What Is a Gestational Carrier Agreement?

A gestational carrier agreement is the legal contract between the intended parents and the surrogate. It sets out responsibilities, medical decision-making, financial arrangements, and how legal parentage will be handled. This agreement is signed before embryo transfer.

Why it matters

This is the document that defines how the surrogacy arrangement will work before the pregnancy begins.

How it fits into the process

It is usually signed after matching and medical clearance but before transfer.

What people usually misunderstand

The agreement is not a simple form. It is one of the central legal documents in the entire process.

Related reference

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Used in

Independent Legal Representation →Pre-Birth Parentage Order →Post-Birth Parentage Order →Surrogacy Escrow →Surrogate Compensation →

This content defines terminology for educational orientation. It does not constitute medical advice.