When considering surrogacy, understanding the different types available is an important first step. Each option comes with its own legal, medical, and emotional considerations, and knowing how they differ can help intended parents and surrogates make informed, confident decisions.
In this article, we’ll walk through the main types of surrogacy, including gestational and traditional surrogacy. We’ll also explore different kinds of arrangements such as altruistic, compensated, or with someone you know, along with the key steps of the gestational surrogacy process.
What Are the Main Types of Surrogacy
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is the most widely used form of surrogacy today. In this type of arrangement, the surrogate, often called a gestational carrier, has no biological link to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Once the embryo is ready, it is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus to carry the pregnancy.
This process allows the intended parents to be the baby’s genetic parents when using their own reproductive material. In cases involving egg or sperm donation, the child may be genetically related to one or neither of the intended parents, but never to the surrogate. This clear separation is one of the reasons gestational surrogacy is considered medically and legally more straightforward.
It is also the only form of surrogacy offered by most reputable agencies and fertility clinics. Laws in the United States and other countries tend to support gestational surrogacy more consistently, particularly because the surrogate has no genetic claim to the child. This helps reduce legal complications and provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
For many intended parents, gestational surrogacy offers a structured and supported path to parenthood. It allows them to participate in the pregnancy, build a strong relationship with the surrogate, and welcome their child knowing that the legal and emotional boundaries are clearly defined from the beginning.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg to conceive, which means she is the child’s genetic mother. Conception typically happens through intrauterine insemination using sperm from the intended father or a donor. Unlike gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not always required, though it can still be used in some cases.
This type of surrogacy comes with a different set of emotional and legal considerations. Because the surrogate has a genetic connection to the baby, there is often more legal complexity involved in transferring parental rights after birth. In some states or countries, traditional surrogacy is restricted or not legally recognized for this reason.
It is also more emotionally nuanced. The surrogate may feel a deeper attachment to the child, and intended parents may feel less comfortable navigating a situation where the person carrying the baby is also biologically related to them.
While traditional surrogacy was more common in the past, it is now rare, especially in agency-led journeys. It may still occur in private arrangements, often between friends or family members who already share a strong bond. When pursued, it requires thoughtful legal planning, psychological evaluation, and a high level of trust between all parties.
Surrogacy Arrangements: Altruistic vs. Compensated
Altruistic Surrogacy
In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate carries the pregnancy without receiving any financial compensation beyond coverage for medical expenses and related costs. Her motivation is often rooted in a desire to help others grow their family, especially when the arrangement involves someone she knows personally.
Altruistic surrogacy can take place within families or between close friends, but it is not limited to those relationships. Some women feel called to be surrogates purely out of empathy and generosity, even for intended parents they have never met before.
This type of surrogacy is legally permitted in several states and countries, but each region defines what is allowed differently. In some cases, intended parents may be limited in what they can reimburse. That is why it is essential to review the legal requirements of the state or country where the surrogacy takes place.
While altruistic surrogacy can be deeply meaningful, it is still important to have formal legal agreements in place. Even when money is not involved, clarity around roles, expectations, and boundaries protects everyone, including the future child.
Compensated Surrogacy
In compensated surrogacy, the surrogate receives a base fee in addition to reimbursement for pregnancy-related expenses. This compensation acknowledges the time, physical commitment, and emotional energy involved in carrying a child for someone else.
The amount varies depending on experience, location, and whether the surrogate is working independently or with an agency. It typically covers medical procedures, maternity clothes, travel, and other agreed-upon costs. In some cases, additional payments are made for specific medical events, such as carrying twins or undergoing a cesarean section.
Compensated surrogacy is legal in many U.S. states, though the laws differ widely. Some states have clear guidelines for contracts and payments, while others have restrictions or require intended parents to work with legal professionals to ensure compliance.
Many intended parents choose this arrangement because it offers structure and clarity, especially when working with an agency. It also helps recognize the value of what the surrogate is doing, while creating a framework that protects both sides legally and ethically.
