UK
The UK is not suitable to build a family via surrogacy unless you live in the UK already, it is not an international surrogacy destination.
Overview
In the UK, surrogacy is a legal but tightly regulated pathway for family-building. Intended parents can work with UK-based surrogates or international agencies. UK surrogacy laws prioritise the surrogate’s rights until legal parentage is transferred, a process that requires specific legal steps to establish parental rights for the intended parents.
Legal Framework
UK surrogacy operates within a legal framework established by the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. Under these laws, commercial surrogacy is prohibited, but “reasonable expenses” can be paid to the surrogate. The surrogate is legally recognized as the child’s mother until a Parental Order is granted, transferring parental rights to the intended parents. This order must be applied for post-birth and requires the surrogate’s consent.
Costs
While commercial surrogacy is illegal in the UK, intended parents can cover “reasonable expenses” for the surrogate, which generally range between £15,000 and £26,000. This amount may cover living expenses, maternity clothing, and other costs directly related to the pregnancy. Legal fees for the Parental Order and other associated costs are also common, making the overall process less costly than commercial surrogacy options abroad. Creating embryos can cost upto £10,000.
Who Can Build a Family in the UK?
The UK permits surrogacy arrangements for various family structures, including married couples, same-sex couples, and single parents. Intended parents must reside in the UK and must have a biological connection to the child to qualify for a Parental Order. The legal requirements emphasise the surrogate’s full, informed consent, and certain eligibility criteria for the intended parents are in place to ensure the arrangement’s legitimacy.
In the UK, surrogacy remains a family-focused option within a structured legal system designed to balance the rights of surrogates and intended parents while ensuring the welfare of the child.