Guidance

Having a child through surrogacy

Information for intended parents, surrogates and health professionals about the surrogacy process in England and Wales.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 28 February 2018
• Last updated: 3 October 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 3 October 2025

     Updated 'The surrogacy pathway' to add a new section on the risks of fertility treatment associated with surrogacy.

  2. 25 April 2024

     The guidance has been updated to include additional guidance and sources for support to those who have experienced baby loss before the 24th week of pregnancy, including guidance on the baby loss certificate.

  3. 23 July 2021

     The guidance has been updated to include an additional national altruistic surrogacy organisation.

  4. 1 November 2019

     The guidance has been updated to reflect a change in legislation, made in January 2019. The change to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 2008 allowed an individual applicant to obtain a parental order, which transfers legal parenthood after a surrogacy arrangement.

  5. 28 February 2018

     First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

The surrogacy pathway: surrogacy and the legal process for intended parents and surrogates in England and Wales

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Care in surrogacy: guidance for the care of surrogates and intended parents in surrogate births in England and Wales

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Details

These documents explain how surrogates and intended parents can start a family through a surrogacy arrangement in England and Wales.

The guidance also sets out best practice for healthcare professionals providing care to people having a child through surrogacy.