What Is a Surrogate? Today's Definition of Surrogate and Surrogacy
- Circle Surrogacy
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
A surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a baby on behalf of another person or couple (the intended parents). As fertility medicine and family-building options have expanded, the meaning of "surrogate" and "surrogacy" has evolved as well. In the sections below, we'll clarify what a surrogate is, how surrogacy works today, and the main types, classifications, and terms you may encounter as intended parents.
Surrogate Meaning & Definition
The general usage of "surrogate" refers to someone who substitutes or acts on behalf of another person. A gestational surrogate takes that same term and applies it to reproduction, in which a woman carries a pregnancy for intended parents.
In fertility medicine, the surrogate is impregnated via in vitro fertilization (IVF), which means an embryo is created by fertilizing an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor and medically implanted into the surrogate's uterine lining. Since the gestational carrier does not contribute her own egg, she has no genetic connection to the baby.
What Makes Surrogacy Unique?
While the surrogacy definition only refers to the method of assisted reproduction, surrogacy is so much more than that. It is a beautiful, life-giving process that is distinct from other family-growing options.
Unlike egg donation, in which a woman donates her eggs to help others conceive but doesn't carry the pregnancy, a gestational surrogate is not at all biologically related to the baby she carries. Adoption, meanwhile, is the loving choice to welcome a child into your family permanently, while fostering offers a safe, caring home for children who need temporary support until they can reunite with their families or find a forever home. Surrogacy is unlike both of these options because it allows intended parents to grow their families and have a biological connection to their baby.
Types and Classifications of Surrogates
Medical/Biological Classifications
There are two types of surrogates: gestational surrogates and traditional surrogates.
A gestational carrier is someone who carries a baby created using the intended parents’ or a donor’s egg, meaning she has no genetic connection to the child. This is the most common and medically preferred form of surrogacy today.
In contrast, a traditional surrogate uses her own egg, so she is biologically related to the baby. However, this approach is rarely used now due to the legal and ethical complexities it can invite.
Compensation-Based Classifications
Surrogacy can also be classified based on the chosen form of compensation: a compensated surrogate or an altruistic surrogate.
A compensated surrogate receives payment beyond medical and legal expenses for the time, effort, and commitment involved in helping the intended parent(s) build their family. This type of surrogacy is common in places where commercial surrogacy is legally permitted.
An altruistic surrogate, on the other hand, doesn’t receive financial compensation beyond necessary expenses. Altruistic surrogates are often a family member or close friend who simply wants to offer the incredible gift of helping their loved one have a child. Altruistic surrogacy is more common in regions where commercial surrogacy is restricted.
Geography-Based Classifications
Surrogacy can also be classified based on the geographic location of both the surrogate herself and the intended parents.
A domestic surrogate lives in the same country as the intended parents, which often makes the process smoother and easier from a legal standpoint.
An international, or cross-border, surrogate lives in another country and may be chosen for reasons such as affordability or greater access to surrogacy services. However, international arrangements may involve additional legal, ethical, and citizenship considerations to ensure everything proceeds smoothly for both the intended parents and the baby.
Relationship-Based Classifications
A known surrogate is someone the intended parents already know, such as a friend, relative, or acquaintance. This can help reduce costs and create a more personal connection, though it can also bring some emotional complexities along the way.
An anonymous or agency surrogate, on the other hand, is matched with the intended parents through a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic. This option provides a clear structure, thorough screening, and strong legal safeguards to support everyone throughout the journey.
The Evolution of Terminology: Why We Don't Say "Surrogate Mother" Anymore
In the early days of surrogacy, the term "surrogate mother" was commonly used to describe a woman who carried a baby for someone else. At the time, most surrogacy arrangements were traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate's own egg was used. The term "surrogate mother" reflects the fact that the surrogate was also the baby's biological mother.
Today, however, surrogacy most often refers to gestational surrogacy, where the carrier has no biological connection to the child. Therefore, calling her a "mother" is inaccurate, misleading, and insensitive to both the surrogate and the baby's intended parents.
The term "surrogate mother" also implies parental rights or a maternal role. This does not reflect the modern surrogacy process. To promote clarity and respect for everyone involved, the preferred term today is "gestational carrier" or simply "surrogate." These words honor the surrogate's incredible role in helping others become parents, without implying a biological or parental connection.
Surrogacy Today — Is It Right for You?
Although the surrogacy process may seem complex at first, we recommend viewing it as a five-step journey:
Consultation and Sign on With a Surrogacy Agency
Matching With Your Surrogate
Medical and Legal
Pregnancy
Parenthood
Here at Circle, our goal is to help you clearly understand each stage—what it involves, what to expect along the way, and an estimated timeline. Keep in mind that every surrogacy experience is unique, so the timing of each step may vary for your individual journey.
If you are interested in using surrogacy to grow your family, fill out our intended parent inquiry today!