Surrogacy in the US for UK couples – why, where to go, and how to get started

Walking the surrogacy path is no simple thing for anyone involved – but for those based in the UK, the process can tend to come with extra layers of complexity.

And although going abroad might feel like just another hoop to jump through, the US has become a popular choice for Brits considering surrogacy in 2024, due to its high standards of service, surrogacy-friendly laws, and cutting-edge medical technology.

Want to know the very latest? You’ll want to earmark The Family Blueprint: London Symposium on Saturday 12 October 2024. Let’s get into it.

This comprehensive one-day event hosted by Family Inceptions, and powered by Fertility 360, is designed specifically for UK citizens interested in surrogacy, egg donation, and understanding the nuances involved with alternative family-building in the US.

Got your tickets yet? Reserve yours here free of charge.

For a little more insight into what to expect, we’re answering the top three questions about surrogacy in the US for UK couples, together with the amazing team at Family Inceptions. Let’s get into it.

1. Why surrogacy in the US for UK couples?

The current demand for surrogates is high in the UK – and while surrogacy is legal, the process does come with certain restrictions. 

One of the most significant challenges is that, under UK law, the surrogate mother is considered the legal mother at birth, even if surrogacy agreements were made prior to baby’s arrival. This means that intended parents must go through an adoption or parental order process to become the legal parents, which can be time-consuming as well as emotionally taxing. 

There are also no surrogacy agencies in the UK, which means that matching with a surrogate and getting the right guidance on the legal challenges and process isn’t always straightforward. 

In contrast, the US offers a more open and structured approach. The majority of states are surrogacy-friendly right now, and have clear, well-established laws that recognise the intended parents as the legal parents from the moment of birth, making the process smoother and less stressful. 

The US is also home to some of the world’s best surrogacy agencies, which offer high standards of service, transparency, and support throughout the journey – from rigorous early screening of surrogates and help with understanding surrogacy laws by state, to detailed analysis that ensures top-notch matching with intended parents. 

On top of this, the US also boasts world-renowned medical care and cutting-edge technology – making surrogacy in the US for UK couples a genuinely attractive choice.

2. What is the cost of surrogacy in the USA from the UK?

On average, the cost of surrogacy in the USA ranges from $130,000 – $200,000.

This is a wide range, and can vary by state, surrogacy agency, legal fees, and medical expenses.

These ballpark figures typically include the surrogate’s compensation, agency fees, legal fees, insurance, medical costs, and surrogate travel expenses – and exclude the cost of medical screening at your fertility clinic, creating embryos and egg donor fees. 

When it comes to the cost of surrogacy in the USA from the UK specifically, intended parents also have to consider embryo shipping and storage fees, as well as their own travel costs.

Each and every surrogacy journey is different, but when you’re under the care of a surrogacy agency, you’ll get the full spectrum of support in working out what your costs might look like, what to expect when, and whether there are financing options available.

3. Which US states are most surrogacy-friendly for UK couples?

The legal landscape for surrogacy in the US varies by state, so for intended parents from the UK, understanding these nuances by location is key. 

Some states are particularly welcoming to international intended parents due to their surrogacy laws and favourable legal systems.

For example, California is often considered the gold standard for international surrogacy in the US, with some of the most supportive laws in the country. Initial birth certificates for most parents are easily obtained, regardless of marital status or relationship orientation, meaning intended parents are recognised as the legal parents before the child is even born.

Georgia is also a great option for intended parents from the UK. Pre-birth orders are easy to obtain for most couples, and both intended parents’ names will go on the birth certificate.

There are also certain states where surrogacy is either trickier for intended parents from the UK to pursue or just not permitted at all. For example, surrogacy is illegal in Louisiana and Nebraska. 

And whilst New York state is surrogacy friendly, pre-birth parentage cannot be issued to intended parents where neither is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident for at least six months prior to the creation of a surrogacy agreement.

Beyond these examples, the key thing to bear in mind is where the surrogate is living, and where the baby is born. 

Working with a top-notch surrogacy agency like Family Inceptions – check out their surrogacy map for a brilliant bird’s eye view of each state – is the best way to ensure that you’re keeping on top of the local laws while making choices about your journey.

Find your path forward, at the Family Blueprint: London Symposium

If you’re considering surrogacy in the US, don’t miss the opportunity to pop into The Family Blueprint: London Symposium – a comprehensive one-day event that will guide you through every step of your journey.

Hosted by Family Inceptions, and powered by Fertility 360, the event takes place on Saturday 12 October at the Westin London City Hotel, you’ll get valuable insights into the financial, legal, and practical aspects of international surrogacy in the US, plus the chance to hear from families with lived experience of a surrogacy journey from the UK to the US. 

You’ll get insight on:

• Financial guidance – Information from leading financial experts that can help you through what to expect and when.

• Legal and insurance support – There are many unexpected nuances to international family planning, and our UK and US based experts give you the roadmap to success.

• Personal stories – Learn from families who have had a successful journey in the US with Family Inceptions, and why they chose them for their successful journey.

We also love that in-person, private one-to-one consultations are included with your ticket, with the opportunity to chat through any questions of the Family Inceptions CEO and Founder.

Find more about the full agenda and register for your FREE spot here.