Who Uses a Surrogate and Why? From Infertility to LGBTQ+ Family Building

By Dr. Kulsoom Baloch

Learn more about Dr. Baloch

Introduction

Surrogacy is no longer a rare or last-resort option—it’s now a mainstream path to parenthood for many people from different walks of life. This blog explores the most common reasons individuals and couples choose to grow their families through surrogacy, from infertility to same-sex parenting.

1. Heterosexual Couples Facing Infertility

Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples. Surrogacy is often chosen when:

• The intended mother can’t carry a pregnancy due to health issues or surgery
• The uterus is absent or non-functioning (e.g., after hysterectomy)
• Recurrent miscarriages have occurred despite other interventions

2. LGBTQ+ Couples and Individuals

Surrogacy is a popular option for:

• Gay male couples: who require both an egg donor and surrogate
• Single men: who want to become parents biologically
• Lesbian couples: where one partner cannot carry a pregnancy, and the other provides eggs

3. Cancer Survivors

People who have survived cancer—especially those who underwent chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that affected reproductive organs—often turn to surrogacy when natural conception or pregnancy is no longer an option.

4. Women with High-Risk Medical Conditions

Surrogacy is recommended when pregnancy would be dangerous due to:

• Heart disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• History of preeclampsia or blood clots
• Severe diabetes or hypertension

5. Single Intended Parents

Many people choose surrogacy as single parents, especially those who:

• Have stable careers but lack a partner
• Desire a genetic connection to their child
• Want full control of the parenting process

6. Repeat Parents Expanding Their Family

Some intended parents who used surrogacy once successfully choose to return for a second or third child through the same method—often working with the same agency or even the same surrogate.

Emotional and Practical Reasons

• Surrogacy allows for greater control and involvement during pregnancy
• Intended parents can often attend appointments and the birth
• Surrogates are medically and psychologically screened for safety

Conclusion

Surrogacy is a versatile and inclusive option for anyone who cannot carry a child but still wants to experience biological parenthood. At Surrogacy4All, we proudly support heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and returning clients on their journey to parenthood.