Everything you need to know about the intended-parent path in Ireland — including what the 2024 Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act set up, what is already in force, and what still depends on further commencement orders.
Read the June 2026 legal guide for current legal context and key questions.
Note: This page provides general information only. It is not legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor and fertility clinician for guidance specific to your situation.
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 created an enacted future statutory framework for surrogacy. Its principal surrogacy provisions remain uncommenced, including the AHRRA approval and parental-order processes.
Do not treat the Act's future eligibility conditions as an application route available now. Parentage, guardianship, birth registration and any international element require current advice for the specific facts.
The intended-parent journey usually involves these six broad workstreams. Each requires professional support, and the exact statutory route depends on which provisions are in force for your situation.
Research your options — domestic vs. international surrogacy, fertility alternatives. Speak with a specialist counsellor to understand the emotional, medical, and legal dimensions before committing.
Obtain specialist advice before treatment or payments. The intended parents and surrogate should not rely on one shared adviser. Ask about current parentage, guardianship, consent, expenses and post-birth steps.
A registered IVF or fertility clinic will carry out medical assessments, create embryos, and manage the IVF process. Choose a clinic experienced in donor and surrogacy arrangements, and confirm with your solicitor or clinic what current licensing and regulatory requirements apply.
There is no operational AHRRA matching or registration route. Be cautious about intermediaries and guarantees, protect sensitive information, and ensure the surrogate receives genuinely independent support.
If treatment proceeds after medical and legal advice, agree practical expectations while preserving the pregnant person's control over medical decisions and care.
Plan birth registration, parentage, guardianship, citizenship and travel well before birth. The parental-order route described in the 2024 Act is not yet operational.
There is no dependable universal total. Budget separately for medical treatment, each party's legal advice, counselling, documented expenses, travel, birth registration and a contingency.
Use the complete surrogacy costs and financial-planning guide →
A specialist solicitor, suitable clinic and independent counsellor can help you understand the risks and the law currently in force.
Ask clinics what treatment they provide, what licensing applies and what evidence they require.
View clinics →Seek advice on current parentage, guardianship, consent, expenses and international issues.
View solicitors →Find therapists experienced in surrogacy, fertility and independent decision-making.
View counsellors →The Act describes eligibility for a future statutory route, but those provisions are not yet commenced. Obtain current advice on your circumstances.
There is no reliable universal total. Use an itemised budget covering medical, legal, counselling, documented expenses, travel and post-birth work. See our cost planning guide.
Specialist advice is essential before treatment or payments. The Act contains advice requirements for its future pathway, but those provisions are not yet operational.
The Act provides for a future parental-order process, but that process is not yet operational. Current parentage and guardianship are fact-specific.
The enacted future framework includes same-sex couples, but its surrogacy provisions are not yet commenced. Get advice on the present position.
Ireland does not permit commercial surrogacy agencies. Intended parents usually connect with a potential surrogate through personal networks, fertility clinics, support groups, or other professional guidance. Your solicitor can explain what current registration, screening, counselling, and approval steps apply to your route.
Get in touch for guidance, resources, and support — whether you're just exploring or ready to begin.
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