Yes, surrogacy in Turkey operates under a restrictive legal framework, primarily governed by the Turkish Civil Code and the Ministry of Health’s 2021 guidelines. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited, while altruistic arrangements face stringent oversight to prevent exploitation and ensure child welfare. Recent 2026 amendments to the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Regulation further tighten eligibility criteria for intended parents and surrogate mothers, emphasizing genetic ties and residency requirements.
Key Regulations for Surrogacy in Turkey
- Prohibition of Commercial Surrogacy: Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, with no financial compensation beyond reasonable expenses approved by the Ministry of Health.
- Genetic Link Requirement: At least one intended parent must provide genetic material; gestational surrogacy without a genetic link is illegal.
- Residency and Approval Mandates: Surrogacy agreements require pre-approval from local ethics committees and the Ministry of Health, with intended parents typically needing Turkish citizenship or long-term residency.
Surrogacy contracts are unenforceable in Turkish courts, and violations may result in criminal liability under Article 231 of the Turkish Penal Code. The Ministry of Health’s 2026 updates introduce mandatory psychological evaluations for all parties and stricter monitoring of fertility clinics to curb illegal arrangements. International surrogacy involving Turkish citizens remains legally precarious, with courts prioritizing the child’s best interests and potential statelessness risks.