Key facts
- UK government is reviewing allegations about My Surrogacy Journey's Mexican sister company.
- Surrogates in Mexico reportedly had insurance claims rejected for health complications.
- Emails suggest 300 couples were moved to a new insurance provider due to claim rejection risks.
- At least five couples paid medical costs after their surrogate's insurance claims were refused.
- My Surrogacy Journey was founded in 2021 by Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis.
- Commercial surrogacy is banned in the UK, but legal in Mexico and some US states.
The UK government is reviewing allegations against My Surrogacy Journey, a UK-owned surrogacy service, after reports emerged of surrogates in Mexico facing rejected insurance claims for medical complications. Emails seen by The Guardian suggest that multiple surrogate women had their insurance claims refused, leading the company to move approximately 300 couples to a new insurance provider due to increased risk.
One couple reported paying tens of thousands of pounds for their surrogate's medical costs, including a hysterectomy, after her insurance claim was denied. My Surrogacy Journey, founded in 2021 by Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis, operates a not-for-profit branch in the UK and for-profit sister companies in Mexico and the US, where commercial surrogacy is legal. The company's owners and chief executives are the same across all three entities.
Lawyers for My Surrogacy Journey stated that existing insurance policies were in place and claims were being processed, acknowledging a small number of rejections and that the company was supporting those affected. They also noted that intended parents are contractually required to cover any medical costs not covered by insurance. The company website advertises an 18-month timeline for having a baby in Mexico, a route recommended to parents seeking a faster process than the UK option, which can take up to five years.
Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, brought the concerns of constituents to Parliament, detailing traumatic experiences with the company, including issues with insurance and alleged bullying. Health minister Diana Johnson confirmed the department's review and consideration of the company's listing on the gov.uk website. Surrogacy law experts described the situation as worrying, noting it did not appear to be a widespread issue with international surrogacy but was specific to the organization under investigation.