the MOUTH SITUATION happened.

[@saspurillie]

omg his mouth sounds were next level

[@mercedm87]

There are not regulations or legislature to control and supervised this type of maternity. There are plenty of orphans around the world that need parents to grow healthy into a real community. We heard nightmare stories about surrogacy;

[@ionj470]

Why are so many babies born premature?

[@katravi]

Ayeon Jung that’s a good question. But imagine putting a foreign embryo inside your body. Your body did not create it so maybe it wants to get rid of it. That is why they put more emryos inside because not all survive.

[@Ehhhaway]

My friend was a surrogate. She carried triplets until 35 weeks. Another to full term. She even provided breast milk for the babies.

[@lostat5554]

@@Ehhhaway My daughter was a surrogate, the medical attention was wonderful.She had to have a ceasar early because the baby was placenta previa, but a beautiful healthy baby and now an amazing 5 year old

[@leah6015]

Because they are having twins. The goal of ivf and surrogacy should be to have ONE HEALTHY BABY.

[@lostat5554]

My daughter was a surrogate. They implant more than one to give at least one the chance of survival.SHe gave the family a gorgeous smart happy healthy now 6 year old daughter. The chances of just one embryo surviving are slim so it is better to implant more than one

[@matrixescapee7434]

Here’s a thought….. Parents seeking to use a surrogate, could bring the surrogate to their city for the entire pregnancy and delivery… plus a time period afterwards for healing, recovery. The parents should cover all medical, living costs involved. On top of the expenses, the surrogate should also be paid a separate fee, that should be agreed upon by both parties… I think this would resolve many of the problems from both sides…

[@nelsonthekinger]

It would probably become cheaper too

[@DiaBelle]

Even if you bring her people will still mistreat her if they want to, and the pregnancy on itself could lead to her death.

[@guylainelavoie7571]

​@@nelsonthekingeror, like the website spells it, "chipper" christ sakes instead of cheaper. They disgust me

[@serafinatruth4029]

Pleae don't call people who are purchasing human beings and trafficking with BABYS "parents". The choice of word makes me sick to my stomach!

[@oschi2517]

It is pretty hard to understand what Sam says. Subtitles would be helpful

[@coastofukraine7832]

Does he have fake teeth? Impossible to hear that sound

[@user-op8cw6li4o]

I'd love to know what is the state of his children plural

[@goodgirlkay]

So if you end up paying more than 100,000 AD...why not just get a healthy American surrogate with first world medical care available to mother and baby? It will probably come out cheaper in the end and you get healthy babies.

[@extremeAdvil]

Try 150k if you are lucky....200k more like it. 100k is possible with free egg donor and altruistic surrogate. Some people can find those resources but not everyone.

[@shammydammy2610]

@@extremeAdvil So, because you can't afford to do it right, do it wrong?

[@teejae2065]

Because they are afraid that person will want a relationship with the child, and my be able to legally gain some rights. Impoverished women have no such ability, it's easier to use a desperate vessel. It's the same reason these people dont adopt. They do not want to accept their infertility. (I'm an adoptive parent -full disclosure.. my "surrogate" was a teenage sister with developmental delay. She was turned away by adoption agencies..because when you make a purchase. You expect to get what you "pay" for. Money beyond expenses should be illegal. Imo)

[@Mia_M]

That’s why you do research as prices do tend to vary.

[@Ehhhaway]

Exactly and there are contracts. My friend was a surrogate and carried triplets until 35 weeks. One baby to full term. Very healthy Babies, she even provided breast milk.

[@thomasranjit7781]

Shame on this people for exploitation poor people...why not adopt a child..

[@extremeAdvil]

Shame on you for not knowing the answer to that before you said shame on people

[@thomasranjit7781]

@@extremeAdvil using the vulnerability of poor woman to exploit their womb must be your definition of valour... ..if U don't have children is that someone else's issue.....go and get a life

[@extremeAdvil]

@@thomasranjit7781 Not so poor women do this all the time in the USA. Mind your manners. Attacking is not how to discuss issues.

[@thomasranjit7781]

@@extremeAdvil ukarine is not America.....do U understand...ask your wife or mother to be a surrogate mother and lead by example...there are Mafias working behind the scenes who exploit vulnerable people.

[@extremeAdvil]

@@thomasranjit7781 yeah...I don't have time to explain things at your level so....best of luck!

[@AdeleiTeillana]

Over $100k to create babies when you could adopt? You could adopt 5 kids from overseas for that amount! The selfishness of some people is appalling.

[@rosie7836]

Theres a 12 year wait.

