MOSCOW, March 27 (RAPSI) – A bill introducing ban on surrogate maternity in Russia has been submitted to the State Duma, according to the database of the lower house of parliament.

Amendments are proposed to Russia’s Family Code and federal laws “On Principles of Healthcare for Citizens of the Russian Federation” and “On Acts of Civil Status”.

Under the bill drafted by senator Anton Belyakov, bearing and delivery of a child including premature birth by a contract signed by surrogate mothers and potential parents, whose sex cells were used for fertilization, must be prohibited because such agreements do not guarantee the fulfilment of contracting parties’ rights and responsibilities.

The ban will be introduced until new complex approach to the institute of surrogate maternity equally protecting rights and interests of children, surrogate mothers and perspective parents is developed in Russia, an explanatory note to the bill reads.

Surrogate motherhood is currently prohibited in Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, France. Such countries as UK, Israel and Switzerland have introduced severe restrictions including, among others, prohibition of surrogacy services for a fee.