Surrogacy agreements are legal in the UK but not enforceable as contracts — courts will always prioritise the child's welfare. The surrogate is the legal mother at birth. Intended parents must apply for a Parental Order after birth to become legal parents. Commercial surrogacy (profit beyond expenses) is illegal.

• Surrogacy agreements are not enforceable contracts in UK law
• Surrogate is legal mother at birth — regardless of genetic relationship
• Parental Order required to transfer legal parenthood — apply within 6 months of birth
• Only reasonable expenses can be paid — not a "fee"
• HFEA: if donor eggs/sperm used, treatment must be at licensed clinic

Legal reference: Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985; Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 s.54