Everything you need to know about surrogacy under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024
Start Your JourneySix dedicated guides covering each part of the surrogacy journey in Ireland — written for the 2024 Act and updated for April 2026.
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 in plain English — what's commenced, what's not, what your family can act on now.
Eligibility, the journey, costs, timelines, and the practical first steps for intended parents — including same-sex couples and single intending parents.
Becoming a surrogate in Ireland — eligibility, screening, the medical journey, your rights, expenses, counselling and post-birth consent.
Step-by-step from independent legal advice through AHRRA pre-approval, agreement, post-birth consent and the parental order.
What surrogacy actually costs in Ireland in 2026, line by line — domestic and international, plus the hidden costs nobody quotes.
Country-by-country comparison for Irish intending parents — US, Canada, Greece, Georgia, Ukraine — costs, legal status, and recognition in Ireland.
Surrogacy is a family-building option where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy on behalf of intended parents. In Ireland, surrogacy is now regulated under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, providing legal clarity and protection for everyone involved.
Surrogacy is when a woman (surrogate) carries a baby for intended parents who cannot have a biological child themselves. The surrogate may use her own egg (traditional) or the intended mother's egg (gestational).
Intended parents may pursue surrogacy due to infertility, medical conditions preventing pregnancy, genetic concerns, or family circumstances. Couples (different-sex and same-sex) and single individuals are eligible.
Surrogates are women (typically aged 18+, who have previously given birth) who altruistically choose to help others build families. They receive no payment, only agreed reasonable expenses.
Yes. Surrogacy is legal in Ireland under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, which came into force in 2024. The Act establishes an altruistic framework and regulatory oversight by the AHRRA.
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 legalized and regulated surrogacy in Ireland for the first time, ending decades of legal uncertainty. Here are the key points:
Surrogacy must be altruistic—surrogates receive no payment, only reasonable expenses. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited.
At least one intended parent must have a genetic connection to the child through egg or sperm donation.
All parties must receive independent legal advice from qualified solicitors before proceeding with surrogacy.
Counselling is mandatory for intended parents and surrogates to ensure informed decision-making and emotional support.
The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) oversees surrogacy and licenses fertility clinics to ensure quality and safety.
Courts grant parental orders to intended parents, establishing them as legal parents. The surrogate consents and is not named on the birth certificate.
There are different surrogacy pathways available to you. Here's an overview:
Work with a surrogate living in Ireland. Regulated under the 2024 Act, legal certainty, ongoing support and counselling. Finding a surrogate may take time; typically EUR 15,000–30,000 total cost.
Pursue surrogacy in countries like Ukraine, Georgia, USA, or Canada. Often faster and easier to find a surrogate; higher costs (EUR 30,000–200,000+). Additional legal complexity bringing child to Ireland.
If you can carry a pregnancy but need egg or sperm donation, fertility treatment without surrogacy may be an option. Consult a fertility specialist to explore your medical options.
Here's what your surrogacy journey typically looks like:
Research surrogacy, understand your options, and confirm it's right for you. Connect with support groups and read guides like ours.
Meet with a solicitor experienced in surrogacy. They'll explain the 2024 Act, your rights, obligations, and help you prepare.
Attend counselling (mandatory) to explore emotional aspects, expectations, and ensure you're emotionally prepared for the journey.
Medical screening by a fertility clinic to assess your health and fertility status. Discuss egg/sperm options if needed.
Find a willing surrogate (domestic) or work with an agency (international). Both must undergo legal advice and counselling.
IVF cycle creates the embryo. Surrogate becomes pregnant and carries the pregnancy. Regular medical care and emotional support continue.
Surrogacy involves various costs. Here's a transparent breakdown:
Note: These are estimates. Actual costs vary. Always budget for contingencies and consult professionals for detailed quotes.
You don't have to navigate surrogacy alone. Many resources and support systems are available:
Mandatory counselling is provided as part of the surrogacy process. Many fertility clinics and independent counsellors specialize in surrogacy support.
Solicitors experienced in surrogacy law will guide you through the 2024 Act, parental orders, and all legal requirements.
AHRRA-regulated fertility clinics provide medical care, monitoring, and expertise. Your clinic will be accredited and meet professional standards.
Connect with others pursuing surrogacy. Support groups, online communities, and peer networks help you feel less alone on the journey.
Yes, surrogacy is legal under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. It uses an altruistic model (no commercial payments), and is regulated by the AHRRA. Intended parents can pursue domestic or international surrogacy.
Yes, absolutely. The 2024 Act explicitly recognizes same-sex couples' rights to pursue surrogacy. Male couples must use egg donation and surrogacy; female couples may use sperm donation or their own sperm if available.
A parental order is a court order that transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents. It's the legal mechanism that makes you the child's recognized parents in law. You apply for it after birth.
Domestic surrogacy in Ireland typically costs EUR 15,000–30,000. International costs vary significantly (EUR 30,000–200,000+). Costs include legal fees, medical/IVF, surrogate expenses, and counselling.
Domestic surrogacy typically takes 12–24 months from decision to bringing your child home. This includes finding a surrogate, legal processes, IVF, pregnancy, birth, and parental order application. International surrogacy timelines vary by country.
The AHRRA (Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority) is Ireland's regulator for assisted reproduction and surrogacy. It licenses fertility clinics, maintains a register of surrogacy arrangements, ensures compliance with the 2024 Act, and investigates complaints.
Get started on your surrogacy journey with clarity, guidance, and support. Contact us to connect with resources and next steps.