Surrogacy is a medical option that helps individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical or fertility-related reasons. With the advancement of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), surrogacy has become a structured process that offers a path to parenthood.
Understanding the different types of surrogacy can help intended parents choose the right option based on their medical situation and the applicable legal framework.
Surrogacy can be broadly understood under four types:
- Traditional (Partial) Surrogacy
- Gestational Surrogacy
- Altruistic Surrogacy
- Commercial (Compensated) Surrogacy
Each type differs in the role of the surrogate mother and the nature of the surrogacy arrangement.
Why Is IVF Important in Surrogacy?
Modern surrogacy is based on IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). In this process, an embryo is created and then transferred into the surrogate mother’s uterus, allowing her to carry the pregnancy until childbirth.
1. Traditional (Partial) Surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy, also known as partial surrogacy, involves the use of the surrogate mother’s egg during the IVF process. After the embryo is created, it is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus, where the pregnancy develops.
Since the surrogate mother’s egg is used, she has a genetic relationship with the baby.
2. Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is another type of surrogacy in which an embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents’ egg and sperm whenever possible. If required, a donor egg or donor sperm may also be used.
The embryo is transferred into the surrogate mother’s uterus, and her role is only to carry the pregnancy. Because her egg is not used, she has no genetic relationship with the baby.
READ MORE: Planning your surrogacy journey? Explore our complete guide on Surrogacy Cost in Delhi to understand the estimated expenses, treatment stages, and important cost factors.
3. Altruistic Surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman voluntarily agrees to become a surrogate without receiving monetary compensation.
The intended parents are responsible for pregnancy-related and delivery-related expenses, but no commercial payment is made to the surrogate.
4. Commercial (Compensated) Surrogacy
Commercial surrogacy is an arrangement in which a surrogate mother receives monetary compensation for carrying a pregnancy.
This type helps explain one of the different forms of surrogacy, but according to the discussion, it is not the permitted model in India.
READ MORE: Want to understand whether commercial surrogacy is legal in India? Read our complete guide on Commercial Surrogacy in India Explained (2026 Guide) to learn about the current legal framework, key regulations, and how it differs from altruistic surrogacy.
Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy
Feature | Traditional Surrogacy | Gestational Surrogacy |
Surrogate’s egg | Used | Not used |
Genetic relationship with the baby | Yes | No |
Surrogate’s role | Provides the egg and carries the pregnancy | Carries the pregnancy only |
READ MORE: Still wondering how traditional and gestational surrogacy differ? Explore our detailed guide, Traditional vs Gestational Surrogacy: Key Differences Guide, to understand the medical process, genetic relationship, IVF role, and the key differences between these two types of surrogacy.
Which Types of Surrogacy Are Allowed in India?
According to the discussion, gestational surrogacy is the permitted medical approach in India. It is carried out under an altruistic surrogacy arrangement, which means the surrogate mother carries the pregnancy through IVF without using her own egg, and commercial compensation is not permitted.
How ConsultGrab Can Help
At ConsultGrab, we help intended parents understand the surrogacy process by connecting them with experienced fertility specialists. Our team provides consultation support, explains available treatment options, and guides patients throughout their parenthood journey so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Surrogacy can be broadly understood into four types: Traditional Surrogacy, Gestational Surrogacy, Altruistic Surrogacy, and Commercial Surrogacy.
Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate mother's egg, while gestational surrogacy involves the surrogate carrying the pregnancy without using her own egg.
Altruistic surrogacy is an arrangement where the surrogate mother does not receive monetary compensation. The intended parents only bear the pregnancy and delivery-related expenses.
Commercial surrogacy involves monetary compensation to the surrogate mother for carrying the pregnancy.
According to the discussion, India permits gestational surrogacy under an altruistic surrogacy arrangement, while commercial surrogacy is not permitted.
