Israel Evacuates Surrogate-Born Babies From Nepal

A team from Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service began evacuating surrogate-born babies and their Israeli parents from Nepal on Monday, April 27, according to reports. Five newborn babies landed in Tel Aviv on Monday, transported from Kathmandu on the return leg of a flight sent to provide relief after Saturday’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake.

The parents, all male couples, fathered the babies with the help of surrogate mothers in Nepal. In the days since the evacuation, they have attracted international attention, highlighting a law that prohibits surrogacy for same-sex couples in Israel. According to reports citing Israel’s Foreign Ministry, preparations were underway to transport another 22 surrogate-born infants, their parents, and four surrogate mothers to Israel.

The photos of the families arriving at Sde Dov airport in Tel Aviv on April 27 were shared by MDA, along with footage of members of the MDA delegation caring for the newborn surrogate babies in Kathmandu and the MDA team arriving in Nepal on April 26. Credit: Magen David Adom