Surrogacy FAQ

Surrogacy is a family-building arrangement in which a woman carries a pregnancy with the intention that the child will be raised by the intended parent or parents.

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF and is not genetically related to the child. This is the most common form of modern surrogacy.

Intended parents are the individual or couple who plan to become the child’s legal and social parents through the surrogacy arrangement.

People may choose surrogacy for many reasons, including infertility, medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe, prior pregnancy complications, same-sex family building, or other reproductive circumstances.

The process often includes consultation, eligibility review, matching, screening, legal preparation, IVF and embryo transfer, pregnancy care, birth planning, and post-birth legal steps where required.

Timelines vary. The full journey may take many months or longer, depending on matching, medical readiness, legal procedures, embryo availability, and pregnancy outcomes.

Matching is the process of bringing together intended parents and a suitable surrogate based on compatibility, expectations, communication style, medical suitability, and practical considerations.

No. Even with strong medical care, embryo transfer does not guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on embryo quality, uterine receptivity, age-related factors, and broader clinical circumstances.

Medical screening helps evaluate whether all parties are suitable for treatment. It may include reproductive health assessment, infectious disease testing, imaging, and review of pregnancy history.

Yes. Psychological screening is often used to assess readiness, understanding, emotional resilience, and expectations for both intended parents and surrogates.

IVF is commonly used to create embryos outside the body. The embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus in the hope of establishing pregnancy.

Yes. Depending on the situation, donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos may be used as part of the fertility treatment plan.

In most surrogacy arrangements, legal preparation is essential. A formal agreement helps clarify roles, expectations, responsibilities, expenses, and procedural decisions.

No. Surrogacy laws differ significantly across countries and regions. Intended parents should always obtain jurisdiction-specific legal advice before proceeding.

Costs may include clinic treatment, legal services, screening, travel, insurance, care coordination, and pregnancy-related expenses. The exact structure depends on jurisdiction and program model.

Intended parents should look for clear communication, ethical coordination, legal guidance, clinical oversight, transparent process information, and emotional support throughout the journey.