The Different Types of Surrogacy

While surrogacy as a concept has existed in human societies for thousands of years, modern practices have evolved dramatically from historical arrangements. Critics sometimes view surrogacy as exploitative, but today’s surrogates make informed choices within a framework of comprehensive medical screening, legal protection, and professional support. This shift from historical arrangements to regulated practices ensures that surrogacy centers on personal autonomy while helping others build families. 

Modern surrogacy encompasses various medical, legal, and personal choices that can feel overwhelming at first glance. Whether you’re exploring surrogacy as an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate yourself, understanding these different paths helps you make informed decisions about your journey. This guide breaks down each type of surrogacy, exploring how they work and what makes them unique.

What Are the Different Types of Surrogacy?

The landscape of surrogacy has expanded significantly with advances in reproductive medicine. Today’s options include traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used; gestational surrogacy, which uses IVF with separate egg and sperm sources; altruistic surrogacy, focusing on non-compensated arrangements; and independent surrogacy, where parties coordinate directly without agency involvement. Each type comes with its own set of medical protocols, legal frameworks, and emotional considerations. Understanding these differences helps you choose an approach that aligns with your circumstances, values, and goals.

What Is a Traditional Surrogate?

Traditional surrogacy represents the original form of surrogate pregnancy, where the surrogate uses her own egg, creating both a biological and gestational connection to the child. The process typically involves artificial insemination with sperm from either an intended father or donor, making it medically simpler than some other options. However, this biological connection creates unique emotional and legal considerations that all parties must carefully weigh.

Many states have specific laws around traditional surrogacy, and some restrict or prohibit these arrangements entirely. The emotional complexity and legal landscape have made this option less common in recent years, though it remains valid for some families. Finding a clinic that supports traditional surrogacy can be challenging, as many medical practices now focus exclusively on gestational arrangements.

To learn more each state requirements for traditional surrogacy visit our Surrogacy by State page. 

What Is a Gestational Surrogate?

Gestational surrogacy has revolutionized modern family building by separating genetic and gestational roles through IVF. In this arrangement, the surrogate carries an embryo created using eggs and sperm from either intended parents or donors, establishing no genetic connection between the surrogate and baby. The process typically involves creating embryos through IVF, which can then be frozen until the surrogate’s body is ready. This flexibility allows for thorough medical screening and optimal timing of the embryo transfer.

This approach offers clearer legal frameworks in most jurisdictions and has become the preferred choice for many clinics and agencies. While it typically involves higher initial medical costs due to IVF, the established protocols and success rates make it an attractive option. The lack of genetic connection often simplifies both legal proceedings and emotional boundaries for all parties involved.

To learn more each state requirements for gestational surrogacy visit our Surrogacy by State page. 

What Is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy occurs when a surrogate carries a pregnancy without compensation beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses. This arrangement often develops between friends or family members, though sometimes strangers feel called to help others in this profound way. The absence of compensation doesn’t reduce the need for proper medical screening, legal protection, or emotional support – in fact, the personal connections in many altruistic arrangements can make professional counseling and clear boundaries even more crucial.

What Is Compensated Surrogacy?

Most surrogacy arrangements in the United States are compensated journeys. Beyond covering medical expenses and pregnancy-related costs, intended parents provide compensation that typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. This compensation acknowledges the significant physical, emotional, and practical commitments surrogates make while helping create families.

The compensation structure usually includes base pay plus additional allowances for maternity clothes, housekeeping help, lost wages if needed, and specific medical situations that might arise. These arrangements are carefully outlined in legal contracts to ensure clarity and protection for everyone involved. Reputable agencies help structure fair compensation packages that reflect both the surrogate’s commitment and local standards.

What Is Independent Surrogacy?

Independent surrogacy means managing your journey without an agency. While this path requires more hands-on involvement, resources like the Surrogacy Roadmap course now make it more accessible than ever. This comprehensive DIY guide walks intended parents through each step of coordinating their own journey, from matching through birth. The path typically saves tens of thousands in agency fees, and with proper guidance, can be just as successful as agency-supported journeys.

The key to success in independent surrogacy is building the right team of professionals – including a fertility clinic, reproductive law attorney, and mental health professional. The Surrogacy Roadmap helps you understand exactly when and how to engage these professionals, ensuring you have proper screening and protection while maintaining control of your journey.

Taking Your Next Steps

The choice between agency or independent surrogacy often shapes your entire journey. Agencies like Family Inceptions offer comprehensive support throughout the process, from initial matching through pregnancy and birth. Our experienced team handles the complex coordination between medical providers, legal professionals, and all parties involved, while providing emotional support at every stage.

Ready to explore your options? Family Inceptions offers free consultations to discuss your surrogacy goals. Whether you’re interested in our full-service agency program or looking for guidance with an independent journey, we’re here to help you understand the path that best fits your needs.