No. Surrogacy in Egypt is criminalized under Article 11 of Law No. 10/2003 on Assisted Reproductive Technology, which prohibits all forms of commercial and altruistic surrogacy. The National Council for Population (NCP), under the Ministry of Health and Population, enforces this ban, classifying surrogacy as a violation of public morals and family integrity. Violations may incur fines up to EGP 50,000 (≈$1,600) and imprisonment for up to 5 years, with recent 2026 amendments tightening penalties for intermediaries. Egyptian courts consistently uphold these restrictions, refusing to recognize foreign surrogacy arrangements.
Key Regulations for Surrogacy in Egypt
- Absolute Prohibition: Surrogacy contracts are void under Article 11, rendering all parties—including intended parents—liable to criminal prosecution. The NCP explicitly bans both commercial and altruistic arrangements, citing Islamic jurisprudence and social stability concerns.
- Criminal Liability: Engaging in surrogacy-related activities (e.g., advertising, brokering, or medical facilitation) constitutes a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment and fines. The 2026 amendments expand liability to include digital platforms facilitating surrogacy arrangements, with enhanced surveillance by the Cybercrime Unit.
- No Legal Recognition: Egyptian courts refuse to register children born via surrogacy abroad, requiring DNA testing to establish parentage. The NCP’s 2025 circular mandates genetic testing for all births resulting from foreign surrogacy, further deterring such practices.