Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, an embryo created via IVF is transferred to the surrogate's uterus. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby — the embryo was created from the intended parents' or donors' genetic material. This is the standard form of surrogacy in the United States today, accounting for over 95% of all arrangements.
Because the surrogate is not genetically related to the child, gestational surrogacy provides cleaner legal protections for intended parents. In surrogacy-friendly states, a pre-birth order names intended parents on the birth certificate before the baby is born. See our complete guide to gestational surrogacy.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is also the egg donor — she is inseminated with the intended father's or donor sperm, making her the genetic mother of the child. Traditional surrogacy creates significant legal complexity because the surrogate has a genetic and potentially legal parental claim to the child. Most surrogacy agencies, fertility clinics, and reproductive attorneys in the United States no longer facilitate traditional surrogacy for this reason.
Compensated vs. Altruistic Surrogacy
Compensated surrogacy: The surrogate receives financial payment beyond expense reimbursement — a base fee for carrying the pregnancy. Standard in the US. Surrogate base compensation typically ranges from $30,000–$60,000. See our cost guide and compensation breakdown.
Altruistic surrogacy: The surrogate receives only reimbursement of actual expenses, with no additional compensation. More common in countries where commercial surrogacy is prohibited. Rare in the US but legal everywhere — including states that otherwise restrict commercial surrogacy.
Agency vs. Independent Surrogacy
Agency surrogacy: Intended parents work with a surrogacy agency that recruits and screens surrogates, manages the matching process, and coordinates the journey. Agency fees typically range from $25,000–$50,000. See our guide on how to choose an agency.
Independent surrogacy: Intended parents find their own surrogate without using an agency. Can save significant costs but transfers all coordination to the intended parents. Best for experienced intended parents or those with a known surrogate candidate.
Known vs. Anonymous Surrogates
In most US surrogacy arrangements, intended parents and surrogates are matched by an agency and were previously unknown to each other. A known surrogate is a friend, family member, or other person in the intended parents' life who offers to carry for them. Known surrogacy can reduce or eliminate agency matching fees but requires particular care around the legal and psychological groundwork to protect the relationship.