Surrogacy Glossary

The terminology used in surrogacy can be overwhelming, so we’ve gathered and explained some of the most commonly used surrogacy phrases.

• Artificial Insemination
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
• Birth Plan
• Blastocyst
• Blastocyst Transfer
• Closed Surrogacy
• Compensated Surrogacy
• Cryopreservation (Embryo Freezing)
• Donor Embryo / Embryo Donation
• Egg Donor
• Embryo Transfer (ET)
• Escrow Account
• Expense Reimbursements
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
• Gestational Carrier
• Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA) / Surrogacy Contract
• Gestational Surrogacy
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Independent Surrogacy
• Intended Parent(s) (IPs)
• Intended Parent(s) Leave (Maternity/Paternity Leave)
• Journey (Surrogacy Journey)
• Journey Coordinator
• Legal Clearance Letter
• Matching Process
• Mental Health Counseling
• Multiple Gestation Pregnancy
• Open Surrogacy
• Ovarian Stimulation
• Parentage Order (Pre-Birth or Post-Birth)
• PGT (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing)
• Psychological Screening
• Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)
• Selective Reduction
• Sibling Project / Sibling Journey
• Surrogacy Agency
• Surrogacy Consultant
• Surrogacy Costs
• Surrogacy Laws
• Surrogacy Lawyer / Attorney
• Surrogate (or Surrogate Mother)
• Surrogate Base Compensation
• Surrogate Medical Insurance / Surrogacy Health Insurance
• Surrogate Support Groups