Surrogacy Abroad for UK Parents: British Citizenship, Passports & Parental Orders

How do UK parents bring their baby home after surrogacy abroad? Planning means understanding legal parenthood, British citizenship, your baby’s passport and the UK parental order process. In this episode of Your Fertility Story, Maria Feekes speaks with Natalie Sutherland, family and fertility solicitor and Partner at The International Family Law Group LLP, about the legal questions UK intended parents should ask before starting international surrogacy. Does being named on an overseas birth certificate establish your legal parenthood in the UK? How can the surrogate’s marital status affect your family’s legal position? Why does your own British citizenship history matter? Natalie explores these common misconceptions and explains why legal planning needs to happen alongside fertility treatment. We discuss the steps after birth, the risks of overlooking legal advice, and the importance of understanding the legal framework in your chosen surrogacy destination. Whether you are exploring surrogacy overseas or already preparing for your baby’s arrival, this conversation will help you identify the questions to discuss with your legal team. IN THIS EPISODE • Overseas birth certificates and UK legal parenthood • Parental orders following international surrogacy • British citizenship and baby passport considerations • Why the surrogate’s marital status matters • Legal risks when choosing a surrogacy destination or agency • Preparing to bring your baby home to the UK TIMESTAMPS 02:30 Overseas birth certificates: common misconceptions 05:03 UK legal parenthood and parental orders 12:00 British citizenship, the surrogate’s marital status and bringing your baby home 25:03 Choosing a surrogacy destination and agency: legal risks 36:31 Why early legal advice matters ABOUT NATALIE SUTHERLAND Natalie Sutherland is a Partner at The International Family Law Group LLP. She advises on UK and international surrogacy, legal parentage, donor agreements and family building for LGBTQ+ and solo parents. She is also the co-founder of In/Fertility in the City, a podcast and event series exploring infertility and professional life. Professional profile: https://iflg.uk.com/team/natalie-suth... Email: Natalie.sutherland@iflg.uk.com Instagram:   / themodernfamilylawyer   LinkedIn:   / natalie-sutherland   In/Fertility in the City: https://infertilityinthecity.com/ CONNECT WITH MARIA FEEKES Maria Feekes is the host of Your Fertility Story and Executive Director of SMARTPath Fertility International, supporting intended parents through surrogacy journeys in Mexico, Ukraine and the USA. Website: https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com Instagram:   / mariafeekes   LinkedIn:   / maria-feekes-738576127   Subscribe to Your Fertility Story for conversations with fertility professionals, surrogacy specialists and families sharing their experiences. This conversation provides general information, not legal advice tailored to your circumstances. ======================== At SMARTPath Fertility, we believe that fertility care is more than just medical treatment—it’s about heart, support, and walking this journey together. Whether you’re an intended parent, a surrogate, or a donor, you deserve personalized care and guidance every step of the way. ✨ Feeling overwhelmed? Just breathe. There is hope, and you are not alone. 📲 Watch, share, and subscribe for more insights, support, and real stories from the fertility world. 🔹 Learn more: www.smartpathfertilityintl.com