SURROGACY
Sometimes it takes more than two people to make a baby and if you are considering Surrogacy, we can help.
Surrogacy
Our teams at Care Fertility have been helping people to have a child through surrogacy for many years. We use all of our experience to make your journey to parenthood as supported and informed as possible.
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, often referred to as the intended parents (IPs). This arrangement is invaluable for couples unable to carry a pregnancy themselves, providing a pathway to biological parenthood.
Surrogacy involves a legal and emotional commitment between the surrogate and the IPs, supported by medical professionals to ensure a successful and positive experience. At Care Fertility, we guide you through the complexities of surrogacy with compassion and expertise, ensuring you feel supported at every step.
Surrogacy is a remarkable way to create your family, bringing together hope, compassion, and shared purpose. The surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming at the start, but at Care Fertility, we've been building families through surrogacy for years and we have everything you need to reach your goals of parenthood.
Who is surrogacy for?
Surrogacy is a fertility treatment option for couples and individuals who cannot conceive on their own. There are all kinds of reasons why you might need treatment with a surrogate. Reasons for having treatment with surrogacy include:
- if you have a medical condition that leaves you without a functioning womb.
- If you are suffering from a medical condition that makes pregnancy difficult or unsafe.
- Surrogacy for gay men is for male same sex couples who are hoping to start or add to their family.
- Surrogacy for couples unable to conceive together.
Types of surrogacy
Care Fertility offers both straight (traditional) and host (gestational) surrogacy options to accommodate the diverse needs of our same-sex male couples and AMAB individuals:Also known as genetic or traditional surrogacy, this method involves the surrogate using her own eggs and being artificially inseminated with the sperm of one of the intended parents (IPs). As a result, the surrogate has a genetic connection to the baby.
Also known as gestational surrogacy, this method involves the creation of embryos using either the eggs of a donor or one of the intended parents, combined with sperm from a donor or another intended parent. The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate's uterus for gestation. In host surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the baby.
Understanding these options allows you to choose the surrogacy path that aligns best with your family-building goals and preferences.
- Choosing an egg donor
- Choosing a sperm donor
Choosing an egg donor
Selecting an egg donor is a big decision for same-sex male couples and AMAB individuals thinking of using surrogacy. Care Fertility offers a curated selection process to help you find an egg donor who meets your preferences and genetic criteria:
- Personalised matching
Our fertility specialists assist you in finding an egg donor whose physical attributes, medical history, and personal characteristics align with your family's needs. - Genetic screening
All egg donors undergo rigorous screening for genetic diseases and overall health to ensure the highest quality of donor eggs.
Choosing a sperm donor
When selecting a sperm donor, Care Fertility offers a comprehensive selection process designed to meet your specific preferences and requirements:
- Genetic compatibility
Our database includes sperm donors who undergo thorough genetic screening to ensure they meet high medical standards. - Personal characteristics
You can choose a sperm donor based on physical attributes, educational background, interests, and other personal traits important to you.
Our fertility specialists are available to discuss your options and provide support throughout the selection process, ensuring you feel confident in your choice of sperm donor.
Finding a surrogate
Finding the right surrogate is another important step in the surrogacy journey. Care Fertility provides dedicated surrogacy coordinators who offer guidance and support throughout this process:
If you have already identified a surrogate, contact us to initiate the necessary medical and legal assessments.
For those still searching, we collaborate with reputable surrogacy agencies in the UK, known for their expertise in matching IPs with suitable surrogates. These agencies have a proven track record of helping same-sex male couples and AMAB individuals navigate the complexities of surrogacy.
Additionally, if you are using donor eggs, we facilitate the creation of embryos while you search for your surrogate, ensuring readiness for the next steps in your fertility treatment.
The surrogacy process
One of our dedicated consultants will look after you and talk you through the process, answering any questions you may have. You will discuss your medical history as well as the different treatment options available to you.
This is to ensure everyone involved fully understands the implications of surrogacy treatment. This is a mandatory step in the surrogacy process and one which many people find incredibly helpful. Our counsellors will ensure you have all the information you need from an emotional perspective and have a space to explore any questions or concerns you might have. Embarking on fertility treatment is a big step and we want to support you at every step of the way.
To make your embryos you can use the sperm and eggs of you and your partner, or donated sperm and/or donated eggs, as part of IVF or ICSI treatment. If you’re looking to use donor eggs or donor sperm, our IVF specialists will be there to guide you through the IVF donation process. If you haven’t found a surrogate, you can still create embryos and freeze and store them until you’re ready.
Pricing
When exploring surrogacy in the UK, costs are dependent on the type of treatment required and whether this includes IVF or ICSI.
Surrogacy UK suggests a cost range for expenses from around £7,000 up to £15,000. However, you must remember that every situation is different, and you may wish to formalise an outline of reasonable expenses with your surrogate before entering into a surrogacy agreement.
- In the UK, the law states that no payment can be made to a Surrogate.
- It is perfectly legal though for the Intended Parents to cover all reasonable expenses for their surrogate.
- Typically, expenses may include loss of earnings, travel or childcare.
Find your clinics pricing here