Same-sex male couple discussing surrogacy

Surrogacy

At Manchester Fertility, we work to support you through every step of the surrogacy journey, providing specialist care, tailored treatment packages and expert advice for intended parents.

What Is Surrogacy?

With advancements in reproductive medicine, surrogacy is becoming an increasingly accessible fertility treatment for those who otherwise could not carry a pregnancy. This includes same-sex male couples, many queer or transgender people, and those who may have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or failed IVF cycles to start their families.

Here at Manchester Fertility, Surrogacy is available to everyone, regardless of gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. We believe that surrogacy with the right balance of compassion, medical advice, and legal guidance surrogacy can be a straightforward and fulfilling process. You may consider surrogacy if: 

  • You are in a male same-sex relationship where neither partner can carry a pregnancy to term
  • Neither you, or a potential partner, are able to carry a pregnancy to term for psychological or emotional reasons
  • Neither you as a single person, nor you or a potential partner if you are in a relationship, can carry a pregnancy to term for medical reasons 
Ready to Start Your Journey?

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you're ready to start your surrogacy journey or you'd like more information on the treatment process or cost, contact the clinic by phone, request a callback or book a free no obligation 1-2-1 with a New Patient Coordinator today. 

Types of Surrogacy

 

    The Surrogacy Process

    1

    Initial Consultation

    We want you to feel supported throughout every step of your journey with us. If you have decided surrogacy is the right path for you, we'll ask that you attend a consultation at our state-or-the-art clinic so we can discuss the medical, legal and emotional implications of your choice - and offer any advice we can to help you begin your journey. 

    2

    Source an Egg and/or Sperm Donor

    Our patients are in a fortunate position at Manchester Fertility, as we offer access to both donor eggs and sperm through our partner clinics Manchester Donors and Semovo. If you require either for your surrogacy we will be able to help you arrange this.

    In the case of Partial Surrogacy, the egg used for treatment will be given by your surrogate.

    3

    Choose Your Surrogate

    Choosing a surrogate is a deeply personal and important part of your journey to starting a family. You may have a personal connection to your surrogate, or instead source yours through a reputable network. No matter your choice, we'll support you with advice and expert knowledge so you can make the best choice for your future family. 

    At this stage we'll also recommend you take the time getting to know your surrogate, seeing if they're the right fit for you and ironing out any of the legal details.

    4

    Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer Process

    Your surrogate, an intended parent or an egg donor will be given medication to help develop their eggs and will undergo an egg retrieval procedure. Frozen eggs from a donor can also be used. 

    The eggs are then fertilised in the laboratory to create an embryo, which will be transferred to the surrogate.

    5

    Maternity and the Birth of Your Child

    After approximately nine months your surrogate will help you welcome your child into the world. Most intended parents join the surrogate at the hospital for the birth. 

    After the baby is born and the surrogate is discharged from the hospital, you and your surrogate can all return home, you with your new baby and the surrogate with the satisfaction of giving the selfless gift of parenthood to someone else.

    6

    Transfer of Legal Parenthood

    When your baby is born you will need to apply for a parental order to transfer legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents or IP(s). This can only be done with the surrogate's consent. However with the right legal advice and preperation this can be a very straight forward process. The parental order process takes place after birth and involves the family court, and a court-appointed social worker. 

    Surrogacy Team

    In our commitment to providing unparalleled support for both Intended Parents and surrogates, our surrogacy programme includes a team of highly specialised professionals drawn from various disciplines within our clinic. 

    Our surrogacy team comprises a dedicated surrogacy coordinator, an experienced fertility doctor, a skilled embryologist and andrologist, an experienced midwife, and our lead counsellor. Together, our team ensures that you receive the highest standard of care at every step of your surrogacy journey.

    Northern & Midlands Centre of Excellence

    Manchester Fertility is a proud partner of My Surrogacy Journey, a leading surrogacy agency offering exceptional professional, practical and emotional support for everyone going on a surrogacy journey.  As a trusted partner, we are the Northern & Midlands Centre of Excellence for Surrogacy, committed to supporting Intended Parents and surrogates throughout this region.

    Manchester Fertility features in the MSJ directory, which only features services of providers that meet the My Surrogacy Journey Charter. This ensures everyone meets a particular standard of support and behaves transparently. 

    Finding Your Surrogate

    It is not unusual for a family member or close friend to act as a surrogate. However, some patients prefer to choose their surrogate from a recognised surrogacy partner for their treatment.

    We understand that finding a surrogate is a deeply personal choice and although we can't make the decision for you, as a specialist fertility clinic, we have compiled all the resources you will need to help you in your search. 

