For some individuals and couples, carrying a pregnancy is not possible or may not be medically advisable. Surrogacy provides a pathway to parenthood for a wide range of families, including same-sex couples, single people and those facing medical or fertility challenges.
At Genus Fertility, we provide expert clinical care, guidance and support throughout the surrogacy journey, helping intended parents and surrogates navigate what can be a complex but rewarding process.
For some individuals and couples, carrying a pregnancy is not possible or may not be medically advisable. Surrogacy provides a pathway to parenthood for a wide range of families, including same-sex couples, single people and those facing medical or fertility challenges.
At Genus Fertility, we provide expert clinical care, guidance and support throughout the surrogacy journey, helping intended parents and surrogates navigate what can be a complex but rewarding process.
Surrogacy is a fertility treatment arrangement in which a woman, known as a surrogate, carries a pregnancy on behalf of the intended parent or parents. It provides a pathway to parenthood for individuals and couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves or for whom pregnancy would pose significant medical risks.
In most modern surrogacy arrangements, pregnancy is achieved through IVF. Eggs and sperm are used to create embryos in the laboratory, and a selected embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
The embryo may be created using:
Under current UK regulations, at least one intended parent must have a genetic link to the child in order to obtain a Parental Order following birth.
The most common form of surrogacy in the UK is gestational surrogacy. In this arrangement, the surrogate carries the pregnancy but has no genetic connection to the child she is carrying.
Traditional surrogacy occurs when the surrogate also provides the egg used to create the pregnancy. This form of surrogacy is less common and carries additional legal and practical considerations.
Surrogacy involves not only fertility treatment, but also counselling, screening, legal advice and ongoing support. At Genus Fertility, we guide intended parents and surrogates through every stage of the process, ensuring treatment is undertaken safely, ethically and in accordance with UK regulations.
Surrogacy may be considered when carrying a pregnancy is not possible, is unlikely to be successful, or would pose significant health risks.
Common reasons include:
The suitability of surrogacy depends on individual circumstances and will be discussed as part of your fertility assessment
How do intended parents find a surrogate?
Many surrogacy arrangements begin with a family member or close friend offering to act as a surrogate. Others choose to connect with a surrogate through an established UK surrogacy organisation.
While Genus Fertility does not match intended parents with surrogates, we can provide information regarding recognised UK surrogacy organisations and support networks, including:
Surrogacy UK
My Surrogacy Journey
Brilliant Beginnings
Two Dads UK
Nappy Ending
These organisations can provide guidance, introductions, support and practical advice throughout the surrogacy journey.
How does a surrogate become pregnant?
Most surrogacy arrangements involve IVF treatment. Eggs and sperm are used to create embryos in the laboratory, and a selected embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
Depending on individual circumstances, embryos may be created using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm, donor eggs with sperm from an intended parent, or donor sperm with eggs from an intended parent. Under current UK regulations, at least one intended parent must usually have a genetic link to the child in order to obtain a Parental Order following birth.
The embryo transfer procedure itself is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes. Following transfer, the surrogate will continue any prescribed medications and undergo pregnancy testing at the appropriate time.
Who are the legal aarents at birth?
Under current UK law, the surrogate is the legal mother of the child at birth, regardless of any genetic relationship.
If the surrogate is married or in a civil partnership, their spouse or civil partner may also have legal parenthood responsibilities.
Following the birth, the intended parent(s) can apply for a Parental Order, which transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parent(s).
Because surrogacy law is complex and subject to change, we strongly recommend obtaining independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.