Today, there are numerous paths for individuals and couples to expand their families. If you’re facing challenges with infertility or are part of the LGBTQ+ community, surrogacy could be an invaluable option on your journey to parenthood when you’re unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy yourself.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is the process where another individual carries and delivers a child, who you will become the legal parent of through a parental order. At TFP Fertility, we specialize in full (or gestational) surrogacy, where donor eggs are used to create embryos, ensuring no genetic relation between the surrogate and the child. We have successfully assisted many same-sex male couples in starting their families with the help of a surrogate. Heterosexual couples and individuals may also find surrogacy a viable option, especially if the female partner has medical issues like the absence of a womb or recurrent miscarriages.
How Does Surrogacy Work?
In full surrogacy, also called gestational or host surrogacy, the embryos are created using eggs from a donor or intended parent, eliminating any genetic link to the surrogate. The eggs are fertilized with sperm from a donor or intended parent and incubated until they reach the blastocyst stage, typically 5-6 days, at which point they are implanted into the surrogate.
Cost of Surrogacy in the UK
It’s important to note that paying a surrogate is illegal in the UK. You can, however, cover reasonable expenses incurred during her pregnancy, such as travel to appointments or lost earnings. While costs can vary based on personal circumstances, using a surrogate generally ranges from £10,000 to £15,000. Additionally, extra costs may arise if your surrogate is expecting twins.
Your Surrogacy Journey
Depending on your situation, there are various fertility treatment options available for your surrogacy journey, including:
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): In this process, donor eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm from the intended parents or a donor. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the surrogate.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): If the sperm quality is low, ICSI can be used during IVF to enhance fertilization chances by injecting a single healthy sperm directly into the egg.
We’re Here to Support You
If you’re thinking about building your family through surrogacy, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our team will help you navigate the process and find the right donor for your needs. For more insights, check out our blog post on First Mother’s Day gift ideas for new moms.
Finding Your Surrogate
While TFP Fertility cannot assist you in finding a surrogate or negotiating agreements, several charities specialize in surrogacy that can provide essential guidance. Organizations like TwoDads, Brilliant Beginnings, and Surrogacy UK are excellent resources for support. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Women’s Health.
Pre-Treatment Requirements
Before starting your surrogacy process, it’s crucial to meet several pre-treatment requirements, including:
- Counseling: Required for all parties involved to address emotional and practical concerns around surrogacy.
- Legal Advice: Each party should seek independent legal counsel to safeguard their interests.
- Screening Tests: Necessary to minimize health risks and ensure the welfare of everyone involved.
- Welfare Check: The Health and Fertility Authority requires an assessment of the intended parents’ background and health.
- Sperm Quarantine: Sperm used must be quarantined for at least 180 days, followed by repeat testing.
As you embark on your surrogacy journey, know that we are here to provide you with the resources and support you need. For couples seeking guidance, check out Make a Mom for expert advice on artificial insemination.
Summary
Surrogacy offers a pathway for individuals and couples, including those facing infertility and LGBTQ+ couples, to create their families. At TFP Fertility, we provide comprehensive support throughout the surrogacy process, including IVF and ICSI treatments. While financial contributions to a surrogate are limited, potential costs can range from £10,000 to £15,000. It’s essential to meet pre-treatment requirements like counseling and legal advice before starting your journey.