A Woman Without a Uterus Helps Deliver Her Biological Son

Born without a womb, Laura Folan of Sutton Coldfield faced the possibility of never having children. However, she recently played a pivotal role in giving birth to her biological son, who is set to turn one year old. Her journey began with a rare diagnosis during her teenage years, Mayer Rokitansky Küster Hauser syndrome (MRKH), which affects approximately one in 5,000 women, according to the NHS.

The Journey to Parenthood

At 16, Laura learned her reproductive system was incomplete, with her period delayed during puberty. Doctors informed her she could not carry a child herself and that her only options were adoption or surrogacy. While surrogacy was possible, the chance of her own eggs being used was low. This revelation was a major emotional challenge, as she described the news of her ovaries being inaccessible as a “heartbreaking” moment.

“It felt like being diagnosed all over again,” Laura recalled. “Not being able to carry your own child was one thing, but not having your own biological child felt like a whole new struggle.”

Despite this, the couple remained determined. They joined Surrogacy UK in search of a surrogate who would carry their child. After discovering an innovative IVF treatment at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital, Laura underwent therapy to stimulate her ovaries, producing eggs that would eventually lead to her son’s birth. The process was successful, though a surrogate was still needed to carry the baby.

A Surrogate’s Role

During an earlier Surrogacy UK event, Laura met Annie Peverelle, a 47-year-old from Rugby who had previously helped other families. The connection was immediate, and Peverelle agreed to become their surrogate. “We just really hit it off,” Peverelle said. “Getting that positive test result was amazing. I love being pregnant, and it was a smooth journey.”

“I really love being pregnant… and it was a really easy pregnancy,” Peverelle added.

Nine months later, Laura was involved in the birth of her son, George. “The midwife said, ‘come on, put the gloves on, you’re going to have a baby now,'” she remembered. “All of a sudden he just landed in my hands… it was amazing but also quite scary at the same time.”

A New Chapter

The family of three is preparing for a second child, with Peverelle once again stepping in as a surrogate. “Annie is just so amazing to offer her help again,” Laura said. “She’s absolutely incredible.”

“We can’t really thank [Peverelle and her husband] enough… no words can describe what we feel about them,” Laura added.

Prof Andrew Drakeley, a reproductive medicine specialist at Liverpool Women’s NHS Trust, praised the success. “It’s rewarding to see patients like Laura achieve their dreams,” he said. “The gratitude they show makes it all worthwhile.”

George, now one year old, has brought immense joy to the couple. “He’s an amazing little boy,” Daniel Clarke, Laura’s partner, said. “This has been a journey, but one filled with excitement and love.”

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