Surrogacy

Who it's for

• Women without a womb or for whom pregnancy is dangerous
• Recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF implantation failure
• Male same-sex couples and single men

Key facts

• The surrogate is the legal mother at birth. Intended parents apply to court for a parental order – single biological parents can now apply too.
• Clinics can't find a surrogate for you; non-profit organisations such as Surrogacy UK, Brilliant Beginnings and My Surrogacy Journey can help.
• Surrogates typically receive £10,000–£15,000 in expenses (Surrogacy UK).
• Around 230–250 surrogates have IVF in the UK each year.
• Working intended parents are entitled to adoption leave and pay.

What happens

1. 1

   Find a surrogate

   Through a friend or relative or a non-profit surrogacy organisation. Take time to build trust.

2. 2

   Legal advice

   Get independent legal advice early, especially if anything happens abroad.

3. 3

   Clinic treatment

   Host (gestational) surrogacy uses IVF with the intended mother's or a donor's eggs. Straight surrogacy uses the surrogate's eggs, often with IUI.

4. 4

   Pregnancy and birth

   Agree how you'll be involved. Write down your expectations (agreements aren't legally binding).

5. 5

   Parental order

   Apply to the family court within 6 months of the birth.

How long it takes: Often 1–2+ years including finding a surrogate.

Success rates

• Mostly depends on the age of whoever provides the eggs.

Each clinic's published rates – compared with the UK average – are on its profile in the clinic finder.

Costs

Surrogate's expenses (typically £10,000–£15,000) plus clinic treatment (IVF or IUI) and legal fees.

NHS funding

• Surrogacy treatment is very rarely NHS-funded.

Risks and side effects

• Until a parental order is made, the surrogate can change her mind.
• Arrangements abroad are legally complex – you'll still need a UK parental order.