Surrogacy: Costs, Process, Laws & How to Build Your Family Through Surrogacy

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a family-building pathway that allows intended parents to have a child with the help of a surrogate who carries the pregnancy on their behalf.

For many people, surrogacy offers hope when carrying a pregnancy themselves is not possible, safe or successful.

Today, surrogacy helps heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, single parents and cancer survivors achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Who uses surrogacy?

Surrogacy may be an option for:

• Women born without a uterus
• Women who have undergone a hysterectomy
• Those with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe
• People who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
• Individuals who have undergone cancer treatment
• Same-sex male couples
• Single men pursuing parenthood
• Couples who have experienced repeated IVF failure

Every surrogacy journey is unique, and the right pathway depends on individual circumstances.

How much does surrogacy cost?

One of the most common questions intended parents ask is: "how much does surrogacy cost?" The answer depends on where treatment takes place, whether IVF is required, legal costs, agency support and other associated expenses.

Typical surrogacy costs by country

Types of surrogacy

How does the surrogacy process work?

While every journey differs, the process often includes the following stages:

1. 1

   Initial consultation

   Intended parents meet with fertility specialists and surrogacy professionals to explore their options and pathway.

2. 2

   Fertility assessment

   Medical testing helps determine the best treatment pathway — including whether donor eggs or sperm may be needed.

3. 3

   Matching with a surrogate

   The intended parents and surrogate are carefully matched based on shared expectations, values and goals.

4. 4

   Legal agreements

   Independent legal advice should be obtained before treatment begins to protect everyone involved.

5. 5

   IVF treatment

   Embryos are created and transferred to the surrogate's uterus.

6. 6

   Pregnancy and birth

   The surrogate carries the pregnancy while maintaining communication and support with the intended parents.

7. 7

   Legal parenthood

   The legal process varies depending on the country — in the UK this involves applying for a Parental Order after birth.

Surrogacy in the UK

The UK follows an altruistic surrogacy model. This means surrogates cannot be paid commercially but can receive reasonable expenses.

Many intended parents choose UK surrogacy because of:

• Strong ethical framework
• Established support organisations
• Opportunities to build meaningful relationships with surrogates
• Ongoing legal reform discussions

However, matching with a surrogate can sometimes take time.

International surrogacy

International surrogacy has become increasingly popular among intended parents seeking alternative pathways to parenthood.

Professional legal guidance is essential before pursuing surrogacy abroad.

Do you need IVF for surrogacy?

In most gestational surrogacy arrangements, IVF is required. Embryos may be created using:

• • Intended parents' eggs and sperm
• • Donor eggs
• • Donor sperm
• • Donor embryos

Many intended parents will also explore fertility preservation, egg freezing or donor conception as part of their journey.

Choosing a surrogacy agency or support organisation

Having the right support network can make a significant difference. Many intended parents seek guidance from trusted organisations such as:

• My Surrogacy Journey
• Growing Families — IP surrogacy guidance
• Fertility clinics specialising in third-party reproduction
• Legal professionals experienced in surrogacy

These organisations can help with education, matching, counselling and ongoing support.

Frequently asked questions