email - info@fertilityconnect.com

Text Size - Normal - Large

surrogacy - Fertility Information - Treatment - Surrogacy

Surrogacy

There are a number of selected units in the UK that offer surrogacy. HFEA will have listings of all the units who offer this service.

Full surrogacy

The woman carries the child for the commissioning couple. The Embryo is provided by the commissioning couple and therefore the host (the carrier of the child) does not have any genetic link to the child. The commissioning couple may have had to have IVF or the embryo may be through donation.

Partial Surrogacy

This is where the male partner has donated his sperm through a process of insemination or IVF. The egg is provided by the host herself. The host is therefore genetically linked to the child.

If a couple are considering surrogacy it is imperative that both parties seek independent legal advice before proceeding. In conjunction both parties should be counselled separately by an experienced counsellor in surrogacy to ensure both parties have explored all the ethical and legal implications.

Some points to consider are that in the eyes of the law the Host has the right at any time to determine the fate of the pregnancy/child. She may decide to terminate the pregnancy or indeed keep that child after it is born. In the eyes of the law as the women who is carrying and giving birth to the child she is seen as the mother and therefore it is likely that a court would rule in favour of the host.

The host’s name and the name of her partner will also be present on the birth certificate. The commissioning couple may apply for a Parental Order which enables a change of parentage. The change of parentage recognises the couple as the legal parents and they will not have to apply to adopt the child. To be awarded this order one of the commissioning couple must be related genetically to the child. The host’s details will remain on the birth certificate. Until a parental or adoptive order has been approved by a court of law, the host will be seen as the legal parent of the child.

return to top of surrogacy page

copyright © 2005-2006 www.fertilityconnect.com