Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a way that people who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves can still be the biological parent or parents of a child. Surrogacy is an option for a single person, an LGBT+ couple or a heterosexual couple who cannot conceive naturally or through IUI or IVF.
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple or person. It provides an alternative option for those trying to start a family who cannot carry their own child. Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s egg with the father or donor’s sperm and uses IUI techniques.
What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby she is carrying. The egg provided is either from an egg donor or an intended parent. The egg is fertilised using IVF techniques. The sperm of the father or donor sperm is then used. Many people prefer to have a gestational surrogate to keep a genetic link between the child and parents. In the UK, either the sperm or the egg can be from a donor, but not both.
Why do people use surrogacy?
There are many reasons for using a surrogate, some include having issues with fertility and fertility treatment. It is also an option for women whose pregnancies have resulted in many miscarriages because the intended mother has been unable to carry a baby to term, or when there is another medical or physical reason. Single people who want to have a baby may also want to look for a surrogate mother, and surrogacy is common in LGBT+ couples.
Surrogacy and LGBTQ+
Surrogacy is an appealing option to many same-sex couples because of the option to have a genetic connection to the child. For most LGBTQ+ people looking to pursue surrogacy, at least one donor will be needed in addition to either IVF or IUI.
How to find a surrogate
Surrogates are not allowed to advertise in the UK, so individuals or couples in the UK can contact a non-profit agency, such as Surrogacy UK, ask a friend or family member, or look overseas. It is important for the surrogate and intended parents to share a good relationship.
Who wants to be a surrogate?
A woman may choose to become a surrogate when she has completed her own family or has no wish to bring up more children at that point in time. In many cases, it’s a feeling of wanting to give other people the chance to become parents that is the driving force to become a surrogate.
The surrogacy process
With traditional surrogacy, sperm is inserted into the surrogate, and with host surrogacy, an embryo is implanted. Host surrogacy has become more common. The surrogate will carry the baby, give birth and then pass the baby over to the parent(s). This happens immediately after birth usually.
The surrogacy process will differ depending on who the intended parents are, the biological mother and father, or whether there will be an egg and sperm donor. As part of the reproductive medicine process, the intended mother and the surrogate may need to take fertility medications. When you have a better idea of the requirements and preferences of your surrogacy, you will discuss your options with your fertility clinic.
Surrogacy and funding
Unfortunately, the NHS does not fund surrogacy. Those who are looking to go down this route will need to secure their own funds for the treatment.
In the UK law, it is illegal to pay a surrogate, so it is not a means of earning an income. Expenses are provided to the surrogate, such as loss of earnings, maternity clothes and childcare for her own children, reasonable expenses, travel expenses, and medical treatment are paid to the surrogate so that she is not out of pocket. These fees can all add up, meaning that the cost of surrogacy is more expensive than other fertility treatments.
What are the risks of surrogate pregnancy?
Risks to the pregnancy can be affected by factors such as the age, health and nutrition of the surrogate. The quality of the egg, sperm, and embryo is also affected by environmental factors.
Surrogate pregnancy carries the same risks as normal pregnancy. Gestational surrogates have the added risk of IVF complications, and the surrogates may not have complete control over the pregnancy.
Other risks include the psychological aspects of surrogacy, which can be emotionally challenging for all parties.
How successful is surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy has a success rate of approximately 75%. However, this is impacted by the risk factors listed above.
Is surrogacy legal?
Although surrogacy is legal in the UK, a surrogacy agreement cannot be enforced by the law. At birth, the legal parent and the parental rights stay with the gestational carrier. The surrogate is the legal parent until she signs the baby over by parental order or adoption to the intended parent(s). Legal parents can be transferred, and the intended parents can take legal custody of them after the baby is born.
If she is married or has a legal partner, they are classed as the other parent until the baby is signed over to the intended parents. This is the case even if the intended couple has used their own eggs and sperm.
What is a surrogacy contract?
As a surrogate agreement is not enforceable in the UK and there are not enough surrogates available to fill the demand, around half of the people looking for a surrogate choose to look overseas. In countries where commercial surrogacy is permitted, and the intended parents can be named on the birth certificate, it gives more peace of mind and security to the intended parents. However, it is important to seek advice from immigration specialists in both countries so that the intended parents don’t get stuck overseas.
Always seek legal advice from a professional. For more information on the legal process surrounding surrogacy, visit gov.uk.
Why are some people against surrogacy treatment?
Unfortunately, there are still some concerns around surrogacy. This can be for many reasons and may include religion, psychological impact on the surrogate and the potential exploitation from either party.
Many people have successful experiences of using surrogacy to start their family. Talk to experts and others who have been through it to better understand your options.
Getting support
At IVFN, we are here to offer information, advice and support on a wide range of options for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive naturally. Chat with others choosing their fertility journey on our Safe Space and get expert advice. If you want to know where to begin, watch our experts provide valuable insights in Surrogacy: Where and how to start.