Surrogacy Laws in Iran: Comprehensive Guide
Overview of Surrogacy Laws in Iran
Surrogacy is legally permitted in Iran, making it one of the few countries in the Middle East where this practice is regulated by law. The country’s Islamic legal framework allows for surrogacy arrangements, but with specific guidelines to ensure ethical considerations are met. This legal status has made Iran a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for couples seeking affordable and high-quality surrogacy services.
Legal Framework and Religious Perspective The approval of surrogacy in Iran stems from Islamic jurisprudence, which generally permits the practice when it is deemed necessary for alleviating infertility issues within married couples. The Shi’a branch of Islam, which is predominant in Iran, tends to be more permissive regarding assisted reproductive technologies (ART) compared to some Sunni interpretations.
In Iran, gestational surrogacy is the legally accepted form, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended parents’ genetic material (or donor material if necessary), ensuring no genetic link between the surrogate and the child. The use of traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, is typically not permitted.
Legal Requirements and Contracts Surrogacy agreements in Iran are formalized through contracts that outline the responsibilities and rights of all parties involved.
Key legal requirements include:
The surrogacy agreement: Must be drafted with clear terms, specifying the responsibilities of the surrogate, compensation details, and the intended parents’ obligations. Parental rights: The intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents. This can be achieved by obtaining a court order that transfers parental rights from the surrogate to the intended parents.
Medical criteria: Surrogates must undergo medical evaluations to confirm their suitability for carrying a pregnancy. Surrogacy for Foreigners Foreigners are also permitted to pursue surrogacy in Iran, provided they follow the same legal and medical guidelines as Iranian citizens. However, foreigners must take into consideration their home country’s laws regarding the recognition of surrogacy arrangements, as not all countries legally recognize surrogacy contracts made abroad.
Ethical Considerations Iran’s surrogacy laws emphasize ethical treatment and welfare of the surrogate. Compensation is allowed, but it must be reasonable and not exploitative. Additionally, there are measures in place to protect the rights of the child, ensuring that the surrogate relinquishes custody after birth.
Surrogacy Laws in Iran Is surrogacy legal in Iran?
Yes, surrogacy is legal and regulated in Iran, primarily under Islamic law. It is one of the few Middle Eastern countries where surrogacy is legally recognized.
What type of surrogacy is allowed in Iran?
Only gestational surrogacy is legally allowed. This means the surrogate does not share any genetic relationship with the child, as the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes. Can foreigners pursue surrogacy in Iran? Yes, foreigners can legally arrange surrogacy in Iran. However, they must comply with local legal requirements and consider the legal recognition of surrogacy in their home country.
Read more about: IVF in Iran
Sources
Islamic Reproductive Laws in Iran: https://iranlegallaws.ir
Ethics in Assisted Reproductive Technology: https://islamicbioethics.org
Medical Tourism in Iran – Surrogacy: https://medicaltourismiran.ir