Growing your family through surrogacy is a beautiful and rewarding path to parenthood. It’s a truly special way to bring your baby into the world, and the bond between you and your surrogate is unlike any other.

If you’re considering surrogacy, you’ve probably come across several unfamiliar terms. Gestational, traditional, altruistic, and commercial. That’s because there are several different types of surrogacy, each defined by factors such as genetic relationship and surrogate compensation.

At CryoLogistics, we’ve supported hundreds of intended parents on their surrogacy journeys by safely transporting their reproductive cells around the world. It’s given us a unique perspective on surrogacy in different countries and how each type can shape your journey to parenthood.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the different types of surrogacy in clear, simple terms to help you determine the right path for your family.

Let’s begin with the first major difference: the surrogate’s genetic relationship to the baby. 

Types of Surrogacy: Gestational vs Traditional

The most common distinction among types of surrogacy is the biological relationship between the surrogate and the baby. The two main types are gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryo is formed using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, meaning the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.

Gestational surrogacy is the most common type of surrogacy practiced today because it provides a clear legal and emotional distinction between the surrogate and the intended parents. It’s also the only form of surrogacy allowed in many countries and U.S. states.

May be right for you if you’re a:

• Heterosexual couple facing infertility or medical challenges that prevent you from safely carrying a pregnancy.
• Same-sex male couple or single intended father using an egg donor to grow your family.
• Same-sex female couple or single intended mother using donor sperm to grow your family.
• Couple or single intended parent who prefers a gestational carrier not genetically related to the baby.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used. This means she is both the biological and gestational mother of the baby. Fertilization typically occurs through intrauterine insemination (IUI) rather than IVF.

Traditional surrogacy was once the most common type of surrogacy, but has become less frequent due to its emotional and legal complexity. Because the surrogate is genetically related to the baby, establishing parentage can be more complicated, and many countries have placed strict regulations or bans on traditional surrogacy.

May be right for you if you’re:

• Working with a trusted friend or relative as your surrogate.
• An intended mother who cannot produce healthy eggs.
• Living in a region where traditional surrogacy is legally recognized and prefer not to travel abroad.
• Seeking a lower-cost or more accessible option for growing your family.

Traditional surrogacy can be a deeply personal experience shared with your surrogate, but it requires careful legal guidance and clear communication between all parties involved.

Types of Surrogacy: Commercial vs Altruistic

Surrogacy can also be defined by whether the surrogate receives compensation beyond her medical and pregnancy-related expenses. These types of surrogacy are typically referred to as commercial and altruistic.

Commercial Surrogacy

In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate receives financial compensation in addition to reimbursement for medical, legal, and travel expenses. This recognizes the time, dedication, and physical demands involved in carrying a pregnancy.

Because of the incentives, it attracts a larger number of surrogates. As a result, intended parents are often matched more quickly than in altruistic surrogacy.

Commercial surrogacy is legally permitted in several popular surrogacy destinations, including parts of the United States, Mexico, and Georgia. However, laws differ widely between regions, and contracts must be carefully structured to protect both the surrogate and the intended parents.

May be right for you if you’re:

• Hoping to match with a surrogate quickly.
• Prefer a more formal, legally defined arrangement from the start.

Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy means the surrogate carries the pregnancy without financial compensation. She receives reimbursement only for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

This type of surrogacy is generally chosen when the surrogate is a family member or close friend or is simply motivated by a desire to help the intended parents.

While it can reduce costs, it may take longer to find a surrogate, as there are fewer volunteers. Still, this type of surrogacy creates a strong emotional bond and a sense of shared purpose between you and your surrogate.

This type of surrogacy is common in countries like Canada, Colombia, and the UK, where commercial surrogacy is prohibited.

May be right for you if you:

• Have a trusted friend or family member who wants to help carry your baby.
• Live in a country that only allows altruistic arrangements and prefer not to travel abroad.
• Want a surrogate who is motivated solely by the desire to help you grow your family. 

Surrogacy Beyond Borders: Find the Path That Fits You

There’s no one “right” way to pursue surrogacy – only the path that’s right for you. Whether gestational or traditional, altruistic or commercial, every journey represents the same dream: bringing your baby into the world through hope, love, and trust.

If the type of surrogacy you’re seeking isn’t legally available in your home country, cryogenic transportation makes it possible to pursue surrogacy in a different country. 

Reproductive cells, such as embryos, eggs, or sperm samples, can be safely cryopreserved and hand-carried between clinics worldwide. This technology allows you to choose the country and type of surrogacy that best supports your family-building goals.

With a supportive surrogacy team and a trusted cryo courier like CryoLogistics by your side, every step of your journey can move forward smoothly, safely, and with complete peace of mind – no matter the distance or destination.

To learn how we can support you, fill out this form to get in touch with our team or explore our embryo transport services for surrogacy.

We’d be honored to help you realize your dreams of parenthood through surrogacy. 

*Updated November 2025. Some information may have changed since this date.*