Government rules out bringing forward surrogacy reforms after petition triggers debate
Today’s Family Lawyer | September 10, 2026
In response to a petition signed by 113,000 people in the UK calling on the government to take up issues of legal parentage in surrogacy arrangements, the House of Commons held a debate on the topic. Some lawmakers emphasized that compensated surrogacy arrangements abroad are increasingly common for UK intended parents and defended the current process. The surrogate is recognized as the legal parent until the intended parents obtain a parental order, with the intent to protect the surrogate and ensure her consent. Others call for a new process because of the length of time it takes for intended parents to receive legal status. Ultimately, the government concluded that it is “not in a position to bring forward legislation on surrogacy reform immediately,” but that it would continue receiving ideas for future reforms.
UK surrogacy law ‘creaking at seams’ as demand rises sharply
The Guardian | July 21, 2026
As demand for surrogacy grows in the UK, the limitations of the country’s parentage laws and regulatory policies are coming under renewed examination. Policy recommendations, which advised more oversight of surrogacy agencies and legal recognition of intended parents when the child is born, formed part of a draft bill. However, the draft legislation has not progressed. In the meantime, difficulties with domestic and international surrogacy persist, as do varied calls for reforms of – or a ban on – the practice in the UK.