Every surrogacy journey begins with understanding how the process actually works.
There are three main approaches: gestational, traditional, and hybrid surrogacy, each with its own medical and legal implications.
As an independent consultant, I help parents navigate these options with clarity and confidence, starting with the model that has become the global standard: gestational surrogacy.
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How does surrogacy actually work?
For most parents beginning their journey, the first big question is simple: how does surrogacy actually work?
The answer depends on who provides the genetic material and who carries the pregnancy.
This page explains these options in plain language so you can approach your next step feeling informed and confident.
Three types of surrogacy
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1. Gestational Surrogacy (IVF Surrogacy)
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An embryo is created in a laboratory using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm.
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The embryo is transferred to a surrogate’s uterus.
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The surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
Today this is the most common and legally protected form worldwide.
The intended parents are recognised as the baby’s parents at birth.
2. Traditional Surrogacy
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The surrogate’s own egg is fertilised by sperm from an intended father (or donor) through insemination.
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The surrogate is both the genetic and birth mother.
This can create complex legal and emotional situations.
Traditional surrogacy is banned or highly restricted in most countries because it leaves open parental-rights disputes.
3. Hybrid Surrogacy
Hybrid surrogacy is a customized international approach to family building where different stages of the surrogacy process (such as medical treatment, embryo creation, and pregnancy, take place in different countries) are each chosen for its specific advantages (medical, legal, or financial).
Instead of relying on one destination, intended parents coordinate between multiple providers to design a personalized, optimized path to parenthood.
Comparison at a glance
Gestational
Genetic Link to Child
None
Technology Used
IVF + embryo transfer
Legal Recognition (Most Countries)
Widely accepted
Emotional / Legal Risk
Low
Traditional
Genetic Link to Child
Surrogate’s egg
Technology Used
Insemination
Legal Recognition (Most Countries)
Restricted / banned
Emotional / Legal Risk
High
Hybrid
Genetic Link to Child
Depends on who provides the gametes
Technology Used
Varies (IVF, ICSI, PGT, Embryo freezing)
Legal Recognition (Most Countries)
Ensure both jurisdictions are compatible legally
Emotional / Legal Risk
Low
Comparison at a glance
Type | Genetic Link to Child | Technology Used | Legal Recognition (Most Countries) | Emotional / Legal Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gestational | None | IVF + embryo transfer | Widely accepted | Low |
Traditional | Surrogate's egg | Insemination | Restricted / banned | High |
Hybrid | Depends on who provides the gametes | Varies (IVF, ICSI, PGT, Embryo freezing) | ensure both jurisdictions are compatible legally | Low |
Olga Pysana – your go to Surrogacy Insider
How The Surrogacy Insider Can Help
Every country handles surrogacy differently. Some allow only altruistic programs, others permit full compensation. Some consider the surrogate the legal parent even if she did not provide her biomaterial, others consider the intended parents the legal parent from birth.
I, Olga Pysana, work independently with parents worldwide to:
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Explain how gestational surrogacy works in different jurisdictions.
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Offer expert insight on legal, medical, or agency questions
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Organize direct introductions to trusted people (legal, medical, agency, logistics)
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Raise red-flag checks for pricing, timelines, and unrealistic promises
My goal is to help you feel safe, informed, and empowered, wherever your family begins.
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation to explore which surrogacy model fits your path.
Why Gestational Surrogacy Became the Global Standard
Gestational surrogacy separates biology from pregnancy.
This clarity protects everyone:
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The intended parents are the legal parents.
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The surrogate’s role is gestational only.
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The process is managed under transparent medical and legal agreements.
It is also the model endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as the most ethically sound approach when properly regulated.
Related article: ESHRE 2O25 Recap: How Fertility Innovation Is Shaping the Future of Surrogacy
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FAQs Understanding Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is when a surrogate carries a baby conceived through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother.
Hybrid surrogacy refers to a strategically coordinated journey that uses different countries for different stages. For example, creating embryos in one country and carrying the pregnancy in another.
In gestational surrogacy, the legal parents are not automatically the people who give birth (the surrogate), they are the intended parents whose names are legally recognized through contracts and court processes.
However, the exact rules differ by country (and sometimes by state).
It depends on the country. Some allow gestational surrogacy under specific conditions, while others prohibit or restrict it. Always verify local laws before beginning the process.
Because it separates biology from pregnancy, eliminating genetic ties between the surrogate and the child—this reduces custody and parental rights disputes.
Eggs and sperm are combined via IVF to create embryos. One or two (this also depends on the jurisdiction as not all allow transfer of 2 embryos at once) embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, where it develops during pregnancy.
Yes. Donors can be used when the intended parents cannot provide viable eggs or sperm, or when genetic diversity is desired.
The surrogate provides a safe and healthy environment for the baby during pregnancy but has no genetic or legal parental role.
Surrogates should undergo medical, psychological, and background evaluations to confirm their health, stability, and ability to carry a pregnancy safely.
From initial screening to the baby’s birth, the process usually lasts 15–20 months, depending on medical timing, matching, and legal steps.The timeline varies depending on the surrogacy destination you choose.
Yes, when allowed by the clinic and local laws. Many intended parents maintain regular contact and attend the birth.
Some countries allow compensated surrogacy; others require it to be altruistic. Compensation usually covers medical costs, travel, and time.
While rare in gestational surrogacy, emotional attachment can occur. Clear communication, counseling, and transparent agreements help prevent misunderstandings.
Yes, in many countries. However, eligibility varies by jurisdiction, so it’s important to confirm local requirements first.
Typically, a surrogacy agreement, consent forms, and birth registration documents. These define each party’s rights and responsibilities.
The intended parents are listed on the birth certificate (where permitted). Your agency or lawyer helps with passport and citizenship steps.
In most jurisdictions that regulate gestational surrogacy, the surrogate cannot claim parental rights once the agreement and birth registration are complete.
When regulated and supported by counseling and consent, gestational surrogacy is widely considered ethical. It allows parents to build families safely and transparently.
An independent consultant offers unbiased advice, helps compare countries and agencies, and ensures parents understand each step with confidence.
Stay Connected With Me
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Stay in touch and find support:
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Join my Facebook Community - meet other LGBTQIA+ intended parents and learn from shared experiences.
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Follow me on Instagram (@thesurrogacyinsider) - I share tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes guidance.
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Use the Contact Form - no question is too small, and I personally reply.
Together, we’ll create a roadmap that fits your goals and values. Let’s turn the dream of parenthood into reality — on your terms, with independent guidance you can trust.
