COTS - Surrogacy in the UK

	Medical issues:- For example:- HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea testing and screening are essential for all concerned. The surrogate should make sure she is immunised against Rubella. Only the intended father need to have a Cystic Fibrosis test, he also needs to be tested for Tay Sachs if he is of Jewish descent, these tests will determine if he is a carrier. If of African descendants they need to be tested for Sickle Cell Anaemia. The intended father will also need a Semen test,for pdf file click here. Also ensure that a MAR test is also carried out on the semen to check for antibodies, for pdf file click here. COTS will not accept any person who is HIV or Hepatitis B & C positive. If doing Gestational Surrogacy most clinics are testing for the CM Virus, this test is carried out on all parties. For more information regarding the CM Virus please click the link above, for pdf file click here. Surrogates also need to be made aware of the risks involved during inseminations/ transfers, pregnancy and childbirth, our Support Worker will inform them of these risks.
	Contraception is very important for surrogates whilst trying to get pregnant for an intended couple. For more information on contraceptive advice click here
	Legal issues:- Registering a surrogate child. How surrogacy is treated under present UK law, help when applying for Parental Responsibility Agreements, Parental Order, Adoption & Residence Orders, names of solicitors who are specialists in this field. For more information on these matters please find a link below.
	Expenses:- The level and range of expenses that a surrogate may require, advice on medical expenses, making wills and taking out appropriate insurance.
	Other Issues:-For example:- Informing the surrogate child about their origins, explaining surrogacy to surrogate's own children, how to cope with publicity.
	Registering a surrogate child Parental Order Expenses	Parental Responsibility Agreements Adoption and Residence Orders Insurance