Surrogacy Terms You Need to Know Before You Start a Journey
A Glossary of Key Surrogacy Definitions to Help Navigate the Process
When embarking on a surrogacy journey, it’s important to be familiar with the terminology involved. The world of surrogacy is filled with legal, medical, and emotional language that can be overwhelming for those new to the process. Understanding these terms will help you feel more confident and prepared as you navigate the steps ahead.
Here’s a glossary of the most important surrogacy terms you need to know before starting your journey.
Surrogate
A surrogate is a woman who carries a child for another individual or couple (known as the intended parents). There are two types of surrogates:
Gestational Carrier: The surrogate carries a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor, meaning she has no genetic link to the child. The overwhelming majority of surrogacy journeys, and every journey with The Genesis Group, are facilitated in this manner.
Traditional Surrogate: The surrogate’s own egg is used to conceive the child. She is genetically related to the baby. This is uncommon, and our agency does not facilitate traditional journeys.
Intended Parents
Intended parents are the individuals or couple who are planning to have a child through surrogacy. They may not be able to carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical, personal, or other reasons. One main reason that intended parents search for a donor or surrogate is due to infertility complications, which affect 1 in 6 individuals globally.
Egg Donation
Egg donation refers to the process in which a woman donates her eggs to an intended parent or couple for the purpose of in vitro fertilization. This is common when an intended mother is unable to produce healthy eggs, or for gay couples and LGBTQ+ individuals who require donor eggs for the development of embryos.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure used to fertilize an egg outside of the body. It is commonly used in surrogacy to create embryos that are later implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. IVF is often performed when an intended parent or couple cannot carry a pregnancy or are using an egg donor.
Surrogacy Legal Contract
A surrogacy contract is a legally binding agreement between the intended parent(s) and the surrogate. This contract outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, including financial compensation, medical care, and any contingencies in case of complications. The contract should also address the parental rights of the intended parents once the baby is born.
Gestational Carrier Agreement
This is another term for the surrogacy contract, specifically used when referring to gestational surrogacy arrangements. This agreement focuses on the legalities and details specific to gestational surrogacy.
Parental Rights
Parental rights refer to the legal rights of the intended parents to claim the child as their own once born. This process is crucial and typically involves a pre-birth order or post-birth adoption depending on the state and local laws, which often vary.
Pre-Birth Order
A pre-birth order is a legal document that allows the intended parent(s) to be recognized as the legal parents of the child before birth. This is often sought to ensure the intended parents’ names appear on the birth certificate rather than the surrogate’s.
Post-Birth Order
A post-birth order is a legal order issued after the baby is born, which establishes the intended parents as the legal parents. This is more common in cases where a pre-birth order is not possible due to state laws.
Medical Screening
Medical screening is an essential part of the surrogacy process. The surrogate undergoes thorough medical evaluations, including tests to assess her overall health, reproductive system, and suitability for pregnancy. This ensures that she is physically capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
Psychological Screening
Psychological screening ensures that the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. This process typically involves interviews with a licensed mental health professional to evaluate the surrogate’s emotional stability and readiness for carrying someone else’s child.
IVF Cycle
An IVF cycle is the series of medical steps involved in creating embryos for implantation in the surrogate’s uterus. This includes hormone treatments for the egg donor or intended mother, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is the process of placing an embryo created through IVF into the surrogate’s uterus. The goal is for the embryo to implant in the uterine lining and begin developing into a pregnancy.
Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate compensation refers to the financial reimbursement provided to the surrogate for her time, effort, and the physical demands of carrying the baby. This compensation typically includes base pay, medical expenses, and additional allowances for things like travel, maternity clothing, housekeeping, and lost wages.
At The Genesis Group, our surrogates set their own compensation, and we work together to develop fully customizable compensation packages based around their unique needs.
Intended Mother/Intended Father/Intended Parent
These terms refer to the individuals who intend to raise the child once born. An intended mother may be biologically related to the child through the use of her eggs, or she may use an egg donor. The intended father is typically the sperm provider, although in some cases, both parents may use donor sperm or eggs.
Surrogacy Agency
A surrogacy agency is a professional organization that helps facilitate the surrogacy process. Agencies provide services such as matching surrogates with intended parents, arranging medical care, and providing emotional support to both surrogates and intended parents. They also offer resources to ensure all parties are properly represented and protected through trusted insurance agencies, attorneys, escrow companies, and so forth.
The Genesis Group leverages over 20 years of expertise in the fertility industry to facilitate safe, ethical, and meaningful journeys for donors, surrogates, and intended parents alike. Our staff is composed of former surrogates, doulas, and intended parents who bring their firsthand experience to each of their roles, ensuring that every aspect of an individual’s fertility journey is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Surrogacy Insurance
Surrogacy insurance covers the costs of medical procedures and appointments, complications, and other potential risks associated with surrogacy. The surrogate should have insurance coverage in place to protect against unexpected medical costs during the pregnancy, which are covered by the intended parents.
The Genesis Group partners with trusted insurance partners to assist in the acquisition of comprehensive coverage for every individual during their journey.
Birth Plan
A birth plan is a document that outlines the surrogate’s and intended parents’ preferences and wishes for the birth process, including who will be present, any medical preferences, and post-birth arrangements. This plan helps ensure that the surrogate and intended parents are on the same page regarding the delivery.
Understanding These Terms Is Crucial for an Effective Journey
Navigating a surrogacy journey can be overwhelming, especially given the complex process and terminology. Understanding the key terms used in surrogacy allows you to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and feel more confident as you move through the process. Having a solid grasp of the language of surrogacy will also help you understand contracts, medical procedures, and legalities, ultimately making the experience smoother and more successful for everyone involved.
The Genesis Group Is Here to Help
At The Genesis Group, we believe that clear communication is the foundation of a successful surrogacy journey. We guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand each decision — and term — along the way. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the support and education you need to make your surrogacy experience positive and empowering.
All the while, we manage each aspect of your journey so you can maintain peace of mind that this life-changing moment is in the right hands.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your surrogacy journey or want more information, apply now or contact us below to speak with one of our experienced team members.
Are you looking to help a family? Apply to be a surrogate now!
Are you an Intended Parent? Join our database today!
We’re here to guide you through every step of the way, from understanding the basics to bringing your dream of becoming a parent or inspiring a family to life.
