The Role of Legal Expertise in Surrogacy: Tamuna Abramidze on GS Consulting’s Ethical Practices

Continuing our insightful discussions with key members of GS Consulting, today we’re pleased to speak with Tamuna Abramidze, the head of GS Consulting’s surrogacy legal department. Following an engaging interview with our founder and CEO, Tamari Kachlishvili, about the foundation and vision of GS Consulting, we now shift our focus to the essential role of legal expertise in our surrogacy operations. “Navigating the complex landscape of international surrogacy requires not only compassion and dedication but also a robust legal framework that safeguards the rights and well-being of all parties involved.”Tamuna brings a wealth of experience in medical law, having joined GS Consulting at a critical juncture to lead our legal team in shaping a secure and ethical environment for intended parents and surrogates alike.

In this interview, we’ll explore the unique challenges and achievements of our legal department, examine the importance of customized legal strategies, and discuss how GS Consulting’s commitment to legal precision and ethical standards distinguishes us in the international market. Join us as we reveal how the legal foundation of our work ensures that every step of the surrogacy journey is safeguarded by clear, transparent, and reliable legal practices.

Tamuna, how did your collaboration with GS Consulting begin, and what was your path to your current position?

My journey to joining GS Consulting has been shaped by my extensive experience in medical law and my dedication to addressing complex legal challenges. I began my career as an in-house lawyer for several medical clinics in Georgia, specializing in medical and surrogacy law while gaining a deep understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of international surrogacy programs.

In 2020, during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to work on mutual cases with Ms. Tamari Kachlishvili, the co-founder of GS Consulting. At that time, surrogacy clinics in Georgia were navigating significant difficulties, and our collaboration highlighted the importance of legal expertise in supporting intended parents and clinics alike.

In October 2023, after completing my studies in Germany, I was approached with an opportunity to join GS Consulting as the head of the legal department. After a thorough interview process and learning about the company’s vision and commitment to ethical surrogacy practices, I felt inspired to be part of a team driving positive change in the industry.

What unique approach to legal matters sets GS Consulting apart in the international market?

At GS Consulting, our legal approach focuses on thorough legal analysis, precise communication, and transparent processes tailored to the surrogacy journey. Our legal department ensures that every intended parent and involved party has comprehensive and accurate information about their rights and obligations before entering the process.

In 2024, during the surrogacy legal changes in Argentina, our team worked diligently to provide timely updates through webinars, direct communication, and legal documents to ensure clients had clarity amidst uncertainty. This proactive approach minimizes misunderstandings and reinforces our commitment to delivering precise, reliable legal support.

What has been the most outstanding surrogacy legal case in your practice, and what experience did it provide you?

Every surrogacy case is unique and presents its challenges. However, one notable challenge arose during the COVID-19 pandemic when surrogacy contracts could not be notarized in Georgia from May 2020 onward. Some intended parents still proceeded with embryo transfers, despite the risk of delays in obtaining a birth certificate.

Two cases ultimately required court proceedings after the birth to obtain a birth certificate. These cases highlighted the importance of preparing comprehensive documentation and explaining the risks clearly to clients. Despite the challenges, we succeeded in obtaining birth certificates for the children, and the court upheld the welfare of the children as a priority. This experience reinforced the need for careful planning and transparent communication with clients about potential legal risks.

How do you effectively manage the differences in laws between different countries?

Navigating diverse legal frameworks in international surrogacy requires constant collaboration with local legal experts and a deep understanding of international regulations. At GS Consulting, we build strong partnerships with local attorneys to ensure compliance with local laws while aligning with international standards. Our approach includes continuous research, staying updated on legal changes, and creating adaptable strategies for our clients. This ensures that our clients can navigate complex legal landscapes confidently and efficiently, regardless of jurisdiction.

Assessing 2024, what was the biggest legal challenge of the year, and how did you handle it?

The legal uncertainty in Argentina posed the biggest challenge in 2024. From May to July, the civil registry suspended issuing birth certificates for surrogacy cases due to a court ordinance. This left the intended parents in limbo, unsure of how long the process would take. Our legal team traveled to Argentina to support clients directly, assisting them with documentation collection and citizenship/passport applications through their embassies. Locally, we collaborated with the civil registry and courts to expedite the process. By maintaining transparent communication with clients and leveraging our legal expertise, we ensured that birth certificates were eventually issued and clients could return home. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving in legal practice.

Prospects for 2025:

In 2025, I hope to see greater stability in surrogacy regulations in Argentina and other destinations. At GS Consulting, we aim to enhance our legal team’s offerings by developing a comprehensive platform that provides clear, accurate, and up-to-date information about surrogacy and its legalities. This initiative will empower intended parents with reliable resources and streamline their decision-making process.

How do you envision the future legal landscape of international surrogacy, and what role does GS Consulting play in this development?

The future of international surrogacy law lies in standardization and transparency. As misinformation spreads rapidly online, GS Consulting’s legal team is committed to becoming a trusted source of verified, fact-checked information for intended parents and stakeholders.

Our goal is to establish a legally secure environment where clients receive precise, up-to-date legal guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.By continuously adapting to global legal changes and advocating for ethical practices, GS Consulting aims to shape a more transparent, trustworthy future for international surrogacy.

What is the main message you want the international community to understand about GS Consulting?

At GS Consulting, we are not just a service provider; we are a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international surrogacy law. Our primary mission is to create a legally secure and supportive environment for all parties involved in the surrogacy process.  What sets us apart is our client-centric approach, which emphasizes transparency, accuracy, and empathy. We recognize that surrogacy is not just a legal process but a deeply personal journey. To this end, we ensure that our clients have access to accurate, up-to-date information and are fully informed of their rights, obligations, and potential risks at every stage.

In an international landscape where surrogacy laws and regulations can be uncertain and frequently changing, GS Consulting stands out as a beacon of reliability. The legal team leverages our global legal expertise, maintains strong partnerships with local attorneys, and adapts swiftly to regulatory changes to provide clear guidance.

Our legal team’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices, client education, and legal precision positions GS Consulting as a leader in the international surrogacy industry. By advocating for best practices and supporting our clients with comprehensive legal solutions, we contribute to shaping a more transparent and secure future for surrogacy worldwide.

This interview was conducted by Sopho Laghidze, Marketing Manager at GS Consulting.