Imagine you’re a couple from Tashkent, dreaming of starting a family but facing the heartbreak of infertility. You’ve heard about surrogacy as a lifeline, but where do you turn? In Uzbekistan, the option feels tantalizingly close—right in your backyard—yet it’s shrouded in uncertainty. Surrogacy in Uzbekistan has grown in popularity, especially with clinics popping up in the capital, but it’s far from straightforward.
And when you dig into Uzbekistan surrogacy law, the picture gets even murkier: it’s neither fully banned nor properly regulated. As of late 2025, this leaves many couples weighing risks against rewards. But here’s the good news—there’s a reliable alternative just a short flight away. In this guide, we’ll break down the realities of surrogacy at home in Uzbekistan and explain why turning to Iran could be the smarter, safer move for Uzbek families.
The Reality of Surrogacy in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has come a long way since introducing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs in 1995. Today, surrogacy in Uzbekistan is accessible through IVF clinics in Tashkent, where you can find surrogate mothers screened for health—typically women aged 18-35, with no history of failed pregnancies and a stable background. The process usually spans 12-18 months: from selecting a surrogate and signing a basic agreement to IVF embryo transfer and birth. Costs hover around $18,000 to $23,000, covering medical care, surrogate compensation (often $10,000-$15,000), and legal basics. It’s commercial surrogacy, meaning payment to the surrogate is allowed, and the market is expanding, projected to grow steadily through 2031.
For Uzbek citizens, it’s technically feasible. Under Article 207 of the Family Code, if a child is born via surrogacy to a married couple, the genetic parents—not the surrogate—are legally recognized, as long as there’s written consent from everyone involved. This protects the child’s rights even in cases of birth defects or if the biological parents back out. No outright ban exists on surrogacy arrangements, and clinics openly advertise services, including egg donors from local pools.
But here’s where it gets tricky, especially for internationals or even locals seeking more security. Uzbekistan surrogacy law operates in a “gray area”—unregulated and without dedicated oversight. There’s no national framework mandating clinic standards, contract templates, or dispute resolution. If a surrogate changes her mind mid-pregnancy or a clinic cuts corners, you’re on your own. Foreign intended parents face even steeper hurdles: the U.S. State Department labels it illegal for non-Uzbeks, warning of custody battles and exit visa nightmares, while the UK government sees it as permissible without restrictions. This inconsistency has left some families stranded, unable to bring their newborn home without endless paperwork.
In short, while surrogacy in Uzbekistan offers convenience and affordability, the lack of clear rules turns what should be a joyful journey into a gamble. Many Uzbek couples are starting to look elsewhere for peace of mind.
Uzbekistan Surrogacy Law
Diving deeper into Uzbekistan surrogacy law, you’ll find it’s treated as a social arrangement rather than a protected medical procedure. The Family Code touches on it indirectly through ART provisions, emphasizing consent and genetic parentage, but there’s no law governing commercial aspects, surrogate screening, or post-birth protections. Surrogacy is limited to heterosexual married couples with proven infertility—singles or same-sex pairs are out. And while proposing surrogacy or acting as a surrogate isn’t criminalized, the absence of enforcement means exploitation risks loom large, from uneven compensation to unvetted health checks.
Compared to neighbors like Kazakhstan (which has partial regulations) or Azerbaijan (fully unregulated), Uzbekistan sits in the middle—legal enough to proceed, risky enough to pause. Recent 2025 reports highlight a surge in demand, with clinics filling the void, but experts urge caution: without a dedicated surrogacy act, courts might not uphold agreements in disputes. For Uzbek couples, this means consulting local lawyers early, but even then, the system’s opacity often pushes families toward cross-border options.
Why Uzbek Couples Are Turning to Iran?
If Uzbekistan’s setup leaves you uneasy, consider Iran—a beacon of clarity and compassion in the region. Just a couple of hours by plane from Tashkent, Iran has embraced surrogacy since the early 2000s, rooted in Shia Islamic jurisprudence that views it as a merciful solution to infertility. As one of the few Muslim-majority countries permitting it, Iran stands out for its blend of religious endorsement and practical regulations, making surrogacy in Iran a top choice for Central Asian families like yours.
Under Iranian law, surrogacy is fully legal and regulated for heterosexual married couples unable to conceive naturally—think medical infertility diagnoses like uterine issues or genetic risks. It’s open to both altruistic (no payment to the surrogate) and commercial arrangements, with the latter being common and capped to prevent exploitation. Crucially, for foreigners including Uzbeks, there’s no blanket ban; in fact, Iran welcomes international intended parents, provided they meet the criteria. However, a key rule: non-Iranians can’t use local egg donors due to citizenship laws, so you’ll need to bring your own or source from abroad.
Let’s break down the regulations for intended parents and surrogates—it’s this detail that sets Iran apart:
For Intended Parents (Like You):
- Eligibility: Must be a legally married heterosexual couple, aged 20-50 for women and up to 60 for men, with a doctor’s certification of infertility. No history of child abandonment or criminal records.
- Key Documents: Apostilled marriage certificate, passports, medical reports, and a notarized surrogacy contract. Uzbek couples also need a letter from the Uzbek embassy in Tehran confirming recognition of the birth certificate for passport issuance.
- Rights: You’re the legal parents from birth. The child is registered in your name at the hospital, with no surrogate claim. Post-birth, exit formalities take about a week, smoothing the way home.
For Surrogates:
- Qualifications: Iranian women aged 18-40 (ideally 20-35), with at least one healthy child, a clean medical history (no STDs, genetic issues, or prior C-sections beyond two), and spousal consent. She must be psychologically screened and agree to prenatal care.
- Protections: A mandatory tripartite contract (you, the surrogate, and the clinic) outlines compensation ($8,000-$12,000 in commercial cases), living allowances, and medical coverage. The surrogate has no parental rights and can’t back out after embryo transfer without court approval.
- Oversight: All happens under Ministry of Health guidelines, with ethical committees reviewing cases to ensure fairness.
The whole process? IVF in Tehran or Isfahan clinics (success rates over 60%), 9 months of monitored pregnancy, and total timeline of 12-26 months. Costs? A steal at $14,000-$16,000 all-in, far below global averages—think high-quality care without the premium price tag. We’ve seen Uzbek families rave about the cultural familiarity, English-speaking staff, and seamless support from agencies like ours at Hood Services, which handles everything from visas to victory laps back home.
What makes it feel personal? Stories from couples who’ve walked this path: one Tashkent pair shared how Iran’s structured approach turned their fears into a nursery full of laughter, all while keeping costs manageable.
Conclusion
Surrogacy in Uzbekistan and its hazy Uzbekistan surrogacy law might tempt with proximity, but the uncertainties can dim your dreams. Iran flips the script—offering robust laws, ethical safeguards, and a supportive vibe that feels like an extension of home. If you’re ready to build the family you’ve always wanted, why settle for gray when clarity is calling? Reach out to Hood Services today; let’s turn your “what if” into “welcome home.” Your story starts now.