The UK government is examining concerns surrounding My Surrogacy Journey, a British-owned surrogacy provider, after reports emerged that surrogates in Mexico experienced denied insurance claims following medical complications. The issues have left some intended parents facing substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
My Surrogacy Journey has operations in the UK, Mexico, and the United States. While altruistic surrogacy is permitted in the UK and commercial surrogacy is prohibited, the company’s sister entities operate in Mexico and various U.S. states where commercial surrogacy is legal. The insurance complications are specific to the Mexico-based surrogacies.
According to emails from the company’s chief executive, Michael Johnson-Ellis, multiple surrogates in Mexico have had their insurance claims rejected. Among the reported cases is one surrogate who underwent a hysterectomy due to placenta accreta, a serious condition where the placenta attaches abnormally to the uterus. The intended parents were reportedly left responsible for tens of thousands of pounds in medical bills after the insurance provider declined the claim.
In response, My Surrogacy Journey moved approximately 300 ongoing surrogacy journeys to a new insurance provider, citing an increase in claim denials. Johnson-Ellis acknowledged the company’s limited capacity to influence insurance decisions, describing the situation as “out of our control.” Lawyers representing the company confirmed that existing insurance policies remain in effect and that claims continue to be processed, although a small number have been rejected. The firm stated it is assisting affected parties in resolving disputes with insurers.
As part of their agreements, intended parents are contractually obligated to cover any medical costs not reimbursed by insurance. Affected couples reported being encouraged to choose the Mexico option due to shorter anticipated timelines—advertised as under 18 months—compared to up to five years for UK-based altruistic surrogacy and higher costs in the U.S. Lawyers for My Surrogacy Journey said all prospective clients receive detailed information regarding costs, timelines, legal frameworks, and potential risks.
At least five sets of intended parents have reported bearing unexpected medical expenses following claim rejections. One couple described their experience as "turning a dream into a nightmare" after their surrogate’s health complications prompted an investigation by both the hospital and insurance company, further delaying care.
The issue has attracted parliamentary attention. Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, highlighted grievances from constituents who used My Surrogacy Journey for surrogacies in Mexico, citing insurance difficulties, staff mistreatment allegations, and efforts to suppress criticism. He urged the government to remove the company from the official list of domestic surrogacy agencies pending an investigation by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Diana Johnson, a Labour health minister, confirmed that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is reviewing these allegations and assessing whether the provider’s listing on gov.uk remains appropriate.
Experts in the field have expressed concern but noted that such insurance issues appear limited to Mexico and this particular organisation. Dr. Bianca Jackson, a surrogacy law specialist, stated that while she has encountered various agency problems abroad over 13 years, this type of insurance complication is unprecedented in her experience. Shaun Thomas, a London-based surrogacy consultant, emphasized the complexity of securing comprehensive insurance for surrogacy arrangements overseas, particularly covering both surrogates and newborns, noting that neonatal care and hospital coverage can vary widely.
My Surrogacy Journey’s representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the health and wellbeing of surrogates, babies, and intended parents, and indicated ongoing cooperation with the DHSC to resolve outstanding concerns.