Surrogate

Surrogacy is a method or agreement whereby a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or persons, who will become the newborn child's parent(s) after birth.

Types of Surrogacy

There are two main types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.

In gestational surrogacy, the pregnancy results from the transfer of an embryo created by in vitro fertilization (IVF), in a manner so the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is impregnated naturally or artificially, but the resulting child is genetically related to the surrogate.

Legal Aspects

The legal aspects of surrogacy in any particular jurisdiction tend to hinge on a few central questions:

• Are surrogacy agreements enforceable, void, or prohibited? Does it make a difference whether the surrogate mother is paid (commercial) or simply reimbursed for expenses (altruistic)?
• What, if any, difference does it make whether the intended parent(s) are heterosexual or homosexual, or whether they are married or unmarried?
• If the surrogate receives money, is this considered payment for services or reimbursement for expenses?

Surrogacy and Religion

The religious response to surrogacy varies widely. Some are in favor, some are neutral, and some are against. Positions can vary within each religion as well.

See Also

• Assisted reproductive technology
• Commercial surrogacy
• Fertility tourism
• In vitro fertilisation
• LGBT parenting
• Third-party reproduction