by Craig and Paul
(Manchester, UK)
Me and my partner are looking for a surrogate in the UK, but unfortunately we are finding it hard here in the UK. It seems to be much easier in the US. Do you know of any UK agencies or maybe even online groups/forums where we could find a surrogate in England? So far we have only found one agency who for some reason do not deal with same-sex couples as intended parents. Why is this? We have found your web-site so useful, thank you so much.
Reply by Rayven:
Hi Craig and Paul,
Unfortunately, I do not know much about UK agencies. I do know that the majority of those seeking surrogates in the UK eventually come to America to find a surrogate here.
The laws in the UK (to my knowledge) favor the surrogate. For instance, in a traditional couple arrangement, the surrogate could be a gestational surrogate, carrying the biological child of the intended parents. Upon birth, if the gestational surrogate wanted to keep the baby, who is in no way biologically related to her, the courts in the UK would uphold this.
That is a horrible risk to any intended parents, and one that you do not find in the United States. In both of my previous surrogacies, I helped couples from the UK, so know that there are those of us out there!
I’ve heard that UK surrogates advertise locally. Not sure where.
I have no idea how the UK views surrogacy for same sex couples, but being as it is difficult to find a surrogate there to begin with, I am going to assume that it will be more difficult in your situation.
My advice: find a surrogate in the USA. The very best state for same sex couples is California. You should not have too much trouble finding a surrogate to help you, just be careful of the state the baby will be born in. Florida, Texas and a couple other states have made surrogacy for same sex couples illegal.
Having spoken with and helped couples from the UK, they have told me that it was less expensive going to America in the long run, than finding a surrogate there. Again, this is hearsay as I have not personally looked for a surrogate in the UK. Hope this helps!
Best wishes!
Update from Rayven
It’s here, finally, the Information on Surrogacy Classified Ads board! Now you can post looking for support or a match. Register for free, then click the “classified ads” tab on the top.
Information on Surrogacy Classifieds
Please note:You cannot put up email addresses and phone numbers on THIS PAGE. It is unsafe to do that online. That is why we have a fabulous classified ads board (link above) to visit. There you can create an ad, hide your contact information from the world at large, and connect with one another in a more safe way. Visit the link above to place an ad. NOT ON THIS PAGE.
2011 Update from Rayven
Again, I am posting here to remind everyone that you are not permitted to release your contact information on this page. IT ISN’T SAFE. Online predators come to pages such as this one looking for contact info to get a hold of those wishing to become parents so they can spin them a good yarn and take financial advantage of them. It happens OFTEN in this community, and is truly heartbreaking, as intended parents might not have the monies available to try a second time.
DO NOT PUT PHONE NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ON THIS PAGE.
In the past, I have simply removed this information from posts, and reminded users about our totally free classified ads board. This free board allows you to place an ad, and have interested users contact you directly. Is it 100% foolproof? No. But at least I am able to look for tell-tale signs that those placing the ads are less than trustworthy.
Information on Surrogacy Classifieds
Going forward, I will not be editing posts on this page, I will simply delete the entire post if you choose to ignore these instructions and put in contact information. It is simply too time consuming for me to edit post after post. Repeat offenders will be banned.
I’m sorry to have to take this firm stance with the users of this website, but honestly, surrogacy is very complicated and very detail oriented; those who cannot abide by rules stated on a webpage are maybe not ready to be involved in such a huge and life changing event.
Best wishes to everyone!