Surrogacy
In some cases, potential parents need the help of another person to carry and deliver their baby for them – a process known as surrogacy.
We were the first clinic to offer IVF treatment with surrogacy to both heterosexual and same-sex couples; the first IVF surrogacy baby was born in 1989. Our experienced team will guide and support you throughout the process.
Please contact us to discuss the options for starting a new treatment cycle if you are a patient needing IVF with surrogacy.
How does it work?
You will have IVF treatment to create your own embryos, which will be transferred to the uterus of your chosen surrogate host. She then carries the pregnancy and gives birth. Donor sperm or donor eggs can also be used in surrogacy treatment. One of the commissioning parents must be genetically related to the baby, so donor embryos cannot be used.
You may already have a friend or relative who has agreed to be a host. If this is not the case, please note that it is illegal in the UK to advertise for surrogates, and fertility clinics are not allowed to find a host for you. However, you may be able to find help through the agencies that work in this field.
Is it right for me?
Surrogacy may be appropriate if you have a medical condition that makes it impossible or dangerous to get pregnant and give birth. For example, you may have had a hysterectomy, or you have a medical condition where pregnancy would be detrimental to your own health. In the case of male, same-sex couples, it’s clear that a surrogate host is needed.
What next?
Following a panel of medical investigations you will have a cycle of IVF treatment – with or without ICSI – to create your embryos. They will be frozen and stored ‘in quarantine’ for an appropriate period. You and the surrogate host will attend medical consultations and independent counselling where all aspects of IVF surrogacy will be discussed in detail.
Ideally, a surrogate should be aged under 36 and already have their own family, or have decided they do not want to become a parent themselves. The surrogate will be medically screened, including HIV testing.
We appreciate that surrogacy is a big step that needs careful consideration by everyone involved. Before undertaking treatment, we strongly recommend that all parties involved take advice, including legal advice, from one of the surrogacy support organisations and from a solicitor who specialises in surrogacy law. We recommend the following surrogacy support organisations:
We can also give you contact information for the support organisations or a solicitor.
Book a free Discovery call with our donor coordinator at a time to suit you, to find out more. Or, complete the form below by clicking ‘Get in touch’ and a member of our team will be in contact with you.