[@evelina2363]

Selfishness? People who are trying to have their own babies are selfish? I think people who are so quick to judge should think twice. Adoption is a completely different journey and comes with many difficulties. Why would infertile people automatically be willing to do that just because they have trouble conceiving their own children? The superficiality of certain comments is appalling

[@TSmith-ls1zq]

In 50 yrs....this will bite America in the butt.

[@Katiemadonna3]

Thailand and India banned this practice for a reason.

[@powerpuffmuse9191]

I agree on surrogacy but the child and carrying mother should have rights and fair..the couple should have responsibility on child no matter what the outcome of delivery and the child.

[@Herhealingtouch6683]

This is one of the most selfish industry....I always ask when you plant two or three embryos in that woman what harm are you doing to her ....? It's like you planting seeds in a garden that you have no time to take care of and see what grows ....brain damage, premature births , traumatic life damage to the surrogate it's just sad .... where's women want to be mother's some avoid having their own pregnancy because they have no 9 months to go through this beautiful process....this surrogate mothers God bless them. It's sad indeed the surrogacy Gold mine heist.

[@extremeAdvil]

Here's an idea. Why not legalize it in Australia?

[@loverlyme]

Probably because every time (and place) that a company sets up a surrogacy agency, people get EXPLOITED. It is really hard to legalise and make laws that cover everyone involved in the surrogacy, including the child.

[@shammydammy2610]

Why not look into why it is illegal in Australia?

[@wowso4]

A Non Amous I didn’t know that but if it’s illegal then how come the babies are allow in Australia and given Australian citizenship?

[@cherrie1890]

Get a new Pubĺic Relations person. Also brain damage or defects don't make the life worth less.

[@sarahnaseral-sattarsapolic2868]

my parents are in america & left me in darwin all alone. kew police station is responsible.

[@googleuser4053]

Why not to adopt ???

[@bbbin4947]

As someone who had the pleasure of working with Lotus the same time the Pitcher's were there, I can say that Lotus is an awesome company and having met Lou Pitcher she is a very rude person who talked down at the Locals and was very abusive to the staff. Unfortunately this is an unprofessional one sided report.

[@RhianChambers]

He can con ppl out of all their money but he can’t afford some fixodent?

[@videomillsy]

I wouldn’t trust blubberlips in a million years. Independent Advisor, my arse!

[@lacleymurrow4968]

Interesting to watch. As far as I know surrogacy process starts like this in Ukraine. Everything starts with the defining the date of the initial consultation. IP undergo a set of tests depending on the program. Then they have a consultation with a fertility specialist who will be in charge of the program. Then with a manager who will guide IP through the program. They sign the contract. Before initial consultation IP are more likely to receive the ''guidelines'' for the initial consultation. IP should be attentive with that one!! Then the process continues with search and confirmation of a surrogate. Here waiting time depends on the type of contact.

[@creedstat]

Safer ways to do this I'm ya think?

[@drink5773]

Why they don’t adopt! This drives me crazy!!!!

[@jedidjab4346]

Having your own biological child is different from adoption

[@drink5773]

@@jedidjab4346 yes but look what is happening. People are leaving their biological children behind because they are born disabled. We are talking about a human life but people are treating their children like an unwanted dog

[@TheBlondeBomb1000]

@@drink5773 It's probably easier on their conscience because they didn't carry the baby themselves or get involved in the pregnancy where they might be more invested or bond with the infant. It's a cold process. For them, news of a disabled child is learned via a quick call from a foreign doctor and I'm sure it's 'out of sight, out of mind'. Really awful. I wish they would do some research on the state institutions and what kind of life they are leaving their children to endure if they're left in Ukraine.

[@drink5773]

@@TheBlondeBomb1000 it’ll be better if they bring their child to the west and place the baby in some kind of foster care. Leaving the innocent baby behind is morally wrong. They should feel some kind of obligation

[@drink5773]

@@rTbur312 you do realize not every child is abandoned by their parents. There are so many reasons for it but going overseas and making someone else pregnant and deciding not to take their baby because the baby is born with deformities is absolutely insane. Now instead of them adopting one baby (one less baby in adoption) there are 2 babies (2 more babies) in the system waiting for their parent.

[@girlywench]

Ot you know, you could adopt....

[@jumbomobile8806]

The result of american democracy, a country get so blinded by the so called democracy they dont even realize they turn into a brothel.

[@lhallora1]

Hrm... I just watched an interview with Katy Faust and thought gee she is a bit extreme... After watching this I'm wondering if she doesn't have a point. Babies and bodies traded like commodities to desperate adults. There is a word for that. Trafficking.

