9 April 2025

UK Surrogacy Reform: Where Are We Now?

The UK’s surrogacy laws remain outdated despite proposed reforms, but London Women’s Clinic continues to support intended parents through ethical surrogacy, a new partnership with Nappy Endings, and ongoing advocacy for legislative change.

Surrogacy is increasingly recognised as a key pathway to parenthood, transforming countless lives by enabling those who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves to build families of their own. However, surrogacy arrangements in the UK continue to be governed by outdated legislation, despite promising reform proposals introduced by the Law Commissions of England, Wales, and Scotland nearly two years ago.

Surrogacy Legislation: Current Status

In March 2023, the Law Commission released draft reforms proposing significant changes aimed at safeguarding all parties involved: surrogates, intended parents, and, crucially, children. These changes included a new "pathway to parenthood," allowing intended parents to be recognised as legal parents from birth, so long as necessary screenings and counselling occur before conception.

Despite initial interest and enthusiasm, these reforms have stalled in the corridors of power. Political complexities and competing priorities have left the draft bill in legislative limbo. The proposed Surrogacy Register, intended to support surrogate-born children's rights to trace their genetic origins, and new regulations for surrogacy organisations remain on hold.

Yet, hope is not lost. The bill isn't dead, merely paused. Advocacy from the fertility community, surrogacy experts, and intended parents continues to place gentle pressure on policymakers, maintaining momentum for eventual reform.

Rapid Growth and Inclusive Care at LWC

Despite the legislative challenges, we are delighted to be able to share exciting milestones reflecting our ongoing commitment and success in surrogacy care:

We are rapidly approaching 150 births through surrogacy—marking a significant achievement in helping families grow.
Nearly half of our surrogacy cycles now support same-sex male couples, underlining our commitment to inclusivity and diverse family structures.
Remarkably, in the past three years alone, we have supported twice as many surrogate cycles as we did in the previous seven years combined, demonstrating surrogacy’s growing prominence and the trust families place in LWC.

Continuing Commitment to Ethical Surrogacy

At London Women's Clinic, we remain deeply committed to ethical, safe, and supportive surrogacy practices. Our surrogacy programme continues to thrive, and we have recently celebrated our 100th baby born through surrogacy. We're proud of our diverse families, including a growing number of same-sex male couples who seek our expert guidance on their journeys to parenthood.¹

Navigating International Surrogacy Challenges

While international surrogacy offers options for intended parents, it presents significant legal and logistical challenges. Recent cases have highlighted issues such as delays in passport issuance, complications with citizenship, and the need for parental orders to transfer legal parentage to UK intended parents. These complexities underscore the importance of carefully navigating international arrangements with expert legal advice and careful planning.

Surrogacy Services Available in the UK: LWC Collaboration with Nappy Endings

Given these international complexities, many intended parents find reassurance and support by choosing UK-based surrogacy services. We're delighted to announce our collaboration with Nappy Endings, a UK-based surrogacy agency renowned for its compassionate and deeply personalised approach to surrogacy. Founded by Rachel Westbury—a remarkable four-time surrogate herself—Nappy Endings offers dedicated emotional, practical, and fertility support to intended parents and surrogates.

This collaboration signifies a unified effort to expand our mutual support networks, combining London Women’s Clinic’s clinical expertise with Nappy Endings' empathetic, personal care. Together, we are dedicated to making the UK surrogacy journey smoother, clearer, and more accessible, providing an ethical and reassuring alternative to international surrogacy.

Rachel Westbury shared, “We're excited about this collaboration, which brings together compassionate care with outstanding medical support. Together, we’ll provide an even more reassuring, secure journey for families navigating surrogacy."

While we eagerly await legislative movement, our new partnership with Nappy Endings allows us to strengthen our commitment to supporting intended parents and surrogates today. We'll continue advocating for reform, sharing stories of resilience and hope, and enhancing the surrogacy experience for everyone involved.²

Meet Us at The Familymakers Show

You can meet experts from both London Women’s Clinic and Nappy Endings at the Familymakers Show in Brighton on 10th May. Our dedicated surrogacy team will be there, to help you learn about how we can support your journey. For more details, visit familymakers.co.uk.

Stay connected through our events, webinars, and stories from our wonderful surrogacy families here. Together, we look forward to celebrating many more joyful arrivals.

Want to know more?

To learn more about our surrogacy programmes or our partnership with Nappy Endings, visit our website or contact our dedicated surrogacy team for support.

