Gestational Surrogacy

What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is a process where a woman, known as a gestational carrier, carries and delivers a child for intended parents using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryo — made from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm — has no genetic link to the carrier, distinguishing it from traditional surrogacy. This method is widely used to help individuals or couples achieve parenthood when pregnancy isn’t possible or safe.

How does gestational surrogacy work?
The process starts with matching a gestational carrier to intended parents via an agency or independently. The carrier undergoes medical and psychological screening, while embryos are created through IVF, often with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). The embryo is transferred to the carrier’s uterus via fresh or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), following hormonal preparation. She carries the pregnancy, attends prenatal care, and delivers the baby, who is then transferred to the intended parents per a gestational carrier agreement (GCA). Compensation or expense reimbursements support the carrier, managed through escrow.

What’s its role in surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy today, offering clear legal and emotional boundaries due to the lack of genetic connection between the carrier and child. It enables diverse family-building — for infertile couples, same-sex partners, or single individuals — while empowering carriers to provide a profound service. Its reliance on ART like IVF and FET makes it a cornerstone of modern reproductive medicine, driving demand for clear contracts and ethical practices.

What are common features?

• No genetic link: The carrier carries an embryo unrelated to her, created externally.
• IVF-based: Requires embryo creation and transfer, often with cryopreservation.
• Legal agreements: GCAs ($5,000-$10,000) outline rights, custody, and compensation.
• Compensation/reimbursement: Includes base pay ($30,000-$50,000 in compensated cases) and expenses ($10,000-$20,000).
• Medical oversight: Involves fertility clinics for embryo transfer and obstetric care for pregnancy.

What is the history of gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy emerged with IVF’s rise in the late 1970s, enabled by the 1978 birth of Louise Brown in Oldham, England. The first gestational surrogacy occurred in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, using IVF to separate the carrier’s genetic role. The Jones Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, advanced techniques in the 1980s, while agencies in San Diego, California, formalized processes by the 1990s. Internationally, Canada’s Toronto regulated gestational surrogacy in the 2000s, and Ukraine’s Kyiv became a global hub until recent restrictions, shaping its legal and ethical landscape.

Who uses gestational surrogacy?

• Gestational carriers: Healthy women with prior pregnancies, motivated by altruism or compensation.
• Intended parents: Those unable to carry due to infertility, medical risks, or family structure (e.g., same-sex couples).
• Surrogacy agencies: Match carriers and parents, ensuring ethical coordination.
• Fertility clinics: Provide ART expertise for embryo creation and transfer.

What are benefits and considerations?

• Benefits: Offers genetic connection for parents (when using their gametes), clear legal paths, and safe pregnancies via ART.
• Challenges: High costs ($100,000-$200,000) and emotional complexities require robust support and contracts.
• Emotional impact: Carriers feel pride in helping but may face attachment concerns; parents navigate gratitude and anxiety.

What about legal and financial aspects?
Gestational surrogacy costs $100,000-$200,000, covering IVF ($10,000-$20,000), legal fees ($5,000-$10,000), and carrier support. GCAs ensure custody and compliance, upheld in states like California and Illinois. Internationally, countries like the UK permit altruistic gestational surrogacy, while Mexico supports commercial arrangements with restrictions. Escrow accounts manage funds, and pre-birth orders (where allowed) secure parental rights, minimizing disputes.

Why does it matter?
Gestational surrogacy transforms lives by blending science, compassion, and law, empowering carriers to create families for others. For potential surrogates, understanding this process clarifies their vital role and protections, building trust. By detailing gestational surrogacy’s nuances, agencies establish authority, guiding clients with clarity and driving informed choices in a profound journey.

Related terms

• Gestational Carrier
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
• Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA)
• Intended Parents

Synonyms

• Gestational carrier surrogacy
• IVF surrogacy
• Host surrogacy
• Full surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy weaves hope with precision, uniting carriers and parents to build families through shared purpose.