UK reproductive and surrogacy law reform advocacy

In the United Kingdom, individuals and couples are advocating for legislative reforms to reproductive and family laws following legal and administrative challenges.

One campaign, led by Adam Frisby and Jamie Corbett, seeks to address issues regarding legal guardianship in surrogacy. After using an American surrogate, the couple found they were not recognized as legal guardians under current British law until a formal parental order is approved. This delay has caused practical difficulties, such as struggles to register their child with the National Health Service (NHS). The couple expressed disappointment that parliamentary discussions on their petition focused on “wealthy men exploiting women” rather than the legal hurdles they faced.

Separately, Nat and Nik Fraser-Edwards are calling for changes to allow embryos to be used even if a donor withdraws consent. Under current regulations, a donor may withdraw consent at any point before an embryo is transferred into a womb. The couple faces the destruction of five embryos after their sperm donor withdrew consent, despite the couple having spent £23,000 on fertility treatments. The UK government has stated it is “keeping all aspects of the regulatory regime under review.”