A British couple's six-year journey towards parenthood has taken an unexpected turn south of the border, as they opt for surrogacy in Mexico amid a perfect storm of challenges and costs at home.
The UK's altruistic surrogacy model, where surrogate mothers can only be reimbursed for expenses rather than paid for carrying the pregnancy, has resulted in a shortage of available surrogates and lengthy waiting times for prospective parents. Jules Von Hep and his partner Mark Beverlo, who started their journey in 2020, initially engaged with a UK IVF clinic, facing expenses ranging from £1,000 for consultations to £13,000 for embryo creation rounds.
After unsuccessful attempts and a two-to-three-year waiting list for UK surrogates through an agency, they turned to unregulated online groups, which they found uncomfortable. Ukraine, once a popular destination for international surrogacy, is now inaccessible due to the ongoing conflict, while the United States proved prohibitively expensive, with costs estimated at around £250,000.
It was Mexico's more viable option that caught their attention, particularly after the country legalised commercial surrogacy for same-sex parents in 2021. Estimated costs range from £60,000 to £90,000, which includes medical bills, agency fees, and a payment to the surrogate – typically around MXN$388,000 (approximately £16,914), according to their agency, My Surrogacy Journey Mexico City (MSJMX).
Von Hep appreciates the transparency of the commercial model in Mexico, where surrogates are openly building a business and view surrogacy as a legitimate means of earning money. This directness, he suggests, removes the 'murkiness' often associated with the altruistic model where financial motivations are less explicit.
However, the move to Mexico is not without its complexities. The country's surrogacy regulations are fragmented, with some states banning the practice while others have specific laws governing it. This patchwork of legislation has raised concerns among researchers and human rights specialists about the potential for exploitation, particularly of vulnerable women who might be coerced into surrogacy.
MSJMX asserts that ethical and legal protections for both parents and surrogates are a top priority, operating only in 'surrogacy-friendly states' like Mexico City and collaborating with independent human rights specialists. This case highlights the growing trend of UK nationals seeking international surrogacy options due to the limitations and challenges within the domestic system.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals considering surrogacy abroad to seek guidance from local authorities and ensure compliance with the surrogate country's laws. For Von Hep and his partner, navigating this complex landscape has been an emotional as well as financial challenge – one that ultimately led them to Mexico in search of a chance at parenthood.