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Is surrogacy illegal in Germany?

Yes. Surrogacy is banned in Germany. Doctors who help a surrogate face up to 3 years in prison.

Embryo Protection Act s.1(1) no.7 punishes doctors who carry out surrogacy (up to 3 years or a fine); Justice Minister, May 2025: nothing in the coalition agreement, no majority for change.

Source: Embryo Protection Act 1990

• Germany is one of 18 countries where surrogacy is banned, and 21 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 3 of 9 (Austria, France and Switzerland).
• In Europe: banned in 14 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban surrogacy

ChinaSerbiaCroatiaAustriaSpainFinlandSlovakiaLithuaniaSloveniaMaltaSaudi ArabiaMoroccoItalyFranceAll 18 on the map ›

What else is banned in Germany