The national effort to improve legislation surrounding surrogacy has become a central element of the broader strategy to rescue children and strengthen family well‑being as part of Russia’s Comprehensive Child Safety Strategy through 2030. This framework places a priority on creating robust rules and protections that safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of children born through surrogacy within the Russian Federation. The aim is to ensure transparent processes, clear accountability, and secure outcomes for all parties involved, including surrogate mothers, prospective parents, and, most importantly, the children themselves. This approach reflects a belief that sound policy in this area supports family stability, protects vulnerable participants, and aligns with the country’s broader commitments to child welfare .
In recent developments, the Office of the General Prosecutor approved charges against three Russian nationals accused of forming part of a network that facilitated the selection of surrogate mothers for foreign clients and the subsequent sale of newborns to intended biological parents. The indictment highlights the government’s focus on curbing illegal and exploitative practices within the surrogacy market, with authorities emphasizing the need for rigorous oversight, ethical standards, and deterrent penalties to prevent trafficking and commodification of children .
Following this, law enforcement activities intensified in the Moscow region, including Naro-Fominsk, where a local resident was detained on suspicions of exporting Russian children abroad. The case underscores the cross‑border dimensions of surrogacy arrangements and the importance of international cooperation, effective border controls, and domestic safeguards to ensure children are not placed at risk or harmed by unlawful transfers. Officials reiterated that the policy framework seeks to close gaps that could enable illegal adoptions or sales while strengthening the legal avenues available for legitimate surrogacy arrangements within the Russian legal system .
Experts note that a key objective of the current reforms is to provide a clear, enforceable set of rules governing who may engage in surrogacy, under what conditions, and with what protections for the child. This includes establishing standardized processes for parental rights, medical oversight, and post‑birth procedures that confirm the child’s citizenship, legal guardianship, and ongoing welfare. By consolidating these mechanisms into a unified policy, authorities aim to reduce ambiguity, improve compliance among medical professionals and agencies, and ensure that all actions taken in surrogate arrangements are in the best interests of the child .
Supporters of the updated framework argue that a transparent, well‑defined system reduces risks associated with commercial surrogacy, such as coercion, exploitation, and inconsistent outcomes for families. A crucial component is the creation of independent supervisory bodies that monitor surrogacy practices, certify qualified professionals, and publish guidance for prospective parents. Such measures are intended to provide confidence to citizens and to international partners who seek lawful, ethical surrogacy options within Russia, while aligning with international human rights standards for children and Family law principles .
At the same time, the strategy emphasizes the social and economic dimensions of child welfare. Beyond legal protections, it calls for support programs that assist families raising children born through surrogacy, including access to medical care, social services, and counseling. The goal is to foster an environment where families can thrive regardless of the origin of their child, while ensuring that all surrogacy arrangements comply with domestic law and international obligations. This balanced approach seeks to promote responsible practice, deter illicit activity, and uphold the dignity and rights of every child .
In summary, the evolving policy landscape in Russia places surrogacy within a formal, accountable framework that prioritizes the protection of children, the integrity of family life, and the rule of law. By strengthening regulatory mechanisms, prosecuting illegal operations, and improving cross‑border cooperation, the state aims to create a safer, more transparent market for surrogacy. The ongoing work reflects a broader commitment to child safety and family resilience that underpins the country’s post‑2020 strategic objectives .