What is the Meaning of Surrogacy- Your Comprehensive Guide (2025)
Did you know the average cost of using a surrogate in the U.S. is $90,000 to $130,000? This shows how complex and costly surrogacy can be. Knowing what surrogacy means is key when you’re thinking about it. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says it’s when a woman gets pregnant for someone who can’t have kids. This partnership is the start of a life-changing journey for many.
Surrogacy can mean different things, like Traditional, Gestational, or Altruistic. Surrogate mothers, or gestational carriers, don’t share DNA with the baby. The commitment from both sides is big, lasting a year or more. This makes surrogacy a serious choice that needs careful thought.
So, what is surrogacy and how does it work? It’s a partnership between the intended parents and the surrogate. The goal is to build a family. Parents-to-be can be single or married, and can be straight or gay. Surrogates get to experience pregnancy’s joys without raising another child. As you learn more, you’ll see the different types of surrogacy and what’s involved.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
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Key Takeaways
- Surrogacy is a practice where a woman becomes pregnant for someone unable to have children.
- The average cost of using a surrogate in the United States ranges from $90,000 to $130,000.
- Surrogacy involves a commitment of one year or more from intended parents and surrogates.
- Surrogates usually have no genetic relation to the child they carry.
- Surrogacy can be utilized by both heterosexual and LGBTQ couples, as well as single individuals.
- Understanding surrogacy meaning and definition is crucial for intended parents and surrogates.
- Surrogacy basics involve a partnership between intended parents and surrogates.
More Resources to Read:
Cost of Surrogacy in USA: What to Expect
Who Can Become Surrogate Mother: Requirements And Info
Surrogate Mother Cost for Twins: What to Expect
Average Cost for Surrogacy: Detailed Breakdown
Understanding the Surrogacy Definition
Exploring surrogacy means understanding its meaning and definition. It’s a process where a surrogate mother carries a child for others. This includes the surrogacy process, laws, and benefits. Let’s look at the main parts of surrogacy.
The journey starts when intended parents find a surrogate mother. They might use agencies or find someone on their own. The process involves legal and medical steps. Knowing the laws is key for a safe and fair experience for everyone.
The Basic Concept of Surrogacy
At its core, surrogacy means a woman carries a child for someone else. This can be through gestational or traditional surrogacy. The benefits include having a child biologically related to the parents.
Types of Surrogacy Arrangements
Understanding the different types of surrogacy is key. There are mainly two: gestational and traditional surrogacy.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries a pregnancy for someone else. The embryo is made from the intended mother’s or donor’s egg. This method is the most successful and is often chosen by intended parents because it has fewer emotional and legal issues.
Traditional surrogacy is less common today. It involves the surrogate using her own egg. This method is illegal in some places and comes with more emotional and legal risks. The arrangement can be either paid or altruistic, where the surrogate only gets back medical costs.
Here are some main differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy:
- Gestational surrogacy lets both parents of a heterosexual couple be biologically related to their child. This reduces legal and emotional issues.
- Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s own egg. It’s more emotionally complex and legally challenging.
- Gestational surrogacy is safer and more successful. It has higher success rates than traditional surrogacy.
It’s important to know that surrogacy laws vary by country and state. Intended parents should think about these laws when picking a surrogacy arrangement. Surrogacy agencies can help navigate this complex process and find a suitable surrogate. The choice of surrogacy arrangement depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
| Surrogacy Type | Description | Success Rate |
| Gestational Surrogacy | Surrogate carries a pregnancy created from the intended mother’s or donor’s egg | Higher success rate |
| Traditional Surrogacy | Surrogate uses her own egg to become pregnant | Lower success rate |
Surrogacy Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions
Understanding surrogacy requires familiarity with various terms used in the field. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of surrogacy-related keywords to help you navigate the terminology:
A
- Altruistic Surrogacy – A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate does not receive financial compensation beyond medical expenses.
- Artificial Insemination – A fertility treatment where sperm is directly inserted into a woman’s uterus or cervix.
B
- Birth Certificate – The legal document issued after a child is born, listing the intended parents as legal guardians in surrogacy cases.
- Biological Parent – A person whose genetic material (egg or sperm) is used to create the embryo.
C
- Commercial Surrogacy – A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate is financially compensated beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
- Cryopreservation – The process of freezing embryos, eggs, or sperm for later use in fertility treatments.
D
- Donor Egg – An egg provided by a third party for use in assisted reproduction.
- Donor Sperm – Sperm donated by a third party for fertility treatments.
E
- Embryo Transfer – The process of implanting an embryo into the surrogate’s uterus.
- Egg Retrieval – The medical procedure used to collect eggs from a woman’s ovaries for IVF.
G
- Gestational Carrier (Gestational Surrogate) – A woman who carries a pregnancy using an embryo that is not genetically related to her.
