Gestational Surrogacy
Definition
Gestational Surrogacy is defined as: a form of surrogacy in which the gestational carrier has no genetic relationship to the child. An embryo created via IVF: using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, is transferred to the carrier's uterus. Gestational surrogacy is the dominant model used in US-based surrogacy arrangements.
How Gestational Surrogacy Works
In gestational surrogacy, intended parents undergo IVF to create embryos using their own gametes or donor eggs and/or donor sperm. A selected embryo is transferred to the gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy to term. The carrier has no genetic connection to the child because her own eggs are not used. This distinction is legally significant in most US states and internationally.
Legal Framework
Gestational surrogacy is legally recognized in most surrogacy-friendly US states through pre-birth parentage orders (PBOs). The absence of a genetic link between the carrier and child simplifies the legal process compared to traditional surrogacy. However, legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, and independent legal representation for both parties is a governance standard.
Who Uses Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is used by intended parents who cannot carry a pregnancy, including same-sex male couples, single intended fathers, individuals with medical contraindications to pregnancy, and those who have experienced repeated IVF or pregnancy failures. It requires coordination between fertility clinics, legal teams, and surrogacy agencies or independent matching.
Knowledge Graph
Related reference pages and tools in this system.
Core References
Clinical Models
Legal and Governance
Sources
- Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) national reports, https://www.sart.org
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) statistics, https://www.hfea.gov.uk
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), https://www.eshre.eu