Guide to key terms in surrogacy (basic vocabulary for future parents)

Over the last ten years, surrogacy has become one of the main alternatives for those looking to start a family. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), fertility treatments—including surrogacy—have seen sustained growth of between 8% and 10% per year in countries where there is a regulated legal framework. In the United States, the number of births through this practice has multiplied in the last decade, while emerging destinations have begun to attract more and more international parents interested in this option ([link: discover here the list of countries where surrogacy is legal]).

For those considering starting this process, it is essential to familiarize themselves with the specific vocabulary surrounding it, as understanding each term is the first step in making informed and safe decisions.

Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an assisted reproduction process in which a woman, known as a surrogate or surrogate mother, agrees to carry a pregnancy to term with the prior commitment that the baby will be given to another person or couple, who are recognized as the intended parents. Unlike a traditional pregnancy, the surrogate does not assume any maternity rights, as her role is defined from the outset of the agreement. This process can take two forms: altruistic surrogacy, in which there is no financial compensation beyond the medical and living expenses related to the pregnancy, and commercial surrogacy, in which a regulated remuneration is also established for the surrogate. The choice of one or the other depends on the legislation in force in each country, but in both cases the purpose is the same: to offer prospective parents the possibility of having a biological child when medical, biological, or social impediments make it impossible to do so naturally.

Intended parents and surrogate mother

Intended parents are the person or couple who from the outset express their desire to become the legal parents of the child. The legislation of each country establishes when this ownership is recognized: in some cases, a contract signed before the pregnancy is sufficient, while in others, a court ruling after the birth is required. The surrogate mother is the woman who carries the pregnancy and accompanies the entire process until delivery. Internationally, the term “surrogate mother” is avoided to emphasize that her role is not linked to legal motherhood or parental rights, but to a previously agreed-upon gestational commitment.

Traditional vs. gestational surrogacy

Surrogacy can be divided into two main types. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother provides her own egg, which means she maintains a genetic link to the baby; however, this model has fallen into disuse due to the legal and emotional dilemmas it creates. Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, involves creating the embryo through in vitro fertilization, using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, so that the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child. The latter type has become the most common and internationally accepted, as it provides greater legal clarity and emotional security for all parties involved.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), Egg or Sperm Donation

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction technique in which the egg is joined with the sperm in a laboratory to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus. When there are difficulties such as infertility, advanced maternal age, or risk of transmitting genetic diseases, eggs or sperm from carefully selected donors may be used. Specialized clinics perform thorough medical and genetic evaluations to ensure that the process is safe and that the future baby is born in the best possible conditions.

Embryo transfer

Embryo transfer is the stage in which the embryo previously created in the laboratory is implanted in the surrogate mother’s uterus. This is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia or hospitalization and is usually performed in a few minutes under ultrasound guidance. Although technically simple, it is a decisive moment in the surrogacy process, as the success of the pregnancy largely depends on its correct execution and the receptivity of the endometrium.

Order of filiation and surrogacy contract

The filiation order is a judicial or administrative resolution that officially recognizes the intended parents as the legal parents of the baby, allowing them to be registered in the civil registry and guaranteeing their rights from birth. Along with this step, the surrogacy agreement is the legal document that defines the responsibilities and commitments of each party, including medical coverage for the surrogate, possible financial compensation, the legal filiation of the child, and the rights of the intended parents. The validity and scope of these instruments depend on the legislation of each country, which makes it essential to seek specialized advice before starting the process. Contact a family advisor now for more information.

Conclusion

Becoming familiar with this basic vocabulary gives prospective parents the confidence they need to navigate each stage of the process, evaluate the different options wisely, and recognize reliable information versus misinformation. While it is a complex journey involving legal, medical, and emotional aspects, understanding its fundamentals transforms the experience into a real and hopeful opportunity to achieve the dream of starting a family.