Surrogacy: What Is The Difference Between a Birth Registration And a Birth Certificate?

The surrogacy process involves not only medical and ethical considerations, but also several legal steps, including the documentation of the child. Two key components of this process are birth registration and obtaining a birth certificate. While these terms may seem similar, there are significant differences, especially in the context of surrogacy. So, birth registration vs birth certificate? Let’s explore what each entails and why understanding them is crucial for parents involved in a surrogacy program.

What Is Birth Registration?

Birth registration is the official process of registering the birth of a child in the state registry. In Ukraine, this process is carried out by the State Civil Registry Service (RAGS) in accordance with the law. The main purpose of birth registration is to confirm the fact of the child’s birth and to formally include it in the country’s population register.

In the context of surrogacy, birth registration has specific nuances. A key aspect is that the information of the genetic parents is entered into the registry, not that of the surrogate mother who carried the child. To achieve this, the following documents are usually required:

• A medical certificate of the child’s birth issued by the maternity hospital.
• The surrogate mother’s consent to transfer parental rights to the genetic parents (if required by the contract).
• Copies of the surrogacy contract signed by the parties.

Registration ensures that the child is legally recognized as the offspring of the genetic parents, which is essential under Ukrainian law.

Birth Certificate: The Child’s Primary Document

A birth certificate is the official document issued after a birth is registered. It certifies the existence of a child with specific details such as the child’s name, date and place of birth. It also includes the names of the parents.

For parents involved in surrogacy, it is important to note that the names of the genetic parents are listed on the birth certificate. This is possible due to specific provisions in Ukrainian legislation that recognize the genetic parents as the legal parents of the child.

Why is a birth certificate important:

• It serves as the primary document for obtaining citizenship, medical care, and social benefits.
• It is required for the child’s passport issuance and international travel.
• It legally establishes the parental relationship with the child.

Birth registration and a birth certificate are two separate but related steps that are essential to establishing the legal status of a child born through surrogacy. Understanding these processes will help parents avoid legal complications and ensure a smoother experience when dealing with the formalities.

Working with qualified legal professionals and adhering to all Ukrainian legal requirements ensures that this process remains straightforward and transparent for all parties involved.