Surrogacy Dictionary: A Glossary of Important Terms

The world of surrogacy can be a complicated place filled with super long words and confusing terminology. We compiled a list of important surrogacy terms and definitions to help you build a better understanding. Of course, we will be with you through your entire journey. However, we have found that the more an intended parent and surrogate know, the more comfortable and aware they are of the processes.

A

• Amniocentesis (Amnio): A test used to examine amniotic fluid to find any chromosomal abnormalities, neural tube defects, or genetic disorders. Amniocentesis during surrogacy is rare and is discussed during the matching phase to confirm if the surrogate is willing to consent to the procedure.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Medical procedures used to treat infertility.

B

• Beta Testing: A blood test that measures hormones to determine if a woman is pregnant.
• Blastocyst: The phase of the development stage prior to implantation of the embryo in the surrogate mother’s uterus. This sets the foundation for the placenta and other supporting tissues needed for fetal development.

C

• Chorionic Villus Sampling: A test used in early pregnancy to determine if any abnormalities are present in the fetus.
• Compassionate Surrogacy: A compassionate surrogate does not receive compensation beyond expenses. This usually takes place between family or friends.
• Compensated Surrogacy: Where a surrogate is paid, beyond expenses, for carrying and birthing a child for the intended parent or parents.
• Comprehensive Surrogacy Insurance: Health insurance provided by the intended parent or parents to ensure the surrogate is covered throughout her journey.
• Cycle Schedule: A timeline of crucial medical appointments approaching the embryo transfer.

D

• Domestic Surrogacy: When intended parents in the United States seek a surrogate who also resides in the United States.

E

• Escrow Account: An account set up to guarantee funds are properly dispersed at the right time. Funds are placed into an account by the intended parents, and the escrow agent releases payment to the surrogate as directed in the surrogacy agreement.
• Egg Donor: A woman who donates her ovum for the purposes of in vitro fertilization.
• Egg Donor Direct Agreement: An agreement that allows an intended parent or parents to control all eggs retrieved from the donor.
• Egg Retrieval: A procedure where ovarian follicles are drained, and the fluid is transferred to a lab to search for viable eggs.

F

• Fertility Clinic: Medical facilities that help individuals and couples who struggle to conceive naturally achieve parenthood through reproductive technologies.
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): A type of IVF treatment where a cryopreserved embryo is thawed and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

G

• Gestational Candidate: An agency term for a woman that has not yet been medically cleared for surrogacy.
• Gestational Carrier: Another term for surrogate or surrogate mother.
• Gestational Surrogacy: When the child is not biologically related to the surrogate mother. An embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and then transferred to the surrogate.

H

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: A document that turns health care decisions over to a representative in the event you are unable to process or communicate medical decisions.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A unique x-ray that uses dye to look at the shape of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

I

• Infertility Coverage: Health insurance for infertility treatments.
• Intended Parent/Parents: An individual or couple who enters an agreement to be the parents of a child born through surrogacy.
• International Surrogacy: When an intended parent or parents seek a surrogate from another country.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body (in vitro).

M

• Matching: The process where an intended parent or parents are paired with a surrogate.
• Monitoring Clinic: A clinic local to the surrogate where she can receive medical treatment once she graduates from the fertility clinic.

O

• OBGYN: An OB is a doctor who delivers babies. A GYN is a physician that specializes in treating the female reproductive organs.

P

• Parentage: The identity of one’s parents. In surrogacy, parentage must be granted through a legal process where the surrogate mother releases her legal responsibilities to the intended parents.
• Post-Birth Order: A court-issued order required after the baby is born to remove the surrogate’s name from the birth certificate and add the intended parents’ names.
• Pre-Birth Order: A court-issued order required before the child’s birth that gives the surrogate and intended parents access to the baby when born.

R

• Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE): A specialized OBGYN who treats infertility using surgery, medicine, or other procedures.

S

• Second Parent Adoption: A legal procedure that allows a same-sex parent to adopt their partner’s biological or adoptive child without terminating the other’s legal status.
• Selective Reduction: The practice of reducing the number of fetuses in a multiple-fetus pregnancy. This is discussed during the matching phase.
• Surrogacy Agreement/Contract: A legal agreement between intended parents and the surrogate that outlines expectations and obligations.
• Surrogacy Friendly: A term that defines a state by its utmost acceptance of surrogacy, governed by state law and regulations.

T

• Traditional Surrogacy: When the surrogate has a genetic link to the child. Her egg is fertilized by the father’s sperm via artificial insemination. The legality of traditional surrogacy varies from state to state.