Data released in mid-July by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) indicates a significant rise in parental order applications through surrogacy from individuals over 80 between 2020 and 2025.
While Cafcass withheld specific figures due to privacy concerns, the data highlights a broader trend of older Britons turning to surrogacy. Between 2020 and 2025, 416 applications came from individuals in their 50s and 43 from those in their 60s. Notably, applications from men in their 50s more than doubled, from 44 in 2020 to 95 by early 2025.
Helen Gibson, founder of the advocacy group Surrogacy Concern, expressed surprise at the increasing number of individuals in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s applying for parenthood through surrogacy, calling it a selfish act.
Gibson's primary concern lies in the year-on-year increase. "It's absurd that people can have children via surrogacy decades past their natural reproductive years. The government needs to seriously consider whether this is in the best interests of the child," she emphasized.
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Many older individuals in the UK have had children through surrogacy. Illustrative photo: FatCamera |
Surrogacy is legal in the UK, but commercial agreements are prohibited. Paying a surrogate more than "reasonable expenses"—typically around GBP 12,000-15,000—is illegal. Legally, the surrogate is the child's mother at birth. Intended parents can apply for a parental order within six months of the birth to gain full parental rights.
However, many individuals are pursuing parenthood later in life by seeking surrogacy services abroad. "The government must act urgently to address these applications," Gibson stated.
In 5/2025, a 72-year-old British couple received a parental order for their 14-month-old son born via surrogacy, despite judicial concerns about their potential deaths before the child reaches adulthood.
Their pursuit of parenthood began after their 27-year-old son died of cancer in 2020, following unsuccessful IVF attempts.
Justice Knowles publicized the case due to its "significant welfare issues," noting, "When the child starts primary school, this couple will be 76. They will be 89 when he turns 18."
The couple reportedly spent over GBP 151,000 on surrogacy and agency fees, though the court only recognized GBP 24,600 as "reasonable expenses."
The couple is caring for their child with full-time childcare support and has made a will appointing guardians in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Currently, there's no age limit for pursuing surrogacy in the UK, but advocates are urging government action.
Lexi Ellingsworth of Stop Surrogacy Now UK stated, "This is a serious loophole that allows people to circumvent domestic bans on commercial surrogacy. The government must close this loophole immediately."
Minh Phuong (According to Dailymail)
