Surrogacy
In some cases, potential parents need the help of another person to carry and deliver their baby for them – a process known as surrogacy.
We were the first clinic to offer IVF treatment with surrogacy to both heterosexual and same-sex couples; the first IVF surrogacy baby was born in 1989. Our experienced team will guide and support you throughout the process.
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
You will have IVF treatment to create your own embryos, which will be transferred to the uterus of your chosen surrogate host. She then carries the pregnancy and gives birth. Donor sperm or donor eggs can also be used in surrogacy treatment. One of the commissioning parents must be genetically related to the baby, so donor embryos cannot be used.
You may already have a friend or relative who has agreed to be a host. If this is not the case, please note that it is illegal in the UK to advertise for surrogates, and fertility clinics are not allowed to find a host for you. However, you may be able to find help through the agencies that work in this field.
Is surrogacy right for me?
Surrogacy may be appropriate if you have a medical condition that makes it impossible or dangerous to get pregnant and give birth. For example, you may have had a hysterectomy, or you have a medical condition where pregnancy would be detrimental to your own health. In the case of male, same-sex couples, it’s clear that a surrogate host is needed.
What next?
Following a panel of medical investigations you will have a cycle of IVF treatment – with or without ICSI – to create your embryos. They will be frozen and stored ‘in quarantine’ for an appropriate period. You and the surrogate host will attend medical consultations and independent counselling where all aspects of IVF surrogacy will be discussed in detail.
Ideally, a surrogate should be aged under 36 and already have their own family, or have decided they do not want to become a parent themselves. The surrogate will be medically screened, including HIV testing.
We appreciate that surrogacy is a big step that needs careful consideration by everyone involved. Before undertaking treatment, we strongly recommend that all parties involved take advice, including legal advice, from one of the surrogacy support organisations and from a solicitor who specialises in surrogacy law. We recommend the following surrogacy support organisations:
We can also give you contact information for the support organisations or a solicitor.
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
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
Real journeys, real hope. Hear from our patients as they share their paths to parenthood.
“I needed help to face a future without children”
“I didn’t know how I was going to carry on living the rest of my life feeling…
Our Fertility Events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings. Learn more about the options available to you, including fertility tests and treatments, and get the 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.