- Gestational Surrogacy – A type of surrogacy where the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.
I
- Intended Parents (IPs) – Individuals or couples who arrange for a surrogate to carry their child.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – A process where eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus.
L
- Legal Parentage – The process of establishing the intended parents as the legal guardians of the child born via surrogacy.
- LGBTQ+ Surrogacy – Surrogacy arrangements for same-sex couples or individuals.
M
- Medical Screening – A series of tests conducted on the surrogate and intended parents before the surrogacy process.
- Multiple Embryo Transfer – The transfer of more than one embryo to increase the chances of pregnancy.
O
- Ovulation Induction – The use of medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Overseas Surrogacy – Pursuing surrogacy in another country due to legal, financial, or medical reasons.
P
- Parental Order – A legal document transferring parental rights from the surrogate to the intended parents.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) – A test performed on embryos to screen for genetic abnormalities before implantation.
S
- Surrogate Mother – A woman who carries and delivers a baby for intended parents.
- Surrogacy Agreement – A legal contract outlining the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties in a surrogacy arrangement.
- Surrogacy Laws – Regulations governing surrogacy in different countries and states.
T
- Traditional Surrogacy – A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate provides her own egg and carries the baby.
- Third-Party Reproduction – The use of a surrogate, sperm donor, or egg donor in assisted reproduction.
The Complete Surrogacy Process
The surrogacy process has many steps, from the first meeting to the baby’s birth. It’s key for intended parents to know about the surrogacy cost and the journey. With the right help, this journey can be fulfilling.
Surrogacy agencies are vital in this process. They help match parents with surrogates, manage medical tasks, and offer legal and emotional support. The costs vary based on the services offered by surrogacy agencies.
Some important parts of surrogacy include:
- Medical steps like in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
- The timeline and key moments, like matching and pregnancy
- The role of surrogacy agencies in making it happen
The total surrogacy cost can be between $100,000 and $150,000. But, costs change based on the surrogacy agency services. Knowing the surrogacy process and costs helps make better choices.
| Service | Surrogacy Cost |
| Surrogacy agency fees | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Medical procedures | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Legal fees | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Understanding the surrogacy process and costs helps parents make smart choices. This way, they can start a successful surrogacy journey.
Legal Framework and Rights in Surrogacy
Understanding the legal side of surrogacy is key. Laws about surrogacy differ a lot from one state to another. Surrogacy agreements are important because they define what each person’s role and rights are.
In places like California and Arkansas, you can get a pre-birth parentage order. But in Arizona, making a surrogacy contract is not allowed. Knowing your state’s surrogacy rights and laws is crucial. It helps protect everyone involved, like the intended parents, the surrogate, and the child.
Here are some important things to remember:
- Surrogacy laws change from state to state, with some allowing commercial surrogacy and others only altruistic.
- Surrogacy agreements clearly state what each person’s duties and rights are.
- In some states, you can get a pre-birth parentage order, but in others, making a surrogacy contract is not allowed.
- It’s vital to have legal protection for everyone involved, including the intended parents, the surrogate, and the child.
Knowing the legal side of surrogacy helps make the journey smoother and more successful. It’s important to work with experts who can help you. They can ensure you get the legal protection you need for everyone involved.
Surrogacy Laws in the USA by States- Comprehensive Table
| USA State | Surrogacy Legality | Additional Notes |
| California | Fully permitted, enforceable agreements |
|
| Connecticut | Fully permitted, enforceable agreements |
|
| District of Columbia | Fully permitted after 48 hours post-birth |
|
| Delaware | Fully permitted, valid and enforceable |
|
| Maine | Fully permitted, enforceable agreements |
|
| Maryland | Fully permitted, surrogacy-friendly |
|
| Nevada | Fully permitted for compensation |
|
| New Hampshire | Fully permitted for compensation |
|
| New Jersey | Legal recognition for gestational surrogacy |
|
| New York | Paid surrogacy agreements legalized | Surrogacy agreements are legal and pre-birth orders can be issued as of 15th Feb, 2021 if the intended parents are residents of the state. |
| Oregon | Fully permitted, enforceable contracts | Pre-birth orders recognized in other states |
| Pennsylvania | Valid and enforceable agreements | Surrogacy-friendly state |
| Rhode Island | Fully permitted for compensation | Surrogacy-friendly state |
| Alabama | Allowed with guidelines | Post-birth adoption may be easier |
| Washington | Surrogacy-friendly state |
|
| Wyoming | Unclear, laws inconsistent by county | Proceed with caution |
| Arizona | Contracts unenforceable, but practiced | Pre-birth orders granted, proceed with caution |
| Indiana | Contracts unenforceable, but practiced |
|
| Nebraska | Legal but contracts void and unenforceable | Uncompensated surrogacy only, proceed with caution |
| Virginia | Allowed with major stipulations | Pre-birth orders with strict criteria, proceed cautiously |
| Louisiana | Allowed but with restrictions | No commercial surrogacy, proceed with caution |
| Michigan | Paid surrogacy prohibited; contracts subject to penalties | Proceed with extreme caution |
| Alabama | Not very friendly | Supports pre-birth orders only for married couples. |
| Alaska | Not very friendly | Courts have been generally supportive. No explicit support for pre-birth orders. |
| Arkansas | Not very friendly | Surrogacy agreements valid for both heterosexual and same-sex married couples. |
| Colorado | No laws | No laws, but courts have been generally supportive. |
| Florida | Legal | Gestational surrogacy agreements permitted only between legally married couples and only after the baby is born. |
| Georgia | No laws | No laws, but courts have been generally supportive. |
| Hawaii | No laws | No supportive laws, and pre-birth orders are not issued. |
| Illinois | Legal | One of the most Surrogacy-Friendly states. |
| Kansas | No laws |
|
| Kentucky | No laws |
|
| Tennessee | Legal |
|
| Vermont | No laws |
|
| Virginia | Legal |
|
How much does surrogacy cost?
