Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine

Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine

Author: BBC World Service May 7, 2026 Duration: 29:54

For years, Ukraine has been one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial surrogacy - attracting couples from around the world with lower costs and more relaxed laws. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, the industry has continued to operate. But now, a proposed law being debated in Ukraine’s parliament could ban surrogacy for foreign parents. Also: Rumours are swirling that a US-Iran deal could be close. Scientists have verified the existence of the second largest tsunami ever. CNN's founder Ted Turner has died. And a robot has become a Buddhist monk.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Artemis II leaves Earth's orbit and heads for Moon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
The Artemis II mission has completed a critical engine burn that's propelling the Orion spacecraft and its four astronauts on a journey to the far side of the Moon. It's the first time in over 50 years that humans have l…
UK and allies discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
Representatives from more than 40 countries took part in a virtual summit on Thursday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron says using force to open the vital shipping lane is "unrealis…
Reach for the Moon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
Nasa has said it's back in the business of sending astronauts to the Moon, after the Artemis II mission successfully blasted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida. It said there had been a temporary loss of communications b…
Iran war: World leaders respond to economic impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Countries outline measures to try to reduce the impact of rising energy prices, as stock markets rise on President Trump's statement that the war may end in as little as two weeks. We also hear the views of people living…
Trump: US to leave Iran in '2 or 3 weeks' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
President Trump says the US will end its war against Iran in the next "2 or 3 weeks" - but it will be up to other countries to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz. We'll look at how Australia is dealing with rising fuel co…
Hegseth: US 'closer than ever' to defeating Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:33
US Defence Secretary says President Trump is willing to make a deal to end the fighting, but if Iran doesn't accept the terms, the war will continue. Also: Israel's defence minister says his country's forces will destroy…
US downplays suggestions it could commit war crimes in Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
The White House has downplayed concerns that Donald Trump's threat to hit Iran's civilian infrastructure could lead to the US potentially carrying out war crimes. President Trump said the US military would destroy Iran's…
Can the US really take control of Iran's oil? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
President Trump says the US is in serious discussions with what he described as a new and more reasonable regime to end military operations in Iran. Also: Russia comes to the aid of Cuba by sending more than 700,000 barr…
Recommending: 13 Minutes Presents Artemis II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:26
Humans are returning to the Moon - hear all about it on the BBC’s space podcast. 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II is following Nasa’s mission to loop around the Moon, with a new episode every day. Starts on Monday 30 Marc…

«1...678910