Surrogacy in Modern Obstetrics in the UK: Review of the Parental Order (HFEA 1990) over the past three Decades - Abstract
The first surrogacy case in the UK occurred in 1985. During that time when surrogacy was in its infancy, it was under the umbrella of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) (1990) legislation. The HFEA (1990) introduced the parental order (child arrangement order) that facilitates the transfer of parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parent. This article reviews changes in surrogacy and the parental order in the UK over the past three decades. Over this period, there have been minimal advancement in the legislation surrounding surrogacy to protect the intended parents, surrogates and safeguard children especially for overseas surrogates and children who are born overseas which remains vulnerable. In spite of the lack of advancement, surrogacy remains successful as it has actively evolved to fit into a unique niche. Currently, surrogacy not only help intended parents – (single parent/same sex couples/ different sex couples and unmarried couples) to achieve their aspiration of their first baby; but surrogacy has evolved to help existing parents to have more
children and produce extended and blended families.