Surrogacy - criteria for becoming a surrogate mother

The Private Healthcare UK guide to infertility treatment contains articles on infertility and IVF treatment which are aimed at improving your knowledge of treatments for infertility, their benefits and potential risks.

The guide is sponsored by The London Women's Clinic, leading fertility specialists who have been involved in fertility management since 1984.

The London Women's Clinic (LWC) provides IVF and fertility treatments to assist couples and individuals overcome their difficulties in conception and pregnancy.

With over 20 years’ experience in the treatment of fertility problems, their team delivers a full range of diagnostic and treatment programmes for fertility disorders. Their clinics based in London, the North of England and Wales operate one of the most successful IVF programmes in the world.

The LWC in Harley Street is rated in the top three amongst all UK licensed centres for women aged up to 35 and the HFEA has published the centre specific IVF success rates for the period 1st January – 30th June 2007 showing verified results of 55.7% success.

The LWC have also championed the practice of egg-sharing, and their egg donation programme provides hope to many women, who previously believed they could not have children. The assisted reproduction services are complemented by gynaecology services such as a pre-conception and Well Woman check-ups.

For more information about The London Women’s Clinic:

The London Women's Clinic London

113 - 115 Harley Street

London W1G 6AP UK

Tel:         +44 (0) 20 7487 5050         (main switchboard)

Tel:         +44 (0) 20 7563 4309         (appointments & enquiries)

Fax:         +44 (0) 20 7487 5850

Email: info@londonwomensclinic.com  

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A potential surrogate mother must be in good overall health, and be able to undergo a pregnancy with the minimum amount of risk to her own health.

There should be no medical contraindications for pregnancy and the surrogate mother should not be a heavy smoker, should not drink excessively and should not abuse drugs.

It is strongly recommended that a surrogate mother should have borne at least one child previously, and should preferably have completed her own family.

Because the risks of pregnancy increase with age, any woman over 35 should give careful consideration before deciding to become a surrogate mother.

Being a surrogate mother is an emotionally and physically demanding task.  It is important to have the backing of a partner, family or friends to provide emotional support and practical help.

Careful consideration must be given to the implications of surrendering the child at birth, the effect on any existing children, her partner and her family.

It is also advisable for a woman considering surrogacy to discuss the matter with her general practitioner.  He may be able to provide advice and support, and will wish to be aware of the medical details which may be relevant to the patient’s future care.

If the surrogate mother is also to be the egg donor, she must also undergo the different screening tests as laid out in the HFEA Code of Practice 5^th Edition (Sections 4.10-4.18).

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