You can read LWC-published research on surrogacy at the key references below:

Ahuja, K. K., Mostyn, B., Simons, E. G., Bowen-Simpkins, P., Madani, T., Homa, S., & Watts, E. (2023). First clinical report of 179 surrogacy cases in the UK: Implications for policy and practice. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 46(4), 777–784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.027
Ahuja, K. K. (2022). Shared intent in third-party donation will underpin the success of new surrogacy laws. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 45(4), 639–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.09.003

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’

Kathryn Jessica

27 October 2026, LWC Bromley

‘We we under the care of Canterbury LWC for all scans and blood tests and Bromley for egg collection and transfers. The team and Canterbury were particularly amazing, so supportive and reassuring throughout. No question was ever too much, they treated you as individuals and were caring and compassionate throughout the process. The receptionist were lovely, knew you from the offset by name, remembered you which makes a difficult process so much easier when you are treated as an individual. We were NHS funded and I never felt we were treated any different to private patients. The nursing staff at Bromley were also brilliant, I always felt so looked after through some really tough and emotional procedures. We were under the care of Dr Uppal who was excellent, explained everything clearly, gave us options and listened to our concerns. Would highly recommend. Currently 26 weeks pregnant ☺️’

Rose S

25 October 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women’s Clinic, Harrow, for helping make our dream of becoming parents come true. We are now blessed with a beautiful baby! A special thank you to Dr Gill for the care, guidance and support throughout our IVF journey, and to Carla and Maria for making the entire process smooth and reassuring. We had a wonderful experience and will always be thankful to the whole team. Highly recommend! ❤️’

P S

23 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘LWC are fantastically supportive at every stage of your journey. They try to be as flexible as possible with appointments, giving good advice about supporting yourself (and partners) as you prepare for different procedures. It is a tough journey but Louise, Rute, Dr Arthi, Trianni, Dr Bishista and Ashley are incredibly supportive. Highly recommend them to anyone considering or needing fertility support.’

S W

23 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘I honestly cannot fault Kind IVF. From start to finish, I have been so incredibly impressed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by the entire team. Going through IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey, but they have made the whole experience feel so much more reassuring and positive. Every step of the way, I have felt cared for, listened to and supported. The team have been amazing at answering questions, putting my mind at ease and making sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. You can really tell how much they care about their patients, and that makes such a huge difference during a journey that can be so personal and emotional. I am so grateful to everyone at Kind IVF for everything they have done for us. Choosing them has been one of the best decisions we have made, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend them enough to anyone considering IVF. The standard of care has been outstanding, and I cannot thank them enough for helping us on this journey. ❤️ Thank you, Kind IVF, for being so amazing!’

Georgia Burt

22 October 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘I highly recommend the London Women's Clinic Brentwood. The staff were very supportive, patient, and always available to answer questions. They guided me through an emotional process with clear explanations and genuine care. The staff were always available and happy to help.’

S Begum

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Choosing an IVF clinic is such a big decision and I'm so incredibly glad that we chose this one. IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey but having a clinic that offers so much support and genuinely cares for you makes such a difference. The care and kindness that we have received has been exceptional. We can't thank LWC Brentwood enough ❤️’

Laura Keary

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic enough for helping me achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a mum. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the team were absolutely fantastic and supported me every step of the way. Their kindness, care and reassurance made such a difference during what was a really emotional and challenging time. I always felt supported and in safe hands. A special thank you to Carla, Ana-Maria and Dr Goswami. You have all been absolutely fantastic and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. I’ll never forget the support and care you have shown me during such an important and emotional journey. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve something I have wanted for as long as I can remember. It means more to me than words can say. I would recommend London Women’s Clinic to anyone going through their own fertility journey.’

Sarah

21 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We started our treatment in July, and I have had a very positive experience with this clinic. Lorraine on reception especially made me feel like nothing was too much trouble and always knew me by name which is such a nice personal touch, especially at such a sensitive time. Along with Dr Safwat Ashour he always recommended the best treatment for us and just had such a kind caring attitude towards us while explaining our options and being very honest with us too. One of the nurses (so sorry I can’t remember your name) she only recently started in July and I felt so at home with her and cared for. To finish off we are currently pregnant with our IVF miracle all thanks you this clinic. Thank you all so much, no thanks would ever be enough for the gift you have given us!’

Sophie Jay

21 October 2026, LWC Darlington

‘Very professional and very welcoming, and very clean I was given time to feel relaxed and I didn't feel like I had to rush this made me feel very comfortable.’

Ryan Harmer

21 October 2026, LWC Brighton

‘My wife and I have had a brilliant experience with LWC throughout our fertility journey. We always felt listened to, supported, and in control of the decisions we were making. Our PCC Suzanna, Dr Verstraete, and the nursing team were consistently friendly, responsive, and knowledgeable, which made navigating the shared motherhood process feel so much easier. We’re incredibly grateful for the care and support we received.’

Megan Nelkon

20 October 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I’ve had a great experience with the clinic so far. From the very beginning, I’ve felt incredibly well cared for and supported throughout my egg freezing journey. Daenira on reception is always so lovely, welcoming and helpful, and Liv, my nurse, has been fantastic! She’s made me feel comfortable, reassured and well looked after at every step. Dr Wade has also been absolutely brilliant and I have complete confidence in the care and guidance I’ve received. I would highly recommend this clinic to anybody considering egg freezing.’

