Guide to Surrogacy DNA Tests

Surrogacy can be a viable way to start a family for anyone struggling to conceive, with the number of parents having a baby using a surrogate in England and Wales almost quadrupling in the last ten years. However, the process itself can come with complications. One of those complications is determining the genetic relationship between the intended parents and the child who was carried by the surrogate.

That’s what surrogacy DNA tests are for. Regardless of whether you opt for traditional or gestational surrogacy, you might need a surrogacy DNA test to ensure the genetic link between you and your child, especially if you are making a Parental Order or plan on getting them a passport for travel purposes. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about surrogacy DNA tests, and we’ll do it in easy-to-understand language; no complicated medical jargon. We’ll help you understand why these tests are important, who should get them, and how to get them. 

What is Parental DNA Testing?

Parental DNA testing is the process of determining the biological paternity or maternity of a child. It’s a useful tool when there is doubt about who the biological parents of a child are or in cases of surrogacy. In the UK, parental DNA testing is required by law in situations such as:

• Parental Orders
• Birth Certificate changes
• Child support claims
• Immigration applications
• Disputes over child custody

This type of testing involves collecting DNA samples from the alleged parents and the child, usually through a simple cheek swab. The DNA is then analysed in a lab to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship.

As mentioned, legal DNA tests are typically used to determine whether or not the baby is related to the parents. In most cases, courts will request potential fathers to take a legal paternity test to prove they are the father of a child as part of divorce or child custody proceedings. If he is, he can request custody arrangements.

However, surrogacy DNA testing is a type of parental DNA testing used in cases where a surrogate mother has carried the baby to term. It confirms the biological relationship between the baby and the intended parents, who may have used donor eggs or sperm. In cases where gestational surrogacy is used, there should be no genetic connection between the child and the surrogate.

Why does this matter? If you plan on using a surrogate, taking a surrogacy DNA test is a critical step in the process and ensures that all parties involved can move forward with peace of mind and full legal rights as parents of the child.

Parental Order Application

So, where do these DNA tests come into play during surrogacy? Usually, when you start the Parental Order application process.

In UK surrogacy agreements, obtaining a Parental Order is essential to establish legal parenthood of the child born through surrogacy. This process involves applying to the court to have the intended parents listed as the child’s legal parents.

To obtain a Parental Order in the UK, certain legal requirements must be met:

• The intended parents must have the child living with them
• The child must have been carried by a gestational surrogate (meaning that there was no genetic link between the surrogate and the child)
• The intended parents must apply for the Parental Order within six months of the child’s birth

Naturally, surrogacy DNA tests are often a part of the Parental Order application process. This is because the intended parents must prove that they are genetically related to the child.

In cases where the intended parents have used their own gametes (egg and sperm) to create the embryo, DNA testing is not necessarily required as it is clear that they are the biological parents. However, DNA testing will be required if a donor gamete is used or if there is any doubt about the genetic relationship between the intended parents and the child.

Once the DNA testing has been completed, the results are included in the Parental Order application. This helps to establish the intended parents as the child’s legal parents. The process ensures they have the same legal rights and responsibilities as biological parents.

The Parental Order application process is an important part of UK surrogacy agreements. This is a simple and painless process that helps to ensure the legal rights of the intended parents are established.

Getting Surrogacy DNA Tests: What to Expect

For those who have decided to embark on the surrogacy journey, getting DNA testing is an important step in the process. Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to expect is normal, but we’re here to help guide you through the process.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable DNA Testing Company

The first step in getting a surrogacy DNA test is to choose a reliable DNA testing company. You want to ensure the company has a good track record of accurate results and affordable pricing. Researching, reading reviews, and comparing prices before deciding is always a good idea. At dadcheck®, we have been assisting surrogacy families for over a decade and have developed a strong reputation in online forum’s as the company of choice for this type of test.  

Step 2: Collect DNA Samples

Once you’ve chosen a DNA testing company, the next step is to arrange with the DNA testing company for the collection of the DNA samples from the intended parents and child. This process is typically done through a cheek swab, a painless and non-invasive method of collecting DNA. The DNA samples will then be returned to the DNA testing company for analysis.

Step 3: Wait for the Results

Once dadcheck® have received all samples, results will be available with only a short wait of up to four working days. The Test Report will be issued to all parties over 16 years participating in the test.  And if you need us to send the report to your Solicitor or any other agency you are working with, we can do this too.

Step 4: Understand the Results

Once the results are in, it’s important to understand what they mean. dadcheck® will provide a detailed report explaining the DNA sample analysis. The report will show the genetic connection between the intended parents and the child, which is crucial in determining legal rights and responsibilities.

Tips for Taking a DNA Test

If you’re looking to take legal DNA tests for surrogacy purposes, it’s important to ensure that the sample you provide is accurate and collected correctly. The results of these tests can be life-changing, so it’s crucial to do it right.

For this reason and to ensure the chain of custody of these samples, it is vital that all samples are taken by an independent third party. As such we have a large netweork of registered sample collections across the UK who can take these samples on your behalf.

The family cannot administer their own test using home sampling kits. 

Before taking the sample, ensure your hands are clean and dry. It’s also a good idea not to smoke, eat, or drink anything for at least an hour beforehand. You should rinse your mouth with water to remove any food particles or residual tastes that could affect the sample.

Where to Get DNA Testing

If you’re in the UK and need legal DNA tests, a few options are available. However, our company specialises in paternity and biological relationship testing using DNA technology and have been approved for Legal DNA tests for over 18 years. Not only that, but we also offer DNA testing for immigration and Court Proceedings where needed. 

With over 18 years of experience in DNA testing, our team of expert scientists use the latest technology to provide accurate and reliable results. Plus, our customer service is top-notch, with friendly and helpful staff ready to answer any questions you may have.

While you can order other tests online, to get a surrogacy DNA test, you can simply call us on 0191 543 6434 or email sales@dadchecksilver.com for dedicated advice tailored to your needs. 

Order Your Tests

Surrogacy DNA tests provide valuable information that can help intended parents establish legal and biological ties with their children. Ordering these tests with us online is quick, easy, and affordable. We offer various DNA test options, including legal paternity tests and surrogacy DNA tests.

Our tests are reliable and accurate, ensuring you get the results you need to move forward in your surrogacy journey. Don’t wait; order your surrogacy DNA test today and take the first step toward building your family.

Have questions or are unsure about the process? Contact us, and a member of our team will reach out to answer your questions.