Creating a Surrogacy Agreement in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide by SurrogacyUK

Creating a surrogacy agreement involves navigating various key stages, each deserving special attention. Here’s a more in-depth look at these:

1. Trying to Conceive:

• Number of Attempts: Define how many attempts will be made to conceive and what approaches (like IVF or IUI) will be used.

• Review Points: Schedule regular review discussions to evaluate the process and make adjustments as needed.

• Timelines: Establish general timelines and what steps should be taken if conception doesn’t occur as planned.

2. Pregnancy:

• Contact Frequency: Agree on how often you’ll communicate—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and the preferred mode of communication (phone calls, messages, or in-person visits).

• Medical Appointments: Decide who will attend medical appointments and how updates will be shared.

• Vaccinations and Testing: Discuss preferences and expectations for vaccinations, screenings, and tests during pregnancy.

3. Birth:

• Birth Plan: Create a tentative birth plan outlining who will be present, pain management options, and any birth preferences.

• Hospital or Home Birth: Decide on the location of birth and ensure everyone is comfortable with it.

• Post-Birth: Agree on the immediate steps post-birth, including who will hold the baby first, and who will have skin to skin contact.

4. Post-Birth:

• Legal Steps: Outline any legal steps that need to be taken post-birth, such as parental orders or birth certificate updates.

• Contact: Establish the level of contact or relationship expected between the surrogate and the child/family post-birth.

5. Expenses:

• Payment Plans: Discuss payment schedules for covering the surrogate’s expenses and any additional costs.

• Contingency Plans: Have a plan for unexpected costs or situations that might arise.

6. Contact and Expectations:

• Future Communication: Discuss how you’ll communicate in the years to come, considering the relationship with the child.

• Conflict Resolution: Agree on a mechanism for resolving disagreements or conflicts that may arise during or after the journey.

By addressing each of these stages in your surrogacy agreement, you build a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling surrogacy journey. Remember, the aim is to foster mutual understanding and trust amongst all parties involved.