Saffy

20 October 2026, LWC Oxford

‘The most amazing experience with the clinic from start to end Nothing is to much for them They will answer every Question Worry or concern no matter how big or small, My experience and care they have shown in one of the hardest times and most worrying experiences they were there every single step of the way, I honestly couldn’t thank every member I’ve dealt with anymore and would recommend this clinic to anyone thinking about it , hardest decision but best decision every made and all the staff here made this possible for me you are all amazing caring people And I thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏🏼🩷’

Stephanie

18 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I truly feel blessed and thankful to God that we are in such a wonderful place and in such caring hands during one of the most precious journeys of our lives. The clinic has been outstanding throughout my treatment, making the entire journey feel as smooth as possible. The whole team at the Brentwood clinic is absolutely amazing, everyone is so warm, welcoming and supportive. The treatment has been incredible so far, and we are extremely satisfied with the care, support, and overall service we have received throughout our journey. Fingers crossed, I truly believe that the best news is just around the corner! ❤️🤞 I would wholeheartedly recommend Brentwood clinic for the care and support they provide in parenthood journey.’

Harika

14 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘London Women’s Clinic, Reading were fantastic and Nurse Nicky was such a supportive and reassuring professional. Thank you for journeying with me Nicky!’

Sope Adekola

14 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘Where to start… Fertility treatment is the last thing any of us expect to need. But if you find yourself on this journey, Brentwood London Women’s Clinic is where you want to be. Carina’s warm welcome sets the tone the moment you arrive, and every single nurse is wonderful, kind, calm, and reassuring. It’s a complicated and sometimes difficult road, but they walk it beside you. We’ve experienced both joy and heartache here, and through every moment we’ve felt cared for and supported. They truly get to know you, and the care feels personal and bespoke. Today we have our precious 3-year-old, and we will forever be thankful to this amazing team. They are everything you could hope for kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely there for you. We couldn’t recommend them more.’

Sarah Tidey

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic in Brentwood enough for everything they have done and continue to do for us. They helped us create our now 3 year old, and we are incredibly grateful to be back with them on our journey to hopefully have another little one. Angela and Katie are truly incredible nurses. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, listened to and supported every step of the way. They take the time to explain the process, answer any questions and put your mind at ease, making what can sometimes be an overwhelming and emotional journey feel that little bit easier. It means so much to be cared for by people who genuinely seem to care about you and your family, rather than just seeing you as another patient. Their kindness, compassion and reassurance make such a difference, and we feel very lucky to have them supporting us again. We will always be grateful to London Women’s Clinic for helping us bring our little girl into the world, and we have every hope that they will help us grow our family once more. We couldn’t recommend the team highly enough. Thank you, Angela, Katie and everyone at the Brentwood clinic, for being such a special part of our journey. ❤️ Also a special mention for the smiley face in the reception. Carina, you are great!!’

bethan philp

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Came here after my treatment at LWC Darlington as I needed to be part of the failed implantation team. The care and communication was second to none. It was everything and more, no question to my coordinator was never too much. They were extremely accommodating when I had to travel from up north multiple times and were always happy to let me have my then 2 year old son come to monitoring appointments. I’m grateful for their expertise in failed implantation as my 3rd egg collection was successful and my fresh transfer worked first time & I’ve just gave birth to my second LWC baby in September 2026. Would always recommend LWC - especially London Bridge / Harley Street.’

Jeni J

13 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Great experience. Very kind and supportive.’

Jesylin Luka

12 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘My experience with London Women's Clinic Brighton has been wonderful so far. The staff are kind and patient, as well as exceptionally knowledgeable. I have had all my questions answered (and have been encouraged to ask more whenever!), and I feel assured that I'm receiving transparent, evidence-based advice.’

Jess Smith

12 October 2026, LWC Brighton

‘Excellent service, highly recommend!’

Lenka Kalafutova

10 October 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Lovely people. Truly!’

Eve Reiser

8 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘My experience was positive throughout. The team at the clinic was friendly at every visit. Suzanna was always very responsive and kind and happy to answer any questions. Dr Verstraete was always empathetic and knowledgeable! Most importantly: the outcome is a healthy baby :)’

Mir

8 October 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘Thank you so much Dr Naware, Linda and Emmanuella’

Moyo T

7 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Going through the IVF journey is always going to be difficult, but the team at London Women's Clinic in Harrow have made it the best experience possible. We've had constant support, check ins, and they have really got to know us and understand our concerns and issues. No question has ever felt like a silly one, and they've been incredibly accommodating when we've needed it too. The whole team have been amazing, but in particular Carla, Ana-Marie and Dr Goswami. We actually relocated away from Harrow 12 months ago, but have continued to go back to the team there as we've built such a great relationship with them, and their support through such a difficult journey has meant the world to us. I can't recommend them highly enough. And probably the important bit for anyone considering going to them - we're expecting our first baby in February!’

Emma Dunning

6 October 2026, LWC Harrow