With the help of medicine, reproduction has developed very quickly and without regulation, which is very risky. This service, from the early stages of implementation, has become the most commercialized direction in medicine. Medicine-assisted reproduction should be selfless only. In the case of commercial interest, there is a risk of violating human rights, influencing the decision, and many other risks, the First Deputy Minister of Health, Tamar Gabunia, said.

In addition, as Tamar Gabunia pointed out, reproduction with the help of medicine in Georgia was attractive for citizens of foreign countries due to the lack of regulations, among other factors, while many European countries prohibit surrogacy altogether.

"Some countries have a number of requirements, selfless, altruistic donation, altruistic surrogacy. However, the European directive provides only for the reimbursement of costs related to inconvenience. We, under the European Association Agreement, have a direct obligation to regulate the sector. In the absence of regulations, there are very big risks, both in terms of ethical, legal and quality of medical services," said Tamar Gabunia.

As the Deputy Minister of Health notes, when a child born to citizens of a foreign country through medically-assisted reproduction leaves Georgia, the country can no longer take responsibility for him/her, which may pose certain reputational risks at the international level.

Tamar Gabunia also spoke about the changes that the new draft law envisages.

"Today, on the social network, we see a lot of posts that they will pay, for example, $25,000 for the services of a surrogate. Neither donation nor surrogacy can be paid. In addition, the institutions will be subject to licensing in order to provide the relevant service. Clinical issues will also be settled. Advertising will be strictly prohibited, the Ministry will assume the function of the central coordinating body, that information about medically-assisted reproduction services will be disseminated by the Ministry," said Tamar Gabunia.

According to the Deputy Minister of Health, when the demand is there, the field develops, therefore it will not disappear, and the risk of its transfer to the black market needs to be controlled, as European countries do.

"That's why a severe punishment is provided in case it takes an illegal form.

The state, by improving regulation, ensuring quality and developing a series of highly ethical practices, will give more citizens of Georgia the opportunity to receive the mentioned service safely," said Tamar Gabunia.

The information is distributed by the Ministry of Health.