What Are the Different Types of Surrogacy?

Surrogacy offers the chance for parenthood for people who want to grow their family but cannot carry a pregnancy themselves. Whether you’re an individual, a couple navigating infertility, or a same-sex male couple, understanding your surrogacy options is an empowering first step.

Today, there are a few different types of surrogacy, each with its own medical, emotional, and financial considerations. So, how many types of surrogacy are there, and which should you consider? Read on to learn all about four types of surrogacy:

• Traditional
• Gestational
• Independent
• Altruistic 

Whether you’re looking to build your family through surrogacy or are considering becoming a surrogate to help someone achieve their dream of parenthood, this guide to types of surrogacy will help you to make an informed, thoughtful decision about your journey.

What Is Traditional Surrogacy?

The oldest type of surrogacy is known as traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used in conception, making her the baby’s biological mother. In modern traditional surrogacy, conception usually occurs through intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm from the intended father or a donor.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s biological relationship with the baby carries unique emotional and legal complexities. In most cases, legal parentage must be established through an adoption process after the baby is born. For these reasons, NW Surrogacy Center does not facilitate traditional surrogacy — a position shared by many, though not all, experienced, reputable surrogacy agencies in America.

In some states, traditional surrogacy is restricted or prohibited altogether. Even where it is allowed, few intended parents choose this path due to the added legal steps and emotional complications. Today, gestational surrogacy is the primary type of surrogacy used to build families.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is the most common type of surrogacy in the United States today and the only form supported by NW Surrogacy Center. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate (sometimes called a gestational carrier) has no genetic connection to the baby. Instead, an embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an egg and sperm from the intended parents or donors, then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

Because gestational surrogacy involves no genetic relationship between the surrogate and the baby, it offers clear legal and emotional boundaries for all involved. Legal parentage can often be established before the baby is born, depending upon the surrogate’s home state’s surrogacy laws. 

This type of surrogacy is an option for a wide range of people who long to become parents, including those struggling with infertility, couples facing medical risks, same-sex male couples, and single dads who want to build a family of their own. With the right agency support, gestational surrogacy becomes a carefully guided and deeply rewarding journey for everyone involved.

Understanding Independent Surrogacy

Traditional and gestational surrogacy are the primary types of surrogacy based on how the baby is conceived. By contrast, independent and altruistic surrogacy concern how arrangements are made and whether compensation is involved.

Independent surrogacy refers to any surrogacy journey — traditional or gestational — that is completed without the support of a surrogacy agency. Most often, independent arrangements happen between people who know each other well, such as friends and extended family members.

With independent surrogacy, there are no agency fees, but there is a significant logistical and emotional burden involved. A reputable surrogacy agency provides essential support, guidance, and coordination throughout the journey, including:

• Coordinating fertility clinic communication
• Scheduling IVF treatments
• Connecting with surrogacy-experienced attorneys
• Guiding legal contract preparation
• Managing surrogate insurance
• Coordinating medical appointments
• Overseeing surrogate compensation and reimbursements
• Supporting all parties throughout the journey
• Providing case management services
• Ensuring proper documentation and hospital coordination

Beyond matching intended parents with surrogates, qualified surrogacy agencies support everyone involved throughout the process. In independent surrogacy, these logistics must be handled by someone.

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Like independent surrogacy, altruistic surrogacy refers not to how the baby is conceived. This type of surrogacy is all about the financial arrangements. Altruistic surrogacy refers to any surrogacy arrangement — traditional, gestational, or independent — where the surrogate is not financially compensated for her time, energy, or commitment. While medical and legal expenses are still covered, the surrogate receives no financial compensation beyond reimbursed costs.

Altruistic arrangements are most common when the surrogate already has a close personal connection to the intended parents — such as a sister, cousin, or friend — and chooses to carry a child as a deeply personal gift. This approach is also more common in Canada and Australia, where compensated surrogacy is restricted or prohibited. 

Altruistic surrogacy is a beautiful gift that does not eliminate the need for extensive medical, legal, and emotional preparation. Clear contracts, mutual respect, and ongoing support are essential, so many families engaged in this type of surrogacy still choose to work with an experienced surrogacy agency like NW Surrogacy Center to ensure the surrogacy journey is smooth and positive for everyone involved. 

How Does Commercial Surrogacy Work?

Commercial surrogacy, or compensated surrogacy, refers to arrangements where the surrogate receives compensation beyond her medical and pregnancy-related expenses. This is the most common surrogacy option in the U.S. 

The surrogate receives a base compensation package — typically outlined in a legal contract — along with reimbursements for expenses like travel, maternity clothes, and time away from work. Intended parents also cover medical bills, insurance premiums, and postpartum care. 

Conclusion: Exploring Your Surrogacy Options

Whether you’re exploring surrogacy to grow your family or feel called to help someone become a parent, understanding the different types of surrogacy is a decisive first step. From traditional and gestational paths to independent and altruistic arrangements, each journey is unique — but all are rooted in compassion and trust.

With the guidance of an experienced surrogacy agency like NW Surrogacy Center, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. The right support can make all the difference.