Are you looking to initiate the surrogacy process in the UK? This can be a fantastic option for many couples to start or grow their family, but it is also a process that can be complex with a number of challenges involved. Fear not, as this post will tell you all you need to know to embark on your surrogacy journey.
Understanding Surrogacy in the UK
First, it is helpful to understand exactly what surrogacy is and the legal framework surrounding it. Essentially, surrogacy involves a woman (known as the surrogate) carrying a child for the intended parents. In the UK, this is only legal on an altruistic basis, which means that a surrogate cannot be paid to carry the baby. There are also two types of surrogacy to be aware of:
Full/Host Surrogacy: The intended parents’ sperm and eggs are used to create embryos implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.
Partial/Straight Surrogacy: The surrogate’s eggs are fertilised with the intended father’s sperm.
Understanding the legal aspects is key as surrogacy arrangements are not legally enforceable in the UK, and the surrogate remains the legal mother unless a parental order is obtained.
Finding & Selecting a Surrogate
Of course, finding and choosing a suitable surrogate is a huge challenge. Here are a few important steps to take:
Connecting with surrogacy agencies: Reputable, non-profit agencies that comply with UK laws can make it straightforward to find a surrogate.
Independent arrangements: If considering an independent arrangement, ensure compliance with legal requirements and a thorough understanding of the process.
Screening and matching: Evaluate any potential surrogate’s health, motivations, and compatibility with the intended parents.
Legal Steps After Birth
There are a few key legal steps following the birth of the child to be aware of:
Parental Order Application: The intended parents must apply for a parental order within six months of the child’s birth to become the legal parents.
Surrogate’s Consent: The surrogate and her partner must provide their consent to grant the parental order, given no earlier than six weeks after the birth.
Legal Parenthood: Without a parental order, the surrogate remains the legal mother, and the intended parents have no automatic legal rights over the child.
As a complex process to navigate, it is important to seek guidance from legal professionals experienced in surrogacy to navigate the process effectively.
Medical Procedures Involved
There are a few medical steps involved in the process to be aware of, including fertility treatments, embryo creation, and embryo transfer. It is vital you find a reputable fertility clinic and understand the risks and success rates associated with these procedures.
Hopefully, this post will be informative and help you navigate the surrogacy process with confidence and find success on your journey.
