Surrogacy for single mums

Brilliant Beginnings is a longstanding champion of single parents, supporting them since our launch in 2013. Our sibling organisation NGA Law also won the case against the government which changed the law for single parents in 2016. 

Is surrogacy the right way forward for me?

This is a very personal question. You might be considering whether to continue trying to get pregnant if you have been trying unsuccessfully. You might be considering surrogacy alongside other alternative family-building paths, such as adoption.  You might be deciding whether the time is right for you in your personal life, and whether you have the right support around you.

It is important to take the time you need, and to access the right information and support, to make a clear and settled decision.

How do single mums conceive through surrogacy?

You may be planning to transfer an embryo created with your egg (or your sperm if you are transgender) to a gestational surrogate.

It is also very common for single mums to need the help of both an egg and a sperm donor to conceive through surrogacy. From a UK perspective, the legal issues are more complicated if you are not able to use your own genetic material and we would recommend early legal advice. Our sibling organisation NGA Law can help you.

Should I stay in the UK or go overseas for surrogacy?

This is one of the most important early questions to explore.  About half the UK parents who conceive through surrogacy do so in the UK and the others go overseas (for single mums usually to the USA).  The right decision for you will depend on your timescale, budget, attitude to risk and the kind of surrogacy journey you are hoping for.