What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

By Dr. Kulsoom Baloch

Learn more about Dr. Baloch

Introduction

Gestational surrogacy has become the most common and widely accepted form of surrogacy today. It allows individuals and couples to build a family using their own genetic material, while another woman (the surrogate) carries the pregnancy. This article explains what gestational surrogacy is, how it works, and why it’s so popular.

Definition: What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a type of assisted reproduction in which a woman carries a baby created from another person’s egg and sperm. The surrogate (also called a gestational carrier) has no genetic link to the child.

How Gestational Surrogacy Works

• An embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm.
• The embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate.
• The surrogate carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby.
• Legal agreements ensure that the intended parents have full parental rights at birth.

Who Uses Gestational Surrogacy?

• Women unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons
• Same-sex male couples
• Individuals with uterine issues or previous hysterectomies
• People with recurrent pregnancy loss

Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

• Gestational: The surrogate is not biologically related to the child.
• Traditional: The surrogate uses her own egg and is the genetic mother.

Gestational surrogacy is more legally and emotionally secure for all parties involved.

Legal Framework of Gestational Surrogacy

A comprehensive legal agreement is signed before the embryo transfer. It covers:

• Parental rights
• Compensation
• Medical decisions
• Delivery arrangements

Most U.S. states recognize gestational surrogacy, but laws vary, so working with a legal expert is essential.

Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy

• Intended parents can have a child genetically related to one or both partners.
• The surrogate does not have legal parental rights.
• Clear legal protections make the process smoother and more secure.
• High success rates when managed by reputable clinics and agencies.

Conclusion

Gestational surrogacy is a safe, ethical, and widely practiced option for family building. At Surrogacy4All, we help match intended parents with experienced surrogates and guide both parties through the medical and legal steps of the journey.