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Surrogacy
A popular method of assisted reproduction where a baby is carried to term for another couple or person
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
Types of Surrogacy
HFEA, the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, define surrogacy as either Full Surrogacy or Partial Surrogacy. We offer both Full Surrogacy and Partial Surrogacy at Manchester Fertility, depending on your circumstance, you may choose either for your treatment plan.
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.
Our Surrogacy Specialists
Some patients join us from a place of great excitement, with this being their first attempt at conception. Others may have had a difficult journey on their journey to surrogacy. To ensure we’re giving every patient, regardless of their experiences, the best quality of care we can provide we established our specialist surrogacy team. The team is made up of staff members who have in the past not only gone above and beyond for patients, but also have the expert knowledge and experience needed to guide patients through the surrogacy process.
Dr Peter Kerecsenyi
Fertility Consultant
Peter is a consultant gynaecologist, he qualified from Hungary in 2000 and gained his EBCOG recognized specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2005. With over 13 years of experience as a specialist and a member and recognised trainer of the British Fertility Society, Peter is well-versed in all aspects of the surrogacy process and enjoys finding new ways to improve the quality of care his patients receive.
Dr Anamika Rao
Fertility Consultant
Anamika completed her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training both in India and the UK, and has been a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since 2005. She is an expert in not only in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, assisted conception, fertility preservation and treatment with donor gametes – but has a long history working to support intended parents and surrogates through the surrogacy process.
Karen Arnold
Lead Donation Nurse
Karen is our Lead Donation Nurse; her main focus is in assisting intended parents and their surrogates during their treatment and also consulting egg donors before the matching process. Karen is extremely involved in the process, including compiling relevant history and test results of all the donors we have available at Manchester Fertility.
Paula Lynch
Senior Fertility Nurse
Paula has had a long career working in fertility care at units and clinics in Ireland, Essex and London. As a Senior Fertility Nurse, Paula works with all our patients at Manchester Fertility, helping them through various stages of treatment.
Rihannah Leech-Ratchford
Patient Services Manager
Rihannah is our Patient Services Manager and is dedicated to providing outstanding patient satisfaction. She ensures every patient receives the best possible care and feels well supported throughout every step of their journey. Rihannah finds joy in supporting intended parents throughout the surrogacy process and is able to provide tailored advice if a surrogate, or intended parent, is ever troubled.
Olivia Tindall
Senior Patient Advisor
Olivia joined Manchester Fertility in March 2020 and previously worked in Reproductive Medicine at Saint Mary's Hospital. Olivia loves being a part of the In-Patient Team, helping patients understand what is involved in their treatment and guiding them through the process. She is always prepared with expert advice to help intended parents and surrogates alike feel comfortable with the surrogacy process.
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:
- My Surrogacy Journey
- Surrogacy UK
- Brilliant Beginnings
- Childlessness Overcome Through Surrogacy (COTS)
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 looking for a surrogate, you’ll want to make sure they are able to have a safe, healthy pregnancy and birth. You’ll also want someone you can build a close, trusting relationship with. It’s really important that you’re clear about how things will work in the future.
This is where legal advice and guidance can really help. Legal advice can be invaluable when reaching an agreement with your surrogate and when obtaining your parental order after your baby is born.
Useful Resources 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
On Our Blog
Here at Manchester Fertility we're proud of the work we do. We're pioneering putting patients first, ensuring you receive the very best care no matter your background, religion or sexual orientation. Learn more about our work with LGBTQ+ community on our blog.