The ongoing war in Ukraine has forced many families to make painful decisions to survive. Among them is 22 year old Karina Tarasenko, who became a surrogate mother after losing stability during the conflict.
Karina is currently six months pregnant with a baby for a Chinese couple. The child was conceived using the biological parents’ egg and sperm, making Karina only the surrogate carrier.
Before the war, Karina never imagined becoming a surrogate. However, her life changed dramatically when her hometown, Bakhmut, became one of the most heavily damaged cities during the Russian invasion.
Her home was destroyed during the fighting, forcing her and her partner to move to Kyiv in search of safety and work. Despite their efforts, the couple struggled to earn enough money to support their young daughter.
A Difficult Decision During Hard Times
Karina explained that financial pressure pushed her toward surrogacy. She recalled visiting a shop one day and realizing she barely had enough money to buy bread and nappies for her child. That moment convinced her to look for another way to support her family.
At first, she felt upset and emotionally conflicted about becoming a surrogate mother. Over time, however, she accepted the decision as a necessary step for survival during the economic crisis caused by the war.
Karina now lives in an apartment provided by the surrogacy clinic near Kyiv. She is expecting a baby girl and will receive around £12,500 after delivery. Most of the payment will come after the birth.
Initially, her contract promised a larger payment. However, the amount was reduced after one of the twins she was carrying did not survive during pregnancy. According to the agreement, the compensation changed because only one baby remained.
Plans for the Future May Face New Challenges
Despite the emotional and physical demands of surrogacy, Karina says she plans to continue carrying babies for other families as long as her health allows. Her main goal is to save enough money to buy a home and provide financial security for her daughter.
However, possible legal changes in Ukraine could affect the future of paid surrogacy. New discussions around regulations may limit opportunities for women who rely on surrogacy as a source of income.
The war has already damaged millions of lives across Ukraine. Rising inflation, job losses, and economic uncertainty continue to force many people into difficult choices they never expected to make.