    There are a number of UK based organisations that can provide support to those on their journey through surrogacy and help you source the right surrogate for your treatment, we would recommend: 

    What Criteria Must a Surrogate Meet?

    A person must meet a few requirements before they can become a surrogate. This is to ensure that your child, and the surrogate, are at no risk during the pregnancy. These criteria are:

    • Be in good physical health
    • Be a minimum of 21 years of age
    • Be a non-smoker
    • Be willing to undertake fertility treatment

    The surrogacy networks we work with, and recommend, ensure the surrogates they work with meet all of these criteria in advance. 

    Legal Advice for Intended Parents

    When Do I Need Legal Advice?

    Throughout the surrogacy process there are a few processess that you will need legal advice and guidance for, such as:

    • Creating a legal surrogacy arrangement document
    • A reminder of the law with regards to reasonable expenses to ensure no party is exploited
    • Putting in place appropriate levels of insurance 
    • Understanding the legal process and requirements to become your child’s legal parent and when to apply
    • Understanding the importance of organising your Last Will and Testament
    Surrogacy Patient Story | Manchester Fertility

    Case Studies

    We were initially drawn to Manchester Fertility for its proximity (location wise) to our surrogate, but we also soon discovered it was the surrogacy North & Midlands Centre of Excellence for surrogacy treatment. All the staff members were amazing! Everyone was kind, caring and genuine, from our Surrogacy Co-ordinator Olivia Tindall to the receptionist Jane and midwife Stacey.

    Zowie & Jonathan

    Read Case Study

    Surrogacy FAQs

    Surrogacy can feel like a complex process, that's why we've put together our Surrogacy FAQs to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have in the early stages of your surrogacy journey.

    How does a surrogate become pregnant?

    At Manchester Fertility, we predominantly use IVF and ICSI to help your surrogate get pregnant regardless of whether a patient has chosen the Full Surrogacy or Partial Surrogacy pathway. This is because we believe it ensures the highest possible chances of success for your treatment. 

    If you have any concerns about the treatment process, our expert team is always ready to offer their support and answer any questions. Contact the clinic directly via your patient app or on 0161 300 2730

    Do Intended Parents have to meet legal requirements?

    A parental order is necessary to become the legal parent of a surrogate-born child in the UK. There are a few conditions that an intended parent must meet to apply for a parental order. These are: 

    • The intended parent(s) must be domiciled in the UK
    • There has to be a medical reason for someone to undergo surrogacy – such as social infertility, in the case of male same-sex couples, where neither can carry a pregnancy, single men that cannot carry a pregnancy, or those diagnosed with infertility and/or are unable to carry a pregnancy
    • There must be a genetic link to the child via one of the intended parent(s)
    Are surrogates paid in the UK?

    HFEA, the Human Fertilisation & Embryo Authority, advises that you cannot pay a surrogate in the UK. However, you are responsible for reimbursing any reasonable expenses that the surrogate incurs, such as maternity clothes, travel expenses and loss of earnings.

    How long does surrogacy take?

    Surrogacy can be a long process, and it is important to be realistic and take the time you need at each stage. Generally, you can expect a surrogacy journey to take at least 18-24 months. Still, depending on the surrogacy destination you choose and how your personal journey progresses, it could take double that.

    What rights do donors have when it comes to surrogacy?

    If you use donor eggs or sperm from a Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) licensed clinic, your donor will not:

    • Be the legal parent of any child born
    • Have any legal obligation to any child born
    • Have any rights over how the child will be brought up
    • Be asked to support the child financially
    • Be named on the birth certificate

    If you source donor eggs for your surrogacy treatment, it will be the surrogate, not the donor, who is considered your child's legal parent until your parental order is processed. Visit the HFEA websitefor more information.

    Is surrogacy legal in the UK?

    Yes, surrogacy is legal in the UK, but if you make a surrogacy agreement, it cannot be enforced by the law. You can find more information on the legal implications of having a child via surrogacy and advice for intended parents on the GOV.UK website.

    Who is the legal parent of a child born from surrogacy?

    Due to current UK law, the surrogate is automatically regarded as the child's legal parent, even if they are not genetically related. 

    However, you should still be treated as the child's caregiver and be expected to care for your child from birth. Once your parental order application is approved, legal parenthood will be transferred from the surrogate to you.

    Can same-sex couples or single individuals use surrogacy to have a child?

    Yes, same-sex couples and single individuals can use surrogacy to have a child. However, to apply for a parental order within the UK, a process required to transfer legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parent(s), the intended parent(s) must have a genetic link to the surrogate-born child. 

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