Understanding Surrogacy

The use of surrogacy, with or without the help of IVF is increasingly popular for the creation of modern families. For same sex male couples or single gay men the use of a surrogate is the only way to have a biological child. However it is a complex process with many potential pitfalls. If you are thinking of exploring surrogacy there are many legal, financial and other logistical and emotional factors to consider. If you think you might want to use Surrogacy or consider becoming a Surrogate for someone who needs help to have a child then it is very important that you do some careful research and also seek professional advice. Whatever your situation, getting the right information at the outset can help avoid problems and enable you, to make informed decisions to achieve the best outcome.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is when a woman, the Surrogate, carries a pregnancy and gives birth to the baby for a person or couple, known as Intended Parents, who cannot or choose not to, get pregnant themselves.
There are two types of surrogacy:

Traditional, genetic, or straight surrogacy:
In traditional surrogacy the surrogate provides the egg, and is therefore also an egg donor. This type of surrogacy does not necessarily require IVF as pregnancy can be achieved
by using Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with the intended father’s sperm. However IVF can be used using the surrogate’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm.

Gestational, host, or full surrogacy:
In this type of surrogacy the surrogate does not provide the egg for the pregnancy. The egg can be provided by the intended mother or by an egg donor. IVF is used to create an embryo using the intended fathers sperm, or a sperm donor if necessary. The embryo is transferred to the surrogate who will carry the pregnancy (Gestation) and deliver the baby.

Who uses Surrogacy to have a baby?

There are many situations when surrogacy can be used to build a family either by choice or necessity.

Surrogacy may be appropriate for women with a medical condition that makes it impossible or dangerous for them to get pregnant and give birth, including:
absence or malformation of the womb
surgery and/or treatment for cancer
heart problems and other medical issues
repeated failed IVF
recurrent miscarriage or still birth
Psycological conditions including tokophobia which is a recognised phobia of pregnancy and child birth

It is also a popular option for male same-sex couples who want to have a family and single males or females.

How much does Surrogacy cost in the UK?

Surrogancy is legal in the UK but It is illegal advertise for a surrogate or to pay a surrogate to carry a child. It must be done altruistically and not for commercial gain. However you may pay their “reasonable expenses” throughout the process. Costs are dependent on the surrogates lifestyle /employment status / family circumstances, type of treatment required and whether this includes IVF.
Non-profit organisations quote average expenses between £12,000 and £20,000 per cycle but there is no limit. Typically, a surrogates expenses may include maternity clothes, loss of earnings, travel or childcare.

Building a family through surrogacy , possibly combined with egg or sperm donation is a complax process which requires a lot of consideration and planning. The exact requiremnts, legal implications and cost will depend on your own unique set of circumstances, your surrogates cumircustances and also how and where you decide to progress your surrogacy journey. There are many professional organisations and fertility clinics, both in UK and who can help.

If you want to consider surrogacy I can explain the process, help you understand the options available to you and explain the physical, emotional, legal and financial implications which you should consider before embarking on a surrogacy journey.

If you would like to discuss surrogacy further please complete the contact form to arrange a free introductory meeting to learn more about how I can support you.

What do I do next?

The best place to start is with a free of charge no commitment chat with Jenny to understand your specific circumstances and whether you might benefit from independent advice and support. Regardless of your circumstances or what stage of your journey you are at you can get in touch to book a free 30 minute on line consultation.

Written by jennydobbsfertility

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