What Is Surrogacy? Types, Models, and Key Advantages

Surrogacy allows many families to have children. At Gestlife, we offer ethical and safe programs with comprehensive support and a high success rate.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy, also known as surrogate motherhood, is an assisted reproduction process in which a woman (the surrogate) carries a baby in her womb and delivers it to the intended parents after birth. At Gestlife — the leading surrogacy program company in Europe — we accompany every family through a safe, ethical, and completely transparent journey.

Types of Surrogacy

Based on Biological Relationship

• Traditional Surrogacy (or Straight Surrogacy)

The surrogate uses her own egg, which is inseminated with the sperm from the couple or a donor. In this case, the surrogate is also the baby’s genetic mother.

“Traditional surrogacy is the older method of surrogacy. In this type, the surrogate uses her own egg.” — Family Begin.

• Gestational Surrogacy (or Full Surrogacy)

The embryo is created via IVF using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, and is implanted into the surrogate, who has no genetic connection to the child.

“There are two primary types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. The most fundamental distinction… is between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.” — Gender Study.

Based on Financial Compensation

• Altruistic Surrogacy

The surrogate receives only reimbursement for medical, legal, and living expenses. No additional remuneration is provided.

“Altruistic surrogacy focuses on non-compensated arrangements, covering only reasonable expenses.” — GestationalSurrogacy.com.

• Commercial Surrogacy

In addition to covering expenses, the surrogate receives a financial compensation as agreed in the contract.

“Commercial surrogacy can be applied to both gestational and traditional surrogacy… with the main difference of having additional payment included.” — GestationalSurrogacy.com.

Other Surrogacy Models

• Independent Surrogacy:
  Intended parents and the surrogate manage the agreement directly, without agency involvement.
• Agency-Supported Surrogacy:
  The family hires an agency (like Gestlife) to oversee all medical, legal, and support aspects.
• Domestic vs. International Surrogacy:
  Depends on whether the surrogacy takes place in the same country of residence or abroad, where legal frameworks are favorable.

Benefits of Surrogacy

• High Success Rate:
  IVF + gestational surrogacy protocols offer over 65% full-term pregnancy success on the first attempt (Wilson, C. Understanding Surrogacy Types, 2023).
• Flexibility for Diverse Profiles:
  Heterosexual couples, single men, and LGTBI families all have equal access.
• Humanized Process:
  Carefully selected surrogates and continuous emotional support.
• Legal Safety:
  Clear contracts and legal recognition in authorized countries.

Why Choose Gestlife?

• European Leader:
  Years of experience and thousands of satisfied families.
• Own Clinical Network:
  Partnerships with top hospitals and labs.
• Comprehensive Support:
  Legal, medical, and psychological advice from the first contact.
• Technological Innovation:
  Infonow platform for real-time tracking.

References and Authors

1. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. What is Surrogacy? — mft.nhs.uk, 2018.
2. Gender.Study. Understanding Surrogacy: Types, Processes, and Definitions — gender.study, 2023.
3. GestationalSurrogacy.com. Altruistic vs. Commercial Surrogacy — gestationalsurrogacy.com, 2024.