Surrogacy with a Friend or Family Member
When the surrogate is a close friend or family member, the emotional experience can feel more personal and connected. Some intended parents turn to someone they trust deeply, either because they already have a strong bond or because it offers a level of familiarity that feels reassuring throughout the process.
In many cases, surrogacy with a friend or relative can also reduce certain costs. For example, the cost of pursuing surrogacy with a friend may be lower than agency-led journeys, depending on the agreement and the laws in place.
Still, even in the context of a close relationship, it is crucial to treat the arrangement with the same care and professionalism as any other. Clear communication, psychological support, and legal contracts are just as important when the surrogate is someone you know.
These arrangements can be beautiful, but they require sensitivity and preparation to ensure that both parties feel supported, respected, and fully informed every step of the way.
Understanding the Gestational Surrogacy Process
Who Is Involved
Gestational surrogacy is a team effort. Several people and surrogacy professionals are involved at different stages, each playing a specific and important role:
- Intended parents are the individuals who will raise the child. In many cases, they are also the biological parents, depending on whether donor eggs or sperm are used. They are active participants in the process from start to finish.
- The gestational surrogate is the woman who carries the pregnancy. She has no genetic link to the baby. Before being matched, she goes through medical evaluations, psychological screening, and background checks to ensure she is ready for the journey ahead.
- Medical professionals oversee the reproductive process. Fertility doctors manage the IVF cycle and embryo transfer, while nurses and coordinators support both the surrogate and the intended parents throughout the pregnancy.
- Legal professionals help protect everyone’s rights. Each party is typically represented by their own attorney, who prepares a legal agreement outlining responsibilities, expectations, and parental rights, in compliance with the laws of the state.
- Surrogacy agencies are often involved to provide structure, guidance, and coordination. Agencies help with screening, matching, logistics, and ongoing support, making the journey smoother and more manageable for both surrogates and intended parents.
Together, this group ensures that the medical, emotional, and legal needs of the surrogacy journey are met with care and professionalism.
Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process
- Initial consultation and screening
Every surrogacy journey starts with preparation. Intended parents often begin by meeting with a fertility clinic or agency to discuss their options and understand what the process will involve. At the same time, potential surrogates undergo comprehensive medical testing, psychological evaluations, and background checks to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria to carry a pregnancy safely and responsibly.
- Matching intended parents and surrogate mothers
Once screening is complete, the matching phase begins. When working with an agency, this process is carefully guided to ensure alignment in values, expectations, and communication styles. In some cases, intended parents already know the person they would like to work with. It might be a close friend or a family member who has offered to help. In both situations, establishing trust and shared goals is essential before moving forward. Learn more about the surrogate matching process here.
- Legal agreements
Before any medical procedures take place, both parties must sign a legal contract. Surrogacy contracts are prepared with the guidance of a surrogacy attorney and reviewed individually by each party to ensure clarity and mutual understanding. The contract outlines the surrogate’s responsibilities, the intended parents’ obligations, decisions about medical care, and what will happen after birth. This legal step is critical in establishing clear expectations and protecting everyone involved.
- Embryo transfer and pregnancy
After contracts are signed, the surrogate begins preparing for the embryo transfer with IVF medication (hormone treatments) prescribed by the fertility clinic. Once the timing is right, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. If implantation is successful, she continues with regular medical monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Many intended parents are actively involved during this time, attending doctor’s appointments and staying in close contact with the surrogate.
- Birth and final legal steps
As the due date approaches, a birth plan is created to reflect everyone’s wishes and ensure the process goes smoothly. After delivery, legal procedures such as a post-birth or a pre-birth order confirm the intended parents’ legal parentage.The baby is then placed in their care, and the process comes to a close.
Choosing Between Agency and Independent Surrogacy
Agency-Assisted Surrogacy
For many people, working with a surrogacy agency brings a sense of reassurance and structure. Agencies guide intended parents and surrogates through each stage of the process, from initial screening and matching to legal coordination and post-birth planning. This support can be especially valuable for those who are navigating surrogacy for the first time.
