Getting through the legal complexities of Surrogacy in UK!

by Become Mother Surrogacy and IVF services

Surrogacy in UK is a majorly complicated affair given to the list of surrogacy laws in the country. Still, being an intended parent, you must ensure taking a deep understanding of every key fact and element of surrogacy in UK ( be it single parent surrogacy or gay surrogacy in UK )

Searching the surrogate mother in UK

In UK it is illegal to put advertisements and hoardings related to surrogate search. Besides, your likelihood of reaching parenthood if you are using the surrogate's eggs will depend on her age. Another factor to take into account is the potential increased risk of health issues or pregnancy complications in women over 35.

On the other side, paying a surrogate for surrogacy cost in UK is not permitted. However, you are liable for covering any reasonable costs incurred by the surrogate, such as maternity wear, travel costs, and lost wages.

The same surrogacy cost in UK varies and the surrogates normally receive between £10,000 and £15,000, though this would depend on your specific situation. For instance, if your surrogate has twins, additional costs might be necessary.

· You'll also be responsible for paying for your clinic visits. Depending on what you want, the cost in the same regard varies. Besides, if you intend to use the surrogate's own eggs and fertilize them with your sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) therapy is likely necessary given the sperm is of high quality.

· Moreover, IVF, which is more expensive than IUI, is required if you're utilizing your own eggs and sperm or donated eggs from someone who isn't the surrogate.

· You might need intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, which is an additional expense on top of IVF, if you're utilizing sperm that isn't of the finest quality.

Are there any legal considerations to be made?

Yes. You should get independent legal guidance from a professional or a surrogacy agency in UK because surrogacy entails many complex legal problems, especially if you're receiving treatment abroad.

Even if the eggs and sperm used were your own or donated (i.e., she is not genetically related to the child), the surrogate is the child's legal mother in the UK unless you obtain a parental order from the court. The surrogate will no longer have any parental responsibilities or rights if you receive a parental order for the child.

Besides, your specific situation will determine who the second legal parent is at the time of birth. Unless it can be demonstrated that her spouse did not consent to her treatment, if the surrogate is married or in a civil partnership, her partner will automatically be the second legal parent (unless a parental order is granted).

On the other side, the man giving the sperm (if he wishes to be the father) will automatically be the second legal parent at birth if the surrogate is single. But if you all choose, the surrogate can name a second legal parent instead, such the intended mother or a non-biological father. Before the sperm, egg, or embryo is transferred, the desired second parent as well as the surrogate must both agree to this:

Do surrogate needs to submit any documentation ?

It is required of the surrogate to submit SWP - Your consent (as a surrogate) designating a legal parent form with an intended parent as the nominee

The second parent who is meant must submit SPP - Your agreement to serve as the surrogate's legal parent

Prior to a recent change in the law, only two people could apply for a parental order if they were the child's biological parents; but, if you are merely one of those biological parents, you may now do so (ie, your eggs or sperm were used to create the baby).

Moreover, you should see your surrogacy agency in UK early on about naming a second legal parent because this is a complex matter and they can help you through it.