One of the most common—and important—questions that intended parents ask when exploring surrogacy is:
“Is the surrogate genetically related to the baby?”
The answer depends on the type of surrogacy arrangement. However, in the vast majority of modern cases—especially those conducted through licensed medical centers and international surrogacy programs—the answer is:
No, the surrogate is not biologically related to the baby.
This is a defining feature of gestational surrogacy, the gold standard of ethical, legal, and medical practice today. In this article, we’ll explore:
The difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy
How genetics work in a surrogacy arrangement
Why gestational surrogacy is globally preferred
The legal and psychological implications of genetic links
How we ensure clarity, safety, and trust in every case
Two Types of Surrogacy: Gestational vs. Traditional
Surrogacy is not a one-size-fits-all concept. While the outcome—a healthy baby for intended parents—is the same, the method of conception and biological relationship between surrogate and child differ greatly.
1. Gestational Surrogacy (Modern Standard)
Definition: The surrogate (also called a gestational carrier) carries an embryo that is not genetically her own.
The embryo is created through IVF using:
The intended mother's egg
OR a donor egg
And the intended father's sperm
OR donor sperm
The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
In this scenario, the surrogate has zero biological connection to the baby.
Gestational surrogacy accounts for over 95% of all surrogacy cases globally and is the only legal option in many countries.
2. Traditional Surrogacy (Rare, Legally Complex)
Definition: The surrogate uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated with the intended father’s or donor’s sperm.
She is both the genetic mother and the birth mother of the child.
This method is highly controversial, poses legal risks, and is not allowed or practiced by most reputable clinics or agencies due to:
Complicated parental rights
Emotional and psychological challenges
Lack of legal clarity in many jurisdictions
At Yuzko Medical Center and in most international programs, only gestational surrogacy is practiced to ensure clear, ethical, and legally secure arrangements.
So, Who Is Genetically Related to the Baby?
In gestational surrogacy:
If using own eggs and sperm → both intended parents are genetically related
If using donor egg or donor sperm → one or both parents may not be genetically related
The surrogate is never genetically related to the child
This allows intended parents to build their families in a way that is legally protected and biologically planned—with no confusion over parentage.
Legal Reasons for Gestational-Only Surrogacy
Countries that permit surrogacy—such as Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Georgia, and others—require gestational surrogacy for very clear legal reasons:
Ensures that the surrogate has no legal claim to the child
Guarantees that intended parents are recognized as sole legal parents
Streamlines the citizenship and documentation process for newborns
Reduces legal disputes, especially in international arrangements
In many jurisdictions, traditional surrogacy is banned outright to prevent custody conflicts and protect all parties.
Psychological Clarity and Emotional Boundaries
Beyond the legal and biological aspects, gestational surrogacy is preferred for emotional well-being:
Surrogates are fully aware that the baby is not theirs genetically
Psychological screening ensures they are prepared to carry—not parent—the child
Intended parents have peace of mind knowing there is no “maternal claim”
Most surrogates describe their role as “a vessel to help someone else become a parent”, not as a mother themselves.
At Yuzko Medical Center, every surrogate undergoes comprehensive psychological evaluation to ensure understanding, stability, and readiness.
Global Surrogacy Standards: Why This Question Matters
Understanding who is genetically related to the baby has real-world implications, especially in:
Embassy procedures (for passports and citizenship)
Birth certificate issuance (naming intended parents as legal guardians)
Insurance and medical decisions during pregnancy and delivery
Parent-child rights in countries where surrogacy laws vary
💡 That’s why it’s crucial to work with a reputable clinic or agency that follows international legal and medical guidelines.
Our Process at Yuzko Medical Center
As a multidisciplinary fertility center with a strong international focus, we ensure that:
✔️ All surrogates are gestational only — no genetic relation to the baby
✔️ All embryo transfers use intended parents' or donor gametes
✔️ Every surrogate is screened medically, psychologically, and legally
✔️ All contracts specify parentage and waive maternal rights
✔️ Parents receive full legal support for their child’s documentation and return home
Key Takeaways
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is built on trust, science, and structure. When done ethically and transparently, it allows families to grow with full confidence in their legal and biological rights.
The surrogate is not related to the baby.
She is a deeply committed carrier, not a parent — and that’s exactly how it should be in modern, medically assisted reproduction.