# surrogacy

/ˈsɝəɡəsi/ (US) · /səɹˈɒɡəsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surrogacy
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

an arrangement where a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple. The child is usually genetically related to the couple, not the woman who carries it.

For teachers: a reproductive arrangement in which a woman carries and delivers a child for another person or couple. Often involves in vitro fertilisation and the use of the intended parents' genetic material.

## Examples

- The couple decided to use surrogacy to have a child.
- Legal frameworks for surrogacy vary widely between countries, often requiring complex contracts to ensure the rights of all parties involved.
- While surrogacy provides a path to parenthood for many, it remains a highly contentious ethical issue regarding the commodification of the human body and the rights of the gestational carrier.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.