Gestational Carrier vs. Surrogate Mother: Why Surrogacy Professionals Use Gestational Carrier

This guide explains gestational carrier vs. surrogate mother and why surrogacy professionals use the term gestational carrier. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a professional society for reproductive medicine, defines a gestational carrier as an individual who carries a pregnancy created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an embryo with which the carrier has no genetic relationship. Surrogate Alternatives, a San Diego surrogacy agency founded in 1998, works exclusively with gestational carriers today.

A Gestational Carrier Has No Genetic Connection to the Child She Carries

A gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child she carries. ASRM, a professional society for reproductive medicine, says a gestational carrier is an individual who provides only gestation and no gametes for the pregnancy. The embryo comes from the gametes of the intended parents, donors or both, and the carrier is not the genetic parent of the child.

Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, says in its gestational surrogacy overview that a gestational surrogate isn't genetically related to the fetus, while in traditional surrogacy the carrier of the pregnancy is genetically related to the fetus. ASRM states that traditional surrogacy is rare in modern clinical practice. The Surrogate Alternatives guide to gestational vs. traditional surrogacy covers the two models in full.

Diana Olmeda, founder of Surrogate Alternatives and a former surrogate, says the term surrogate mother can be confusing because it can imply that the person carrying the pregnancy is also the child's mother or parent. She says she never viewed herself as the parent of the baby she carried and was helping someone else build their family. Diana says most people understand the distinction pretty quickly once someone explains it.

Do Legal Documents Use Gestational Carrier Instead of Surrogate?

Yes, legal documents use the same medical term: Surrogate Alternatives calls gestational carrier the preferred medical and legal term, and Diana Olmeda, founder of Surrogate Alternatives, says gestational carrier appears more in the medical and legal setting, especially in the legal contract. ASRM, a professional society for reproductive medicine, says state-specific statutes and court opinions govern gestational carrier arrangements in the U.S.

Diana says people used the term surrogate mother far more years ago and did not always understand that the surrogate was not genetically related to the baby. She says legal documents and hospitals today are usually much clearer about everyone's role. Surrogate Alternatives still has situations where it needs to explain that role, especially to extended family members and hospital staff who may not be very familiar with surrogacy.

Diana says terminology is important: when everyone understands from the beginning who the intended parents are and what the gestational carrier's role is, it avoids a lot of unnecessary confusion. She says there is much more awareness today that the surrogate is carrying a pregnancy for someone else and is helping them become a parent. The Surrogate Alternatives guide to surrogacy contracts covers how a court order establishes parental rights.

How Does Terminology Affect Role Clarity in Surrogacy?

Terminology affects role clarity: Diana Olmeda, founder of Surrogate Alternatives, says the important part is making sure everyone understands that the surrogate is carrying the pregnancy and is helping someone else build a family. ASRM, a professional society for reproductive medicine, says gestational carriers have a right to be fully informed of the risks of participation and must have independent legal counsel whose duty of care is to the carrier alone.

Diana says she was not bothered by the term surrogate mother when she was a surrogate, because the term was much more common then. She says language has evolved and gestational carrier is more accurate. Some surrogates at Surrogate Alternatives do not mind being called a surrogate mom, and others prefer surrogate or gestational carrier.

Diana says people who call a surrogate the surrogate mom usually just do not know the terminology. Diana says a surrogate might simply tell them she is a gestational carrier who is carrying the baby for the intended parents, and that can turn into a nice conversation and an opportunity to educate someone about surrogacy. Women considering surrogacy can read how to become a surrogate with Surrogate Alternatives.

What to Look for in Your Agency's and Clinic's Language

The legal contract is where gestational carrier appears most, according to Diana Olmeda, founder of Surrogate Alternatives. ASRM, a professional society for reproductive medicine, states in its ethics opinion that the intended parents should be the legal parents of any child born to a gestational carrier.

ASRM says experienced legal counsel is strongly recommended, and the Surrogate Alternatives contracts guide advises using attorneys who specialize in surrogacy law. ASRM also says each participant should have independent legal counsel licensed in the applicable state.

According to Diana Olmeda, founder of Surrogate Alternatives, the agency still uses the word surrogate because it is the term most people are familiar with. Intended parents can read about the
Surrogate Alternatives surrogacy program for intended parents, which supports intended parents and surrogates throughout pregnancy and delivery.

Ask Surrogate Alternatives Your Questions about Surrogacy

Once you understand the terms, you can take a first step with Surrogate Alternatives, which founder Diana Olmeda has led since 1998. If you are considering surrogacy and are unsure whether you qualify, you can use the Quick Surrogate Interest Form or start the surrogate application, which does not create a contract or obligate you to move forward.

Intended parents and surrogates can also talk with the Surrogate Alternatives team. The team supports intended parents and their surrogate throughout pregnancy and delivery, including planning for birth and parentage.

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