My Surrogacy Journey,which is based in London,aims to facilitate arrangements between people wanting a child and women willing to bear them.
As in Australia,commercial surrogacy is illegal in Britain,though surrogate mothers can be paid for “reasonable expenses”.Nanna Heitmann/Magnum Photos/Snapper Images
In a video aimed at attracting new surrogate mothers,the firm says it has “over 50 member benefits” including a Gusto Food subscription and a gift card for the intimate apparel store Ann Summers.
Current law in Britain says surrogate mothers cannot be paid “except for their reasonable expenses”.
Some agencies inform prospective candidates that they can expect to receive between £20,000 ($38,000) to £80,000 in expenses,although campaigners say surrogates typically receive £10,000-£15,000.
However,concerns have been raised that the law is not fit for purpose and the subject formed the basis for a recent consultation by the Law Commission.
Helen Gibson,the founder of Surrogacy Concern,which lobbies against the liberalisation of domestic surrogacy law,said:“We have been concerned about the activities of this agency,and others,for a while.”
Andrew Percy,a Tory MP who leads the all-party parliamentary group on surrogacy,said:“The UK system is based on altruism,but the law is out of date. That is why it is important that the recent Law Commission proposal for new legislation is implemented as soon as possible.”
Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis,who run My Surrogacy Journey,said:“My Surrogacy Journey was established in 2021 with the ambition to change the landscape of UK surrogacy by offering safe,innovative and professional support. Our support comes in many guises:legal,practical,professional or clinical.
“Our strong team of 28 (which includes healthcare professionals) ensures everyone is educated about surrogacy and that even involves understanding the legal framework of UK surrogacy.
“My Surrogacy Journey is not in favour of a commercial model of UK surrogacy,of any kind (including ‘commercial-lite’) and have made this clear in all our campaigning since 2016. The Law Commission’s recommendations to government also are not in favour of a commercial model.
“All our surrogate membership benefits comply with what are allowed as ‘reasonable expenses’ and comply with the latest final bill delivered by the Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission. Both permit expenses/benefits in their final bill which was released in March 2023.”
The company said the Ann Summers gift card was their most popular benefit.
The Telegraph,London
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