Surrogacy During Wartime: When the Journey of Life Continues Even in Times of Crisis

The journey of surrogacy is always an emotional, complex, and hopeful process — and at times, one that carries its fair share of worries. It is a path filled with expectations, deep human connections, and logistical and medical challenges. When this already delicate process is compounded by security crises, wartime situations, or periods of uncertainty, an additional layer of difficulty is introduced — one that places emotional and operational strain on everyone involved. Many participants experience anxiety, loss of control, emotional stress, and in some cases, a true stress response.

When the surrogate is living in a conflict zone, and the intended parents are either abroad or also located in a region affected by security threats, the entire system is under pressure. In such times, all parties are called upon to summon enhanced emotional resilience, cognitive flexibility, and exceptional emotional containment.

1. Open Communication – The Key to Emotional Regulation

In times of emergency, one of the most crucial tools for maintaining a sense of stability is open, transparent and sensitive communication among all parties involved: the surrogate, intended parents, agency, medical staff and emotional support professionals.

Concepts such as emotional containment, mutual empathy and the establishment of even partial perceived control are essential in reducing helplessness and reinforcing the psychological resilience of all involved.

When the intended parent(s) themselves are living in a conflict zone, a unique situation arises in which both sides experience simultaneous threats. This can lead to existential anxiety, profound worry, guilt toward the surrogate  and even fear regarding the future of the process.
In such moments, honest, emotionally attuned communication, paired with professional support, can deepen the relationship between the surrogate and the intended parents and reinforce their shared commitment to the journey.

2. Mental Health Support – It’s OK (and Essential) to Ask for Help

Clinical psychology studies show that chronic stress in times of crisis can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, guilt and even a sense of detachment from reality or one’s surroundings.

For surrogates — many of whom are mothers themselves, managing their families and sometimes living in dangerous areas — these feelings are tangible and immediate.

For intended parents under direct threat, the emotional burden is twofold: on one hand, deep concern for the pregnancy and surrogate, and on the other, personal fear for their safety, their family’s wellbeing, or their community. Sometimes, a compound trauma develops, shaking their sense of stability and weakening their confidence in the process.

It is crucial to emphasize that both surrogates and intended parents are entitled to full emotional support.

Individual emotional counseling, therapy with a clinical psychologist, or support groups for intended parents can serve as emotional anchors, allowing for emotional regulation, processing of difficult feelings and a sense of belonging — even during uncertain times.

3. Health Maintenance – The Body Also Needs Safety

The mind-body connection is especially evident during stressful periods. Elevated cortisol levels over time can negatively impact the immune system, sleep quality and in some cases, even the course of the pregnancy.

A surrogate, in particular, requires a carefully maintained routine that includes balanced nutrition, sufficient rest, light physical activity and strict adherence to medical guidelines and checkups.

If reaching the clinic becomes difficult due to the security situation, alternatives should be explored with the agency or clinic, such as remote consultations, home visits, or postponement of non-urgent tests — all in coordination with medical professionals.

At the same time, it is important that the intended parents also listen to their bodies and protect their wellbeing.
In times of prolonged stress, adequate sleep, proper nutrition, reduced exposure to distressing media and maintaining basic routine all contribute to better decision-making, emotional availability and the ability to respond calmly and clearly when needed.

4. Flexible Thinking – Creative Solutions in Unusual Times

Security emergencies can disrupt schedules, reduce access to medical or legal services and sometimes require a complete restructuring of the surrogacy plan. It is precisely in such moments that the professionalism of the surrogacy team is measured — in their ability to act with flexibility, speed and responsibility.

Experienced surrogacy agencies will know how to offer personalized solutions, such as relocating the surrogate to a safer area, switching clinics, activating medical backups in other countries, adjusting legal contracts and reorganizing logistics with all relevant partners.

Familiarity with local and international medical and legal systems, along with real-time risk management, can mean the difference between a stalled process and a safe, continuous journey.

In Conclusion: Life Doesn’t Stop – Not Even in Difficult Times

Surrogacy during wartime is a real and profound challenge. It requires emotional resilience, professional and community support, operational flexibility and a deep belief in the creation of life.

Yet within all the difficulty lies a powerful reminder — that love is stronger than fear and that choosing to become a parent, or to accompany others on their path to parenthood, is ultimately a choice in optimism and life itself.

We are here — to listen, to hold space, to support and to be a stable, compassionate anchor — at every step of the journey, and in every situation.