Yes, surrogacy is legal in Israel under strict conditions. The 1996 Embryo Carrying Agreements Law permits altruistic surrogacy for heterosexual couples, with oversight by the Ministry of Health’s Surrogacy Committee. Commercial surrogacy remains prohibited, and recent 2026 amendments tighten eligibility criteria to prevent exploitation.
Key Regulations for Surrogacy in Israel
- Altruistic-only model: Surrogates may receive compensation solely for medical and pregnancy-related expenses, not for gestational services. Violations risk criminal penalties under the Penal Code (Amendment 137, 2021).
- Eligibility restrictions: Intended parents must be a heterosexual married couple, and the surrogate must be a first-degree relative or meet stringent health/age criteria (22–38 years). Single men and same-sex couples are excluded unless they pursue foreign surrogacy, which lacks domestic recognition.
- Mandatory committee approval: The Ministry of Health’s Surrogacy Committee reviews all agreements, ensuring no coercion and that the surrogate’s rights are protected. Approval is required before embryo implantation.
The 2026 Surrogacy Framework introduces additional safeguards, including mandatory psychological evaluations for all parties and a 72-hour cooling-off period post-birth for surrogate reconsideration. Non-compliance may result in contract nullification or criminal charges. Foreign surrogacy arrangements are not regulated domestically, leaving intended parents to navigate complex international laws.