Surrogacy
For some people, building a family means having the support of another person to help bring their baby into the world – a journey known as surrogacy.
At Bourn Hall, we were the first clinic to offer in vitro fertilisation (IVF) surrogacy to both heterosexual and same-sex couples, and in 1989, we welcomed the world’s first gestational surrogacy baby.
Today, our compassionate team continues to guide and care for everyone involved in the surrogacy process. We’re here to make every stage feel clear, supported and emotionally safe.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a truly special way to grow your family – a journey rooted in trust, generosity and shared hope. It can bring a mix of emotions for everyone involved, but with the right support and care, it can also be deeply rewarding. Our experienced team is here to walk you through every step, helping you understand your options and feel confident in your decisions.
Starting the surrogacy process
The surrogacy process begins with IVF treatment to create embryos using your own eggs and sperm. In the UK, one of the intended parents must have a genetic link to the baby, so donor embryos can’t be used.
The embryos are then carefully transferred to your chosen surrogate’s uterus, where they can grow and develop until birth. This is known as gestational surrogacy, as the surrogate carries the pregnancy but isn’t genetically related to the baby.
Some intended parents already have a friend or family member who’s offered to be their surrogate. Others connect through established UK surrogacy organisations. It’s important to note that it’s illegal to advertise for surrogates in the UK, and fertility clinics are not allowed to find a surrogate for you.
However, you may be able to find advice and support from recognised UK organisations, such as:
We also recommend that everyone involved in the surrogacy process seeks independent legal guidance from a solicitor who specialises in surrogacy before treatment begins.
Our team can also provide contact details for trusted organisations and legal experts to ensure you have the right guidance in place from the very start of your journey.
Preparing for IVF surrogacy
Once you’ve decided to move forward, you’ll have a series of medical investigations to confirm that surrogacy is the most appropriate and safest path for everyone involved.
You’ll then begin a cycle of IVF treatment – sometimes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – to create your embryos. These embryos are then carefully frozen and stored for a short period before the next stage of treatment.
You and your surrogate will each attend medical consultations and independent counselling sessions, where every aspect of IVF surrogacy is discussed in detail. This space gives everyone time to ask questions, consider options and feel fully informed and supported before moving ahead.
Ideally, a surrogate is under 36 and has either completed her own family or chosen not to have children herself. She’ll also undergo comprehensive health screening, including tests for infectious conditions such as HIV, to safeguard her wellbeing and that of the baby.
What happens during my surrogate’s pregnancy?
After the embryo transfer, your surrogate will receive regular medical care and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. During this time, you’ll remain closely involved in the journey, sharing updates, celebrating milestones and helping shape the birth plan together.
Every surrogacy experience is unique. Some intended parents and surrogates prefer to stay in close contact, while others choose a little more space – whatever feels comfortable for everyone. At Bourn Hall, our team will offer ongoing guidance, emotional support and gentle communication where needed, ensuring all parties feel cared for and connected at every stage.
Surrogacy involves one person carrying a baby on behalf of someone else. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, so the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. In partial surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, meaning she is genetically related to the child.
Is surrogacy right for me?
Surrogacy can be a positive and empowering way to start or grow your family if you need support to carry a pregnancy. It may be suitable if you have a medical condition that means that pregnancy isn’t possible, or it is difficult or unsafe – for example, after a hysterectomy or where carrying a baby could affect your health.
It can also be a meaningful pathway for male same-sex couples and single men who wish to have a biological connection to their child through IVF surrogacy.
Whatever your circumstances, our caring team will take the time to understand your individual situation and guide you through your options, helping you make choices that feel right for you and your family.
What next?
Why choose us for your IVF surrogacy?
At Bourn Hall, we understand that choosing IVF surrogacy is a significant and heartfelt decision. Our caring team is here to make your journey feel supported, calm and clearly guided from the very beginning.
As the world’s first IVF clinic – and the birthplace of the first gestational surrogacy baby in 1989 – we bring decades of pioneering experience and compassionate care to every family we support.
When you choose us, you’ll benefit from:
- Expert guidance from leading fertility specialists
- Personalised treatment plans shaped around your needs
- Inclusive care for all individuals and couples
- A long history of innovation and trusted IVF experience
We’ll be by your side throughout, helping you begin your surrogacy journey with confidence and care.
Book your IVF surrogacy consultation today
If you’re considering IVF surrogacy, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to begin treatment, our expert team will guide and support you throughout your journey.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Your Stories
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are always inspired by the success stories they have to share. Hear directly from our previous patients as they share their unique journeys to parenthood.
Everything Happens for a Reason: Laura and Kevin’s Journey
Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn that changes everything. When Laura discovered a lump and was diagnosed…
Shared Motherhood Journey: Jessica & Orlagh
Jessica and Orlagh’s path to becoming parents wasn’t straightforward, but through treatment at Bourn Hall, their dream…
Rebecca and Tadeusz’s journey to parenthood was long and challenging
Rebecca and Tadeusz’s journey to parenthood was long and challenging. After seven attempts and multiple chemical miscarriages,…
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Learn more about the options available to you, from fertility tests to treatments, and find answers to any questions you might have.
Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.