[@katarinakrizova2969]

Disgusting

[@AK-ve9sn]

I understand how people are feeling after watching this video but I think we should stop saying ‘why not adopt instead?’. Couples who cannot have their own babies have gone through so difficult days which we cannot even imagine, and it’s quite natural for everyone to hope to have their own children. Especially if we know it’s possible medically. (It doesn’t mean women can be exploited in poor countries though) I even feel like people who are recommending adoption instead are the ones who think of human lives so lightly.

[@kimberlycole297]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@MRSFeeX]

Modern slavery.

[@jinimurray4090]

This reminds me of a friend who was told she had cervical cancer- but test proved she was also pregnant. As RN MIDWIFE, friend she asked my opinion We prayed. She asked Jesus Christ of Nazareth wisdom - decided to rather die than kill her baby. I remember working in the nursery at church caring for precious perfect son_who would have essentially aborted. When she went to see about her cancer after her healthy baby boy was born- her cancer was completely GONE. WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!!! The right decision was made!!!

[@Ehhhaway]

Come to America! It’s more expensive but you get what you pay for.

[@leah6015]

Which is what??? Out 500k for what??? Maybe not even have health insurance?

[@katarinabrankovich214]

I have heard so much dirt about Ukraine since I've started to explore the surrogacy process. I've also noticed many negative comments just because of their personal conflicts with those clinics or even particular people from the clinics. I think it's inappropriate, guys! I do appreciate any adequate info about surrogates, surrogacy, legislation from IPs who have already gone through all the things, who has experience but not just attitude based on their thinking like 'Ukraine or india are bad in everything concerning surrogacy just bcos I have read some articles'. I mean, we all here need not just thoughts but real stories and what to expect in case...you know, it depends on the case itself))))

[@howiseeit5129]

I think it benefits both parties. The childless and the surrogate that earns a good income for the carrying of the child.

[@allenwoody8738]

Most of the money goes to the company not the women having the babies 🥺🥺

[@vanieyk9370]

He is not even speaking clearly

[@Messier45_Pleiades]

Australia's biggest problem is high rising terminal.

[@tauria6395]

Jesus man, drink a glass of water before your interview....

[@loohna1716]

Why not adopt? Now are they choosing these countries because most of them want fair skin babies?😔

[@medododo7378]

They are putting their own embrion it doesn’t matter if surogate is white or black

[@themxnnyyt]

That’s why BioTexCom is the best Surrogate Agency in the World.

[@casandraignacio9055]

No soy madre mediante la maternidad subrogada pero tengo el trato normal al respecto. Vivimos en los tiempos muy complicados. Soy madre gracias a la clínica ucraniana Biotexcom y el método de la donación mitocondrial realizado allí con éxito. No todo el oro que brilla y no toda la verdad que se dice en los reportajes.

[@tatjanakane503]

This is just a bad , biased journalism. Hiding positive facts, only pointing at negative, not interviewing anyone who had pleasant experience, insinuating that law is broken (it isn’t), etc This is just a sensational piece of “biased news” meant for people who don’t use brains or hearts to understand the situation. Surrogacy made it possible for so many couple to have a family and to love and raise a baby. They found one example where parents caused the problem themselves by opting to do a double embryo transfer, and they found one lady who “saw a surrogate mother covered in blood”, whether that’s true or no who knows, and by the way I bled heaps after my déliveries for days. Did you notice they said Lotus was very busy, which means they must have been lots of babies and happy parents. But of course, only unhappy parents show up on news, so people tend to believe that’s everyone’s experience. I know few couples who got babies through surrogacy process and it was a good experience for them.

[@cavetreasures5475]

:-)

[@marinamoore8726]

To say the truth Ukraine pleasantly surprised me as I have used services of one local clinic. The third world country, weak state, debilitated economy and collapsing infrastructure. But it can be seen local clinics show rather good results in the sphere of reproductive medicine. Surrogate mothers are carefully checked in accordance with the international requirements. Appropriate price, “all inclusive” programs, and even 100% guarantee. Al these I have found in Ukraine, Feskov Human Reproduction Group, and was really satisfied. Despite this fact Ukraine is a country where majority of Europeans are afraid to go to. However those ones who have visited Ukraine found that it’s a beautiful, civilized country. I saw on own practice it is really country with high rates of success in the field of ART. This country, located in the Eastern Europe, has the most loyal legislation concerning surrogacy. It’s all because of the legality of the procedure and good prices, many Europeans go to Ukrainian clinics. And I understand them as I also took an advantage of surrogate motherhood there)) There is a good point that you don’t need to wait long for a surrogate, Feskov has big database of surrogate and they will help you choose the right one for you

[@crazydiamond6512]

Are you serious? Did you listen to this? Wow

[@Antoninavinstonova]

Ukraine is NOT a third world country. 2 world, and the infastructure is amazing. Especially compared to actual 3 world countries ofc