End of an Era - A Sad Farewell to COTS
6th Sept 2024
SurrogacyUK
The recent announcement that Childlessness Overcome Through Surrogacy (COTS) will be closing its doors in September 2025 has given us a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of the UK’s first surrogacy organisation. For over 35 years, COTS has played a vital role in shaping the landscape of surrogacy in the UK, offering guidance and support to those within the surrogacy community.
Surrogacy in the UK owes much of its existence to Kim Cotton, the founder of COTS, who became the first surrogate to give birth in the UK in 1985. Her courage, vision, and determination helped pave the way for surrogacy to be seen as a legitimate and compassionate route to parenthood. Kim’s dedication and pioneering spirit inspired many others to follow in her footsteps, laying the foundation for surrogacy to become a respected and valued family-building option in this country.
At Surrogacy UK, we feel a special connection to COTS, as our founders began their surrogacy journey within its supportive community and we are deeply grateful for the solid foundation that Kim Cotton and COTS have provided.
Over the last three decades, COTS has supported the creation of thousands of families. The organisation has been a safe haven for many who have sought advice, understanding, and a supportive environment, knowing that COTS would be there to guide them through every step of their surrogacy journey. There isn’t a member of the UK surrogacy community that doesn’t recognise COTS and its impact on UK surrogacy.
While the news of COTS closing may feel like the end of an era, its impact will be felt for many years to come. The surrogacy community, including organisations like ours, owes a debt of gratitude to COTS for paving the way and showing what is possible when people come together to help create families. Kim Cotton’s legacy is one that will continue to inspire generations of surrogates, parents, and advocates in the years ahead.
At Surrogacy UK, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim Cotton and everyone who has worked with COTS over the years. Your efforts have touched the lives of so many and have set the stage for a brighter future in surrogacy. Although COTS may be closing, your legacy will endure.
Here’s to the incredible work you have done, and thank you for helping to shape the future of surrogacy in the UK.
With love and gratitude,
Surrogacy UK