Surrogacy divides along five lines: whether the surrogate is genetically related to the baby (traditional vs. gestational), whether she is paid a fee (compensated vs. altruistic), where it happens (domestic vs. international), who runs the process (agency vs. independent), and the family building it (heterosexual vs. LGBTQ+).
Almost every arrangement today is gestational, and the other four choices layer on top of that. Here is how each one works and what it changes.
Traditional vs. gestational surrogacy
The first and most important division is genetic: whether the surrogate's own egg is used. It changes the medical process and the legal picture more than any other choice.
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg, fertilized through insemination, which makes her the biological mother. In gestational surrogacy, she carries an embryo created through IVF from the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm, so she has no genetic tie to the baby. Gestational surrogacy is about 95% of arrangements today, because the absence of a genetic connection keeps parentage clear. If you want the distinction in plain terms, our guide to gestational carrier vs. surrogate covers the terminology.
Compensated vs. altruistic surrogacy
The second division is money: whether the surrogate receives a fee. In compensated (commercial) surrogacy, she is paid for her time and commitment on top of having expenses covered. In altruistic surrogacy, she receives only reimbursement for pregnancy-related costs, with no fee.
Which is available depends on where you are: the US permits compensated surrogacy in most states, while countries such as Canada and the UK allow only the altruistic form. Altruistic arrangements often involve a friend or family member. For what surrogates earn under a compensated arrangement, see how much do surrogates get paid; for where paid surrogacy is legal, see paid surrogacy laws by state.
Domestic vs. international surrogacy
The third division is geography, which drives cost, legal protection, and how present you can be. Domestic surrogacy happens in your own country, so you can attend appointments and the legal framework is one you can plan around, though US law still varies by state. International surrogacy means crossing borders, usually because your home country prohibits or restricts it. It can cost less upfront but adds legal complexity, and sorting out the child's parentage and citizenship afterward can become its own expensive process.
Agency vs. independent surrogacy
The fourth division is who coordinates the journey. An agency handles matching, screening, and paperwork for a fee of $30,000 to $60,000. Going independent means you coordinate it yourself and keep the fee, taking on the work in exchange. Neither is better; they suit different people. Our guide to independent surrogacy covers the self-managed route in full.
Heterosexual vs. LGBTQ+ surrogacy
The fifth division is family structure, which changes the donor and legal steps rather than the medical core. Heterosexual couples can often use their own egg and sperm. Gay male couples and single fathers need an egg donor alongside the surrogate. Lesbian couples may use reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the egg and the other carries. Legal recognition of LGBTQ+ parentage varies by location as of 2026, so confirming your state's law matters more here than for anyone else.
How to choose your path
Your route through these five choices depends on your medical situation, budget, values, and local law. Most people land on gestational surrogacy for the legal clarity, then decide compensated or altruistic based on where they live, and agency or independent based on time and budget. For the full step-by-step of an actual journey, see how surrogacy works.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of surrogacy are there?
Surrogacy divides along five lines: traditional vs. gestational (genetics), compensated vs. altruistic (payment), domestic vs. international (location), agency vs. independent (who coordinates), and heterosexual vs. LGBTQ+ (family structure). The genetic division is the most consequential.
What is the most common type of surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy, which is about 95% of arrangements. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby, which keeps parentage clear and is why nearly all clinics and agencies focus on it.
Which type of surrogacy is cheapest?
Traditional surrogacy is generally cheaper, typically $40,000 to $100,000 versus $110,000 to $220,000 for gestational, because it uses insemination rather than IVF. It is legally riskier, though, which is why it is rare.
What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy the embryo is made through IVF from the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm, so the surrogate has no genetic tie. In traditional surrogacy the surrogate's own egg is used, making her the biological mother.