What is a gestational carrier?

A gestational carrier (surrogate) is a person who carries and delivers a pregnancy on behalf of the intended parent(s). Gestational surrogacy is the most common type of surrogacy and is typically achieved through an in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

What is the difference between a gestational surrogacy and a traditional surrogacy?

When using a gestational carrier (surrogate), or gestational surrogate, the carrier is not related to the fetus. This is different from a traditional surrogate, when the person carrying the pregnancy for the intended parent(s) is genetically related to the fetus. We only perform gestational surrogacy at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.

With a gestational carrier, typically one or both of the intended parent(s) is genetically related to the fetus. Their eggs or sperm are collected and used to create an embryo through IVF. That embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy and deliver the baby. 

Who is gestational surrogacy for?

Many people are not able to carry their own children, regardless of having normal sperm or ovarian function, due to the absence of a uterus or other malformations of the female reproductive tract. In some instances, a pregnancy may be too dangerous due to other health issues that jeopardize the life of the mother, or because medical treatment will expose the fetus to serious birth defects.

How to get started with using a gestational carrier?

At the initial consultation with your fertility specialist, you will review the process of using a gestational carrier. The physician, along with the third-party reproduction coordinator, will guide you through next steps, which include identifying a surrogate (either though an agency, or a friend or family member), obtaining legal representation (surrogacy laws vary by state), and ensuring psychological support for all parties involved.