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Abstract
This study aimed to explore UK intending parent's reasons for cross-border and domestic
surrogacy, their preparations for the birth and the practical and legal challenges
faced after the birth. An online survey was completed by 203 participants, of which
132 had a child born through surrogacy, 33 were in the process of surrogacy and 38
were planning a surrogacy arrangement. The most common reason for pursuing surrogacy
in the UK was wanting a relationship with the surrogate (43%; n = 17) and for conducting
surrogacy in the USA was because of a better legal framework (97%; n = 60). Parents
returning to the UK from countries other than USA experienced greater delay and difficulties
in obtaining the necessary documents for their return. This study highlights the disparities
in parents' experiences of undergoing surrogacy in different countries, the frustrations
some face in obtaining legal parenthood and the feelings of stress and anxiety this
may cause. Whilst this is the first study comparing the experiences of people from
the UK having surrogacy in different countries, the representativeness of the sample
is unknown. The findings are important in identifying future directions for research,
including assessing the impact of these early decisions and experiences for later
parental wellbeing and children's welfare.