Surrogacy agencies typically handle all the logistical and administrative steps, including medical appointments, legal referrals, financial management, and emotional support. They also help resolve unexpected issues if they arise and ensure that both sides feel heard and supported throughout the experience.
Many intended parents choose to work with an agency because it provides a team of professionals who are familiar with the laws, best practices, and emotional nuances of surrogacy. For surrogates, an agency offers similar benefits: dedicated support, transparent communication, and protection at every step.
Independent Surrogacy
Independent surrogacy means managing the entire process without going through an agency. Some intended parents prefer this route because it offers more control over the experience, greater flexibility in how things are handled, and in some cases, lower costs.
In an independent journey, the intended parents take the lead in coordinating legal counsel, fertility care, and communication with the surrogate. This path often requires more time, organization, and effort, but for those who are prepared for the responsibility, it can be a meaningful and rewarding way to grow a family.
For example, intended parents who already have a surrogate in mind may feel that working independently makes the most sense. In such cases, understanding if independent surrogacy is right for them depends on their comfort with managing the practical and emotional aspects of the process without professional intermediaries.
While both agency and independent journeys can be successful, the key is choosing the one that aligns with your values, resources, and comfort level.
Deciding What Type of Surrogacy Is Right for You
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Choosing a surrogacy path isn’t just about understanding the technical differences between options. It’s also about knowing what feels right for your values, your circumstances, and your comfort level. Asking yourself a few important questions can help bring clarity.
Do you want hands-on guidance throughout the process, or are you comfortable managing more of it independently? If you prefer structured support, working with an agency may be the best fit. If you’re confident coordinating medical and legal steps on your own, independent surrogacy might feel more natural.
Are you planning to work with someone you already know, such as a friend or family member, or are you looking to be matched with a surrogate through an agency? Existing relationships can shape the dynamic in meaningful ways and may influence the kind of agreement you’re comfortable with.
What are your emotional needs, financial situation, and personal preferences when it comes to how the journey unfolds? Being honest about what you need to feel safe and supported can guide you toward the right decision.
Key Factors to Consider Before Moving Forward
Legal requirements vary significantly from one state to another. Some allow both compensated and altruistic surrogacy, while others limit or prohibit certain arrangements. If you’re unsure about the legal landscape, it’s helpful to understand where surrogacy is legal in the US.
Understanding what is legally possible in your location, or in the state where your surrogate resides, is a critical part of planning.
Emotional readiness is just as important. Surrogacy is a long and complex process that can include unexpected turns. Whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, having the emotional tools to navigate those moments matters more than most people expect at the beginning.
Financial preparation and the cost of the surrogacy journey also plays an essential role. Altruistic arrangements may involve fewer costs, but compensated surrogacy and agency-led journeys require thoughtful budgeting. This includes medical care, legal fees, insurance, and agreed-upon compensation. Having a clear picture of what you are prepared to invest can help you choose the arrangement that aligns best with your situation.
Why Choose Surrogacy by Faith
Surrogacy by Faith brings a unique perspective to the surrogacy experience by combining professional expertise with deep ethical and spiritual values. The agency is led by a team who have been surrogates themselves, which means every intended parent and surrogate receives support that is both personal and grounded in lived experience.
As a faith-based agency, Surrogacy by Faith places compassion, integrity, and respect for life at the heart of every journey. The agency partners with fertility clinics that share its ethical principles and does not support termination of pregnancy, except in rare and clearly defined medical emergencies.
Surrogacy by Faith is also known for its transparency, thoughtful guidance, and generous compensation packages for surrogates. From the first conversation to the final legal steps, the agency works to ensure that every decision is made with care and clarity.
If you are an intended parent ready to begin this journey, you can take the first step by completing the intended parent application form. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, you can explore what’s involved through the surrogate mother application process.