In the wake of global challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical disruptions, the medical tourism industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) . This technology promises to enhance the user experience, drive efficiency, and foster growth in the sector. Medical Tourism: A Snapshot Approximately 14 million people annually explore healthcare solutions abroad. While traditionally a niche market, medical tourism's estimated worth is projected to rise to $27.6 million by 2024, up from $16.8 million in 2018. The escalating healthcare costs globally, coupled with factors like cultural familiarity, recommendations, and combining medical care with vacation, propel this growth. How AI Transforms Medical Tourism: Data Analysis & Personalized Content: With vast amounts of user data shifting online, AI can analyze patient preferences and behaviors. This enables practitioners and agencies to deliver tailored medical content , enhancing user engagement and boosting medical tourism numbers. Travel & Health Packages Booking: Gone are the days of traditional travel agencies. AI-powered chatbots and assistants now streamline the booking process, encompassing flights, accommodations, and health packages. AI ensures that potential medical tourists access services faster and more efficiently. Advanced Healthcare Solutions: From foundational aspects like machine learning to high-end utilities like computer vision and decision-making, AI augments various healthcare processes. This includes patient management, diagnosis, surgery planning, and more. Global AI Innovations in Medical Tourism: Turkey: A hub for medical tourism, with 45+ hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). UAE: Leading the charge in AI integration, with initiatives like the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the appointment of the world’s first AI-focused Minister of State. The Future & Concerns: While researchers affirm that AI is central to the industry's future, concerns surrounding security, societal implications, and economic factors do exist. The JCI, although monitoring AI's implications, currently has limited visibility into its exact application within medical tourism. Furthermore, while the promise of AI is significant, a 2023 study indicates that comprehensive data on patients traveling for medical care remains scarce. Thus, there's an opportunity for providers to centralize and leverage this data, further enhancing AI's potential. Medical tourism, already on an upward trajectory, stands at the cusp of an AI-driven revolution. Şebnem Akman Balta from Medulux Health suggests, “Thanks to AI technology, the future of medical tourism will see accelerated growth.” With its potential to improve accessibility, affordability, and user experience, AI is undeniably reshaping the medical tourism landscape. 

For aspiring parents exploring international surrogacy , Georgia has often been the first port of call. Yet, recent developments threaten to reshape the surrogacy landscape. The Georgian government is on the brink of a groundbreaking decision that could see foreign couples barred from the promising world of commercial surrogacy within its scenic confines. Impending Changes in Georgia's Surrogacy Laws A clarion call to prospective parents! Georgia's administration has unveiled intentions to introduce legislation prohibiting surrogacy for non-residents starting January 1, 2024. This move, when cemented, would make violations a criminal transgression. As the proposal currently stands in draft mode, a haze surrounds multiple aspects of surrogacy services in Georgia, especially concerning the legitimacy of pre-existing contracts. Those considering venturing into surrogacy agreements are advised to tread cautiously; unforeseen circumstances may render refunds an impossibility, and children born under unauthorized terms may find themselves unable to depart from Georgian shores. Always prioritize securing independent legal guidance before venturing into surrogacy in Georgia or elsewhere. Elena's Surrogacy Chronicle in Tbilisi Tbilisi's winding lanes have borne witness to countless tales like Elena's. For her and many others, surrogacy isn't merely an occupation; it's a beacon of hope. Her journey to surrogate motherhood, spurred by her daughter's medical challenges, encapsulates the blend of emotional and financial significance of surrogacy in Georgia . A Protective Stance? Georgia's Legislative Perspective A protective umbrella for surrogate mothers and the innocent lives they bring forth – this resonates as the guiding ethos behind Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili's endorsement of the prospective ban. Charting a course away from commercial undertakings, the envisioned surrogacy paradigm extols the virtues of altruism. European Surrogacy Tourism in Flux: The Ukraine Catalyst The mosaic of global surrogacy tourism felt a jolt with the turmoil engulfing Ukraine. As the nation, a pivotal hub for surrogacy in Europe, grappled with uncertainties following Russia's intervention, many surrogate mothers found solace in alternative havens like Georgia. Delving into Georgia's Surrogacy Conundrum: Expert Viewpoints Renowned analyst Polina Vlasenko unravels the layered narrative of Georgia's surrogacy debate . Through her lens, the anticipated ban seems deeply entrenched in the nation's conservative fabric, potentially pushing surrogate mothers into precarious terrains. International Ripples: Surrogacy Scandals and Georgia Recent tremors from a scandal involving a Greek fertility establishment, implicated in exploiting surrogate mothers, some from Georgia, inject fresh perspectives into the surrogacy debate, emphasizing the intricacies of international surrogacy . Shifting Tides in Surrogacy: Adapting to Global Shifts Sam Everingham illuminates the ever-changing topography of international surrogacy. With Ukraine's challenges sending shockwaves, a significant clientele has recalibrated their focus towards Georgia, highlighting the fluidity of global surrogacy trends. Commercial Surrogacy's Price Tag: An International Overview From its American roots, commercial surrogacy's voyage has navigated a labyrinth of legal quandaries across Europe. Even in the face of geopolitical adversities like those in Ukraine, established clinics exemplify resilience, though surrounded by multifaceted challenges. A Surrogate’s Gaze Beyond Georgian Horizons Elena's narrative offers profound insights into the potential ramifications of Georgia's surrogacy legislation. Should the draft transform into law, she foresees numerous Georgian women setting their sights on surrogacy prospects abroad, challenging the potential law's inherent biases. 

