If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you may wonder whether you would be biologically related to the baby you carry. It’s a common question, especially for women who are just beginning to learn how surrogacy works.

No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not use her own eggs and has no genetic connection to the baby. Instead, an embryo is created using an egg and sperm from the intended parents or, in some cases, donors. A fertility clinic then transfers the embryo to the surrogate’s uterus.

xBaby Surrogacy works with gestational surrogacy, meaning the surrogate carries the pregnancy without providing the egg used to create the embryo.

Here’s how this works and what women considering becoming surrogates should understand about the process.

Do Surrogates Use Their Own Eggs?

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate’s eggs are not used to create the embryo. Her role is to carry the pregnancy after an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is transferred to her uterus.

IVF is a fertility treatment in which an egg is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create an embryo. The egg and sperm may come from the intended parents, donors, or a combination of these sources.

For example:

• The intended mother provides the egg: If the intended father also provides the sperm, both intended parents are genetically related to the baby.
• An egg donor provides the egg: The baby may be genetically related to the intended father if his sperm is used.
• A sperm donor provides the sperm: If the intended mother’s egg is used, she may have a genetic connection to the baby.
• Both an egg donor and a sperm donor are used: The intended parents may not have a genetic connection to the baby, depending on the arrangement.

The appropriate plan depends on the intended parents’ circumstances and is developed with their fertility clinic.

In each of these examples, the gestational surrogate carries the pregnancy but does not contribute her own egg to the embryo.

Does a Gestational Surrogate Have a Genetic Connection to the Baby?

No. Because the surrogate’s egg is not used, she has no genetic connection to the baby through the embryo.

This is an important distinction: carrying a pregnancy and contributing genetic material are not the same thing. A gestational surrogate plays a significant role in helping intended parents grow their family, but she does not provide the egg that contributes genetic material to the embryo.

For some women, understanding this distinction helps answer questions they have about the surrogate role. Others may want to learn more about the emotional experience, their relationship with intended parents, or how to explain surrogacy to their own children.

Every person’s feelings and questions are different. Taking time to understand the process and discuss expectations can help you decide whether you want to explore surrogacy further.

It is also important to understand that genetic connection and legal parentage are separate matters. Legal parentage depends on applicable law and the circumstances of the arrangement. Anyone with questions about legal rights or responsibilities should consult an independent attorney experienced in reproductive law.

How Does the Gestational Surrogacy Process Work?

Although every journey is different, gestational surrogacy generally involves several stages.

1. An embryo is created

• The intended parents work with a fertility clinic to determine how an embryo will be created. The egg and sperm may come from the intended parents, donors, or a combination of sources.
• The fertility clinic oversees the IVF process and determines the appropriate medical steps.

2. The prospective surrogate completes screening

• Women interested in becoming surrogates may need to complete screening before moving forward. The relevant clinical team evaluates individual circumstances under its applicable criteria.
• Submitting an application to an agency does not guarantee acceptance. Eligibility decisions depend on the screening process and the requirements of the professionals involved.
• If you have questions about medical eligibility, a licensed healthcare professional can explain the relevant criteria and how they apply to your circumstances.

3. The surrogate and intended parents may be matched

• An agency can help coordinate communication and matching between prospective surrogates and intended parents. This process gives both sides an opportunity to discuss expectations, communication preferences, and the kind of relationship they hope to have during the journey.
• The details of matching and coordination depend on the agency’s actual procedures.

4. The embryo is transferred

• The fertility clinic oversees the embryo transfer and related medical care. If the transfer results in a pregnancy, the surrogate carries the baby and receives care from licensed healthcare professionals.
• An embryo transfer does not guarantee pregnancy, and outcomes vary.

5. The journey continues with support and communication

• The surrogate, intended parents, agency, fertility clinic, and independent attorneys may each have different responsibilities. Clear communication helps everyone understand their role and the arrangements involved.
• Throughout gestational surrogacy, the central distinction remains the same: the surrogate carries the pregnancy but does not provide the egg used to create the embryo.

What Should Women Know Before Applying to Become a Surrogate?

Understanding the genetic aspect of gestational surrogacy is one part of deciding whether to explore the process. You may also want to learn about screening, matching, communication, and the support available throughout a journey.

Consider asking an agency questions such as:

• What steps are involved in the application and screening process?
• Which professionals are responsible for medical screening and care?
• How does the agency coordinate communication and matching?
• What expectations should be discussed before agreeing to a match?
• Who can answer questions about legal arrangements and responsibilities?

You do not need to know every detail before making an initial inquiry. Asking questions is a practical way to understand the process before deciding whether to take another step.

How Can xBaby Surrogacy Help?

xBaby Surrogacy works with gestational surrogates across the United States, and works with both U.S. and international intended parents.

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, xBaby can be a starting point for learning about its program and asking questions about the process. The agency’s role may include aspects of communication, matching, and coordination, depending on the services it provides.

Medical screening, fertility treatment, and pregnancy care are handled by licensed healthcare professionals. Legal questions should be addressed with independent attorneys who can explain the laws and arrangements relevant to an individual journey.

Legal arrangements should be reviewed with qualified counsel familiar with the applicable state law. International intended parents may have additional questions about requirements in their home countries, which should be addressed with appropriate legal professionals.

No two journeys are exactly alike, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the applicable screening criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a surrogate be genetically related to the baby?

In gestational surrogacy, no. The surrogate’s egg is not used to create the embryo, so she has no genetic connection to the baby through the embryo.

Whose eggs are used in gestational surrogacy?

The egg may come from an intended parent or an egg donor. The specific arrangement depends on the intended parents’ circumstances and their fertility clinic’s plan.

Does the surrogate need IVF?

Gestational surrogacy involves transferring an embryo created through IVF. The fertility clinic oversees the medical process and can answer questions about the procedures involved.

Does not being genetically related determine legal parentage?

No. Genetic connection and legal parentage are separate questions. The legal position depends on applicable law and the circumstances of the arrangement, so independent legal advice is important.