Surrogacy for single mums

Brilliant Beginnings helped change UK law to allow single parents to apply for parental orders in 2019, and we have worked with single mums building families through surrogacy for many years.  We know that you may have questions if you are thinking of building your family through surrogacy.

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 create 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, but from a UK perspective, the legal issues are complicated if you are not able to use your own genetic material.  If you cannot use your own eggs or sperm to conceive through surrogacy, we would recommend you seek early legal advice.  Our sister 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 or Canada).  The right decision for you will depend on your timescale, budget, attitude to risk and the kind of surrogacy journey you are hoping for.

How will my child and others feel about surrogacy?

Research into the long term outcomes of surrogacy shows that children do well, particularly where there is openness about how they came into the world.  You may also need to navigate talking to friends and family about surrogacy.  

Where do I start?

Surrogacy is a big decision, and something you need to feel prepared for.  Browse our Knowledge Centre or contact us to arrange a personal Surrogacy Consultation.