Historic Leadership Sets the Stage Stefanos Kasselakis recently etched his name into the history books by becoming Greece's first openly gay political leader, leading the Syriza party. However, he's not stopping at just that. During a conversation with Alpha TV, Kasselakis made another significant revelation about his personal life. Kasselakis's Surrogacy Vision With his partner, Tyler McBeth, Kasselakis has plans to welcome children via surrogacy. Expressing his vision passionately, he stated, “As a society, we need to provide complete equality.” This sentiment underscores a broader societal transition, where the progressive movement's focus is expanding from traditional areas of concern to deeply personal rights like family creation and reproduction. The Biological Hurdle At the heart of their decision to opt for surrogacy is a basic biological fact: two men can't reproduce together. Yet, Kasselakis's perspective points towards a world where societal advancements and acceptance can provide avenues to challenge and potentially overcome such boundaries. Surrogacy: A Push for Societal Equality "Providing complete equality" in the realm of surrogacy could mean societal and legal acceptance of using third-party gestation. Given Kasselakis's background—a shipowner and an ex-Goldman Sachs financier—it's evident that his battle is more about societal recognition rather than the financial aspects. Women in the Surrogacy Conversation However, with discussions around surrogacy and equality, there emerges a pertinent critique. Does this drive towards 'complete equality' in reproduction inadvertently reduce women to mere biological contributors? The ethical dimension of surrogacy cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to potential commodification. The Evolving Values of the Left The transformation in Syriza's leadership brings to light a broader debate around the evolution of leftist values. Once a strong adversary of austerity, Syriza now finds itself led by someone closely associated with the financial institutions they once stood against. A New Direction or a Reflection? While Kasselakis's leadership might symbolize a fresh trajectory for Syriza, it also serves as a mirror, reflecting the changing paths and objectives of progressive movements globally. The challenge lies in harmonizing foundational principles with the ever-changing nuances of societal progress.

Popular model Chrissy Teigen and acclaimed singer John Legend introduced their fourth child to the world, a birth realized through surrogacy.  Taking to Instagram, Teigen shared that their baby boy, named Wren Alexander Stephens, came into the world on June 19th. Teigen's heartfelt post reflected on her long-held dream of having four children. Recalling their unfortunate loss of their son, Jack, at 20 weeks in 2020, the celebrity couple sought the possibility of twin surrogates, aiming for the joyous arrival of a baby boy and girl. While contemplating surrogacy, Teigen also resumed her IVF journey, which culminated in the birth of their daughter, Esti Maxine Stephens, earlier this year. During her own pregnancy, Teigen bonded with Alexandra, a surrogate she described as incredibly loving and compassionate. As Teigen gracefully mentioned, "Wren's name will forever echo the bond we share with Alexandra. Our gratitude for her immeasurable contribution is beyond words." The proud mother expressed her elation at their family's growth, feeling that their household is now joyfully complete. She also paid tribute to their late son, Jack, emphasizing his celestial presence in their lives. John Legend didn't hold back his happiness either, sharing an adorable photo set of baby Wren on Instagram, captioning it, "Wren Alexander Stephens, our new love." It's noteworthy that the couple's family includes their daughter Luna, aged 7, and son Miles, aged 5.