Thinking about surrogacy means looking at the surrogacy cost. The total surrogacy price can vary a lot. It usually falls between $80,000 and over $120,000. This includes medical bills, legal fees, and what the surrogate mother cost.
The surrogate cost depends on a few things. These include the type of surrogacy, where you are, and what services you need. For instance, IUI costs can be from $500 to $4,000. IVF costs about $20,000 per cycle.
Also, surrogate mother cost can be free if it’s a friend or family. But it can be up to $50,000 for an experienced surrogate.
- Agency fees: $15,000 to $30,000
- Surrogate compensation: $30,000 to $60,000
- Legal fees: $5,000 to $15,000
- Embryo creation costs: $20,000 to $30,000
- Egg donation costs: $20,000 to $30,000
Additional Resources to Read:
Choosing the Best Surrogacy Agency in Georgia Country
The Complete Guide to Surrogacy Cost Without Agency
13 Crucial Factors for Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency for You
Conclusion: Is Surrogacy Right for You?
Surrogacy can be a complex yet rewarding way to build your family. It involves legal and medical steps, and understanding the laws in your area. But for many, the benefits of surrogacy are worth the effort.
Whether surrogacy is right for you depends on your situation, values, and goals. You should think about the costs, your preferences, and your readiness for the journey. Making this choice is a personal decision that needs careful thought.
If you’re thinking about surrogacy, keep learning and talking to others. Connect with agencies and support groups. Discuss it with your family. With the right info and support, you can decide if surrogacy is the right choice for you.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Ukraine Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
Our team has over 14 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.
Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:
Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)
Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com
FAQs for what is surrogacy meaning
What is the meaning of surrogacy?
Surrogacy is when a woman (the surrogate) carries and gives birth to a child for another couple (the intended parents). The surrogate agrees to get pregnant, either through artificial insemination or embryo transfer. After the birth, she gives the child to the intended parents.
What are the different types of surrogacy?
There are two main types of surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy means the surrogate isn’t genetically related to the child. This is because the embryo is made from the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and egg. Traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, means the surrogate is the biological mother, as her own egg is used.
How does the surrogacy process work?
The surrogacy process starts with an initial consultation. Then, there are medical steps like in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. After that, legal agreements are made, and the child is born. Surrogacy agencies help by matching intended parents with surrogates and supporting them legally and emotionally.
What are the legal considerations in surrogacy?
Laws about surrogacy vary a lot from place to place. It’s important for both the intended parents and the surrogate to know the laws in their area. They should also have a surrogacy agreement to protect everyone’s rights and responsibilities.
How much does surrogacy cost?
Surrogacy costs can change a lot based on several factors. These include the type of surrogacy, where it happens, and what services are needed. Costs can be from $100,000 to $150,000 or more. This includes medical bills, legal fees, and the surrogate’s compensation. Intended parents should plan their budget carefully and look into financing options.
Source Links
- https://connect.asrm.org/lpg/resources/surrogacy-by-state?ssopc=1 – Surrogacy Laws By State – Legal Professional Group
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-much-does-a-surrogate-cost-6752258 – How Much Does a Surrogate Cost?
- https://www.today.com/parents/parents/surrogacy-costs-rcna40050 – How much does surrogacy cost?
Highly esteemed, authoritative, and trusted professional with a 14-year of experience in international surrogacy. Advocate for Secure, Legal, and Affordable International Surrogacy.
Neelam Chhagani, MA (Counselling Psychology) and Holistic Infertility and Third-Party Reproduction Consultant.
Member of European Fertility Society, Best Surrogacy Blogger of 2020, with 300 dedicated blogs, and top contributor on Quora for Surrogacy.
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