surrogacy

American  

[sur-uh-guh-see, suhr‑] / ˈsɜr ə gə si, ˈsʌr‑ /

noun

1. the state of being a surrogate or surrogate mother.

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Etymology

Origin of surrogacy

First recorded in 1810–20

Explanation

Surrogacy is the act of taking the place of another person, particularly by agreeing to give birth to a baby on behalf of someone else. Along with adoption, surrogacy is one of the ways people who can't become pregnant and carry a baby themselves are able to become parents. A surrogate is paid to fill the pregnancy role, and after the birth, the child is raised by the person or couple who hired the surrogate. The Latin root of surrogacy is surrogatus, "put in another's place."

Example Sentences

Later examinations seemed to confirm that if surrogacy was the route, it would not involve her eggs.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

To have a baby, the couple's only option was to hope for a womb transplant or go down the route of surrogacy.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

In the U.S., surrogacy laws are on a state-by-state basis.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

The “Made You Look” singer, 32, and “Spy Kids” actor, 33, welcomed their third child via surrogacy on Sunday, the pop star announced on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Agencies typically receive $40,000-$50,000 per surrogacy, separate from payments to surrogates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025