Government: Aussies Get Out of the Ukraine
Friday January 28, 2022

Government: Aussies Get Out of the Ukraine

Friday, January 28, 2022

The Australian Government has recommended that all Australians in the Ukraine leave the Ukraine immediately. The move comes after the build up of over 100,000 Russian troops in Russia and Belarus, all bordering Ukraine, and the high risk that Russia will invade the Ukraine.

The call by the Australian Government echoes calls by the UK and US Governments which have also called for their citizens to leave the Ukraine immediately.

Ukraine has been a popular destination for Australians undertaking surrogacy in recent years, being the second most popular destination that Australian intended parents go to, after the United States. The number of children born there via surrogacy to Australian intended parents has been significant, in the years ended 30 June, according to the Department of Home Affairs:

  • 2018: 32
  • 2019: 61
  • 2020: 50
  • 2021: 38

In the four months between 1 July 2021 and 31 October 2021 14 children were born there via surrogacy who applied for Australian citizenship by descent from the Department of Home Affairs.  The projected number of children to be born there in the current financial year is 42.

It is inevitable that there are now or will be Australian intended parents dealing with currently pregnant surrogates in the Ukraine, or Australian intended parents who have a newborn baby currently in the Ukraine.

Ukraine has remained popular for Australian intended parents for surrogacy, despite laws in some States that make it illegal to engage in commercial surrogacy overseas.

I hope that Australian intended parents, their babies and their surrogates, are safe in these awful hours.

Request an Appointment
Fill in the form below to find out if you have a claim.
Request an Appointment - Stephen Page
Things to Read, Watch & Listen
Surrogacy Parentage Order WA : Register Now | Guide

WA surrogacy parents: register now for parentage orders

Western Australians who have had a child through surrogacy, whether in Western Australia, elsewhere in Australia or overseas, may soon have an important opportunity to obtain legal recognition as parents. The Western Australian Government is seeking registrations from past surrogacy parents who do not have a parentage order. This is particularly significant for families who… Read More »WA surrogacy parents: register now for parentage orders

Parenting Plan vs Consent Orders: Which Is Right?

Parenting plans vs consent orders explained

When parents separate, one of the most important questions is how arrangements for children will be recorded. Will the agreement be kept flexible through a parenting plan, or formalised in legally binding consent orders? There is no single answer that suits every family. The right option depends on the level of trust between parents, the… Read More »Parenting plans vs consent orders explained

Sperm Donor Family Limit Queensland: The Real Rule

Sperm donor family limit in Queensland explained

Queensland’s new sperm donor family limit was intended to create clarity, consistency and better access to donor sperm. Instead, guidance issued to IVF clinics has produced a result that appears to halve donor access for many lesbian couples. The legislation provides for a 10-family limit. Yet where two women are in a couple and seek… Read More »Sperm donor family limit in Queensland explained

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board