The Italian parliament is taking significant steps against surrogacy, introducing a bill that criminalizes Italians seeking these services abroad. The decision has sparked varied reactions.  Unraveling The Proposed Law: What's At Stake? A recent bill, which garnered 166 votes in favor versus 109 against, seeks to penalize Italians venturing abroad for surrogacy services. The stakes? Fines reaching up to €1m and potential imprisonment for up to two years. Extending Domestic Views Globally: Surrogacy Under the Lens In a nation where surrogacy remains illegal and IVF restricted to heterosexual couples, the proposed bill marks an intensified push against international surrogacy tourism. The "Brothers of Italy" party, steering the current government in tandem with their ally "the League," champions this policy. A Waiting Game: Next Steps for the Bill With its foundation laid in the chamber of deputies, the bill now looks to the Italian senate for final endorsement. Defending Rights or Restricting Choices? Italy's Dual Battle Families Minister Eugenia Roccella perceives the move as Italy's leadership stance in safeguarding women and children's rights globally. Yet, the broader sentiment is divided. Many Italians, primarily heterosexual, discreetly opt for surrogacy abroad. However, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has gained notoriety for sidelining same-sex parents. Opposing Perspectives Alessandro Zan of the Democratic party critiques the bill as a possible deflection from graver national challenges. Concurrently, Riccardo Magi from Più Europa warns of Italy's potential friction with international legal norms. LGBTQ+ Community on Edge: Rights at a Crossroads Meloni's conservative ethos, emphasizing traditional parenting paradigms, stokes apprehensions within Italy's LGBTQ+ community about potential rights erosion. Conclusion: Italy's Surrogacy Stance in the Global Landscape As Italy recalibrates its approach to surrogacy, both locally and internationally, the global surrogacy tourism sector watches closely. The unfolding narrative will spotlight the balance between national policy, international surrogacy tourism trends, and diverse community rights.

Discover the latest developments in Portugal's surrogacy regulation, including the proposal to allow three parents and the challenges surrounding the repentance period. Stay informed on the evolving landscape of surrogacy in Portugal.

Thailand is cracking down on illegal surrogacy with full force. The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) is leading the charge to put an end to this problem. They are working on changing the law, known as the "Protection of a Child Born by Medically Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, B.E. 2558 (2015)," to make the penalties tougher for people involved in illegal surrogacy, like middlemen and women hired as surrogates. The head of DHSS, Sura Wisetsak, is very worried about the increasing number of illegal surrogacy cases in the country. They are teaming up with the Royal Thai Police's investigators to find out if criminals are taking advantage of legal loopholes with the help of foreign criminal groups. The Bangkok Post has reported on this issue. Although the exact details are still being worked out, the proposed changes will mean harsher punishments. People found guilty of being middlemen or hired surrogates will face bigger fines and longer prison sentences. Sura Wisetsak has confirmed that the process of making these changes is still ongoing. Illegal surrogacy has become a big problem in Thailand, especially during the pandemic. Because of closed borders, many surrogates couldn't give birth in other countries, so babies were born in Thailand and left behind. Last year, the Department of Special Investigation found out that at least 19 children were born in the country through illegal surrogacy arrangements. These children are now being taken care of by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Akom Praditsuwan, the deputy head of DHSS, said that there are 108 care units in Thailand where assisted reproductive technology is offered. These units are in both public and private hospitals. The success rate of these services is quite high, at 46%. There have been 20,000 cases of in-vitro fertilization and 12,000 cases of artificial breeding. The goal of the proposed changes to the law is to tackle the issue of illegal surrogacy while making sure that legitimate reproductive services can still be provided in the country. Not all surrogacy arrangements are illegal. At MyMedGlobal, we are proud to be a leading medical tourism platform dedicated to facilitating the process of creating new life while ensuring the safety and well-being of intended parents and surrogates. We have established a vast network of reputable fertility clinics across various countries, including Colombia, Georgia, Cyprus, Greece, and more, all of which have demonstrated remarkable success rates. You may also like: Legal Countries for Surrogacy: A 2023 Guide for Intended Parents

