Surrogacy in the UK is on the rise. In the past decade, the number of parents choosing surrogacy has quadrupled. Yet, the law remains complex. On 13 October, Dr Bianca Jackson will deliver a one-day, in-person seminar for MBL.
The course, titled “Parental Orders & Surrogacy Arrangements – Develop Your Knowledge”, aims to demystify surrogacy law for legal professionals.
Bianca’s seminar will offer a thorough examination of surrogacy arrangements, legal parenthood, and the process for obtaining parental orders. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge for advising both surrogates and intended parents. The session is designed for those at an intermediate level, requiring some existing expertise.
The agenda covers many vital topics. Bianca will discuss types of surrogacy, motivations for surrogates and intended parents, and the risks involved. Academic research on the outcomes for children born via surrogacy will be addressed. The course also explores legal terminology, the Surrogacy Act 1985, and the effect of its provisions on practitioners.
Participants will learn about finding surrogates in the UK and abroad. Bianca will highlight the dangers of unregulated surrogacy forums and examine the legality of surrogacy across different jurisdictions. Immigration challenges and the enforceability of surrogacy contracts are also on the agenda.
Further, the course unpacks the definitions of legal parenthood, the s.54 criteria for parental orders, and the full court process. Bianca will give practical guidance on preparing witness statements and explain the role of the parental order reporter. Attendees will learn about re-registering a child’s birth and the Law Commission’s proposed reforms.
This seminar provides five hours of CPD and addresses SRA Competencies B and C. It offers a valuable opportunity for legal practitioners to enhance their surrogacy expertise.
