In surrogacy, a woman carries a pregnancy for intended parents, usually through IVF, under a legal agreement. Rules vary by state and country.
Types
- Gestational surrogacy: the surrogate carries an embryo that is not her own, made through IVF. This is the most common type.
- Traditional surrogacy: she uses her own egg.
Process
- Legal contract.
- Medical and psychological screening.
- Embryo transfer.
- Birth and parental rights transfer.
Cost
In the US, total costs often run $100,000 to $200,000 or more.
Laws
Vary widely. Some states and countries ban compensated surrogacy.
Two types
- Traditional (genetic) surrogacy: the surrogate’s egg is used, so she is the biological mother. It is less common today and legally complex.
- Gestational surrogacy: an embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donor eggs and sperm, then transferred to the surrogate, who has no genetic link to the baby.
Steps in the process
- Choose an agency or independent arrangement.
- Screen the surrogate medically and psychologically.
- Draft legal contracts with separate attorneys for both sides.
- IVF, embryo transfer and pregnancy test.
- Prenatal care and birth.
- Legal parentage order or adoption, depending on location.
Success rates
In the US, CDC data show that a high percentage of embryo transfers to gestational carriers result in live births, though rates depend on age of the egg source and embryo quality.
Cost
In the US, total costs often range from about 100,000 to 200,000 dollars or more, including agency fees, surrogate compensation (commonly 40,000 to 70,000 dollars), medical costs, insurance and legal fees.
Laws
Laws vary widely. Some US states, such as California, are surrogacy friendly. Michigan has historically made compensated surrogacy contracts unenforceable, with changes taking effect in 2025. Several countries ban commercial surrogacy, including France, Germany and Italy. Others allow altruistic arrangements, such as the UK and Canada.
Surrogate requirements
Typical requirements include age 21 to 40, previous healthy pregnancy and delivery, a healthy BMI, no major medical issues and a stable home.
Ethical considerations
Debates focus on exploitation concerns, consent, compensation and the rights of the child. Counseling is a key part of the process.
Types and process
In gestational surrogacy, an embryo made through in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the intended parents or donors is transferred to the surrogate, who has no genetic link to the child. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, which is much less common today because of legal and emotional complexity. The process usually includes screening of the surrogate, medical and psychological evaluation, legal contracts reviewed by separate attorneys, embryo transfer, prenatal care and a parentage order or adoption after birth. Surrogates are typically between 21 and 40, have had at least one healthy pregnancy and are in good health.
Costs, success and laws
Total costs for gestational surrogacy in the United States commonly range from about 100,000 to 200,000 USD, including agency fees, compensation, medical costs and legal fees. Success rates per embryo transfer with a gestational carrier are often around half, depending on embryo quality and the age of the egg source. Laws vary widely: some states, such as California, have clear supportive statutes, while others restrict paid surrogacy, and international rules differ, with several European countries banning it. Ethical debates include exploitation concerns, child parentage and compensation. Consult a reproductive attorney and a fertility clinic before starting.
Based on data from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the CDC