India's Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which permits altruistic surrogacy while prohibiting commercial surrogacy, has come under scrutiny from the Karnataka High Court. The court has criticized the Act's 'genetically related' clause, stating that it defeats altruism and logic. The court's ruling came in response to a petition filed by a couple who had lost their son in a road accident and turned to surrogacy to start a family. However, the proposed surrogate mother was prohibited from having a child by way of surrogacy under the Act. The couple challenged this provision, leading to the court's decision. The ruling is significant as it highlights the debate over surrogacy laws in India. While altruistic surrogacy is permitted, the 'genetically related' clause is being criticized for inhibiting altruism by requiring a genetic connection between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. India is one of the few countries where surrogacy is legal, but the laws vary from state to state. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited, but altruistic surrogacy is permitted in some states, including Karnataka. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, introduced last year, seeks to regulate surrogacy and curb its misuse. The court's ruling will have a significant impact on surrogacy laws in India, and potential surrogacy parents will be closely watching the outcome of the petition. The ruling is likely to lead to calls for changes to the Act, with some arguing that the 'genetically related' clause is too restrictive and may discourage altruistic surrogacy. For couples considering surrogacy, it is important to understand the laws governing surrogacy in their state. Currently, altruistic surrogacy is permitted in states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Other states, such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, have more restrictive laws on surrogacy. Read: Uncovering the Truth About Children Born via Surrogacy and More Considering Surrogacy Abroad? Here are Some Legal and Safe Options As surrogacy laws in India become more restrictive, many intended parents are seeking alternative destinations where surrogacy is legal and accessible. Fortunately, there are several countries that offer favorable laws, established surrogacy industries, and experienced medical professionals. One such country is Mexico, where surrogacy is legal and regulated. Mexico has become a popular destination for surrogacy due to its favorable laws and affordable costs. The country also has experienced medical professionals who offer high-quality care to intended parents and surrogate mothers. Colombia is another option for couples seeking surrogacy abroad. The country has recently legalized surrogacy and has established regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of surrogate mothers and intended parents. The surrogacy process in Colombia is relatively affordable, and the country has a reputation for high-quality medical care. Georgia is also emerging as a popular destination for surrogacy, with a supportive legal framework and affordable costs. The country has a reputation for high-quality medical care and experienced professionals who provide comprehensive support to intended parents and surrogate mothers. While considering surrogacy abroad, it is crucial to research the legal landscape and medical options available in each potential destination. Choosing a reputable surrogacy agency that can provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the process is also essential. Use the MyMedGlobal platform to find your clinic of choice. You may also like: International Surrogacy Calculator - For Intended Parents

Children born via assisted reproduction are just as psychologically well-adjusted as those born without assistance, according to a new study that followed 65 children born through egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy from infancy until age 20. The study found that children born through assisted reproduction had good relationships with their parents, particularly if their parents told them about their birth history before the age of 7. The lead author of the study, Susan Golombok, a professor emerita of family research and former director of the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge, noted that when the study began over 20 years ago, there was concern about the potential damaging effect on the relationship between the child and the parents due to the absence of a biological link. However, the study found that having children in different or new ways did not interfere with how families functioned. It is best for parents to share the story of assisted reproduction with their children at an early age, so that it becomes a natural part of their family narrative. Clinical psychologist Rebecca Berry, an adjunct faculty member in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, notes that children begin to ask questions about pregnancy between the ages of 3 and 4, and they will start to ask questions about where babies come from as a way of understanding why they are here. Read: Ana Obregon's Late Son's Baby Born via Surrogacy  It is also important for parents to revisit the birth history from time to time, so that the conversation is ongoing, giving the child a chance to ask questions in an age-appropriate way as they grow older. Golombok notes that many of the parents in the study used children’s books specifically designed for this purpose, allowing them to bring their child’s own story into the narrative. The study found that there were no differences in maternal anxiety and depression between families formed by surrogacy, egg or sperm donation, and families with children born without assisted conception. However, mothers who had babies via donor eggs reported less positive family relationships than mothers who used sperm donation, likely due to insecurities about a lack of genetic connection to their children. Young adults conceived by sperm donation reported poorer family communication than those conceived by egg donation, possibly due to a greater reluctance on the part of fathers to disclose they are not a genetic parent. In conclusion, the study provides reassurance to parents who may have been concerned about the potential negative impact of assisted reproduction on their children. As long as parents share the story of assisted reproduction early and keep the conversation ongoing, children born through egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy are just as psychologically well-adjusted as those born without assistance. You may also like: Surrogacy Success Stories - Download Our Free eBook Now