What Is Gestational Surrogacy: Understanding the Basics & Requirements

If you're starting to explore surrogacy, you may have come across the term gestational surrogacy— but what does it actually mean? In this post, we’ll break it down in clear, simple terms.

Whether you’re an intended parent considering surrogacy or considering becoming a surrogate, this guide will walk you through the basics of gestational surrogacy, how it differs from traditional surrogacy, and what to expect along the journey. 

Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

The main difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy is the surrogate’s biological relationship, or lack thereof, with the child. 

The Role of Biology

A gestational surrogate has no genetic or biological relationship to the child. In other words, the gestational surrogate does not share DNA with the child(ren) they carry. By contrast, traditional surrogates are both genetic and gestational mothers and agree to legally relinquish custody of the resulting child after birth.

IVF vs. IUI

Another primary difference between the 2 types is that gestational surrogacy requires IVF, whereas traditional surrogacy can be completed through intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Why Circle Focuses on Gestational Surrogacy

Here at Circle, we only facilitate gestational surrogacy, which is the more common type of surrogacy today. The lack of genetic connection between the gestational surrogate and the baby helps ensure a healthy emotional experience for the surrogate and creates fewer legal complexities for the intended parents to establish their parental rights.

Gestational Surrogate Requirements

If you are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate with Circle, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Be between 21 and 42 years of age.

• Have delivered a child of your own and are currently parenting at least one child.

• Have completed at least one successful pregnancy and birth without complications

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 33. 

• Reside in the United States in a surrogate-friendly state. (We cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska or Louisiana.)

• Not participate in the following government aid programs: cash assistance, welfare, public housing, and Section 8. (All other forms of government assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)

• Have the support of your family. If married or partnered, you must have your partner’s support.

• Be willing to travel to a fertility clinic for the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

• Not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol.

These guidelines have proven to be successful with 99.4% of our parents bringing home a baby. 

How We Help Match IPs With Surrogates

Through the help of our Matching Specialists and our well-vetted MatchMade™ process, we have successfully matched hundreds of intended parents and surrogates since 1995. 

Personalized Matching

From day one, our Matching Specialists get to know your hopes and preferences to help them hand-select an ideal surrogate for you. With expert guidance, a personalized process, and thorough screening, we ensure meaningful, lasting matches for your surrogacy journey.

Factors We Consider

Our Matching Specialists and Surrogate Advisors guide our intended parents and gestational surrogates through a personalized matching process based on preferences, such as level of communication during and after pregnancy, location, and views on selective reduction or termination—ensuring the best possible match for all.

Decades of Experience

With over 30 years of experience and success, we know and understand what makes a healthy parent-surrogate relationship. We will get to know you, your goals, and your preferences so that we can help find you the best-fitting gestational surrogate to grow your family.

Getting Started

If you are interested in expanding your family through gestational surrogacy or are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate for another family, you can get started by filling out an application today!