surrogacy

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a person carries a pregnancy with the intention of giving the child to another person or couple who will become the parent(s) after birth. There are two main forms: traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate is genetically related to the child through artificial insemination, and gestational surrogacy, in which an embryo created via in vitro fertilization is implanted in the surrogate and the resulting child is not genetically related to the surrogate.

In gestational surrogacy, the intended parent(s) or donors provide the gametes; the surrogate carries the pregnancy. The process typically includes medical and psychological screening, legal agreements, selection and matching of a surrogate, IVF or insemination, pregnancy management, birth, and transfer of parental rights to the intended parent(s). Compensation ranges by jurisdiction and can be commercial (paid to the surrogate) or altruistic (reimbursement only) in some places.

Legal and ethical considerations vary widely. Some jurisdictions allow and regulate surrogacy with enforceable contracts and clear parentage rules; others ban it or restrict who may participate. Issues include the surrogate’s informed consent, potential exploitation, the rights and welfare of the child, and how parental rights are established at birth or later.

Medical considerations include standard prenatal care as well as risks specific to surrogacy pregnancies, such as complications during pregnancy and delivery. Surrogates undergo medical and psychological evaluation, and children born via surrogacy are legally recognized in a manner defined by local law, which may affect citizenship and parental status.

Surrogacy arrangements are reported in many countries but remain controversial and unevenly regulated. Costs for gestational surrogacy can be substantial, covering medical care, surrogate compensation, legal services, and agency fees. Public policy debates focus on autonomy, exploitation, regulation, and the best interests of the child.