Alternative parenting
Fertility options for single women and same-sex couples
Helping same sex couples and single women become parents
Fertility appointments
020 7881 2000About alternative parenting
No matter what your circumstances, we're here to help you make the right decision for you. We know that alternative parenting can be a big decision so we aim to support you emotionally as well as physically. Our fertility services at the Lister Fertility Clinic offer counselling as standard and are able to discuss issues relating to legal parenthood and if we think you should seek formal advice, we'll always let you know.
Your fertility options will depend on your situation and the outcome of any fertility assessments you or your partner have. We offer treatments including:
Shared motherhood
An option for single women and same sex couples. Shared motherhood or intra-partner egg donation use IVF treatment, with one partner donating eggs to her partner, and becomes the 'biological mother.' The other partner carries the baby, and experiences the pregnancy as the 'birth mother'. This enables motherhood to be a shared experience right from conception.
The counselling team at the Lister Fertility Clinic is always available to offer support throughout your journey as required. We will also offer advice and reassurance on legal parenthood issues and will discuss any circumstances where seeking more formal legal advice may be sensible.
Surrogacy
At the Lister Fertility Clinic we have a dedicated surrogacy team to look after you and your surrogate throughout your treatment journey.
Surrogacy may be an option:
- because you have a medical condition that makes carrying a pregnancy too risky
- because you have had many IVF treatment cycles that have unfortunately not been successful
- you have an absent uterus or you might be a same sex couple of men.

Celebrating 30 years of Lister Fertility Clinic
To celebrate Lister Fertility Clinic turning 30, Dr James Nicopoullos and Dr Yau Thum talk about the history of the clinic and how they continue to use the latest techniques in fertility treatment.
We also meet three former patients of the clinic and hear their stories.
Our locations
From complex fertility treatment and surgery to diagnostic tests and scans, we provide access to exceptional fertility and reproductive care across our network of fertility clinics.
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Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital
First Floor
215 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5PN
Contact us about having fertility treatment
Our helpline advisors can assist with enquiries and help book an appointment with a fertility specialist. Alternatively you can submit a request for an appointment at one of our fertility clinics.
Request an appointment at Lister Fertility Clinic, Chelsea
Request an appointment at Lister Fertility Clinic, The Portland Hospital
Enquiries & Appointments
020 7881 2000