Whose Egg Is Used in Surrogacy?

Surrogacy can feel complicated at first.

Especially when one of the most common questions is also one of the most confusing:

In surrogacy, whose egg is used?

If you’re researching surrogacy for the first time, you’ve probably also wondered:

• Whose egg and sperm is used in surrogacy?

• Is the surrogate the biological mother?

• Does the baby always share DNA with the intended parents?

  
  

This guide answers all of that—clearly and simply.

Let’s start with the most important distinction.

The Two Types of Surrogacy (This Changes Everything)

Before we can answer whose egg is used, we need to clarify which type of surrogacy you’re talking about.

There are two main types:

1. Gestational surrogacy

2. Traditional surrogacy

   
   

And the difference between them determines whose egg is involved.

Gestational Surrogacy: Whose Egg Is Used?

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not use her own egg.

Instead, the egg comes from:

• The intended mother, or

• An egg donor

  
  

The embryo is created through IVF and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

So in gestational surrogacy:

• The surrogate carries the pregnancy

• The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby

  
  

This is the most common form of surrogacy today and the standard approach used by agencies and fertility clinics.

Traditional Surrogacy: Whose Egg Is Used?

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate does use her own egg.

This means:

• The surrogate is the biological mother

• The pregnancy typically happens via IUI (not IVF)

• The sperm comes from the intended father or a donor

  
  

Because of the legal and emotional complexity involved, traditional surrogacy is rare in 2026 and often restricted or discouraged.

In Surrogacy, Whose Egg and Sperm Is Used?

Here’s the clearest way to break it down:

Gestational Surrogacy

• Egg: Intended mother or egg donor

• Sperm: Intended father, intended parent, or sperm donor

  
  

Traditional Surrogacy

• Egg: Surrogate

• Sperm: Intended father or sperm donor

  
  

Most intended parents today pursue gestational surrogacy, which allows for clear legal parentage and greater flexibility in genetic planning.

Does the Surrogate Ever Share DNA With the Baby?

Only in traditional surrogacy.

In gestational surrogacy:

• The surrogate does not contribute DNA

• No genetic material is shared

• The embryo already contains a complete DNA profile before transfer

  
  

This is one of the biggest reasons gestational surrogacy has become the preferred option for most families.

What If the Intended Mother Can’t Use Her Own Egg?

That’s where egg donation comes in.

If the intended mother can’t use her own eggs due to:

• Medical conditions

• Age-related fertility decline

• Genetic concerns

• Same-sex male couples

  
  

An egg donor provides the egg, which is then fertilized with sperm from the intended parent or donor.

The surrogate still carries the pregnancy but remains genetically unrelated.

Why Gestational Surrogacy Is the Modern Standard

Gestational surrogacy offers:

✔ Clear legal protection

✔ Emotional clarity for all parties

✔ Higher success rates through IVF

✔ Flexibility with egg and sperm sources

✔ Strong agency and clinic support

Because of this, nearly all agency-supported surrogacy today is gestational.

Common Myths About Eggs and Surrogacy

Let’s clear up a few persistent misconceptions:

Myth: The surrogate is always the biological mother

Reality: Only in traditional surrogacy

Myth: The baby must be genetically related to both parents

Reality: One or both parents may be genetically related or neither

Myth: Egg donors are involved after birth

Reality: Donors have no parental rights or responsibilities

Choosing the Right Genetic Path in Surrogacy

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer.

Some families prioritize:

• Genetic connection

• Medical safety

• Legal clarity

• Timeline

• Cost

• Emotional comfort

  
  

Understanding whose egg is used in surrogacy helps you make decisions that align with your goals.

Final Takeaway

So, in surrogacy, whose egg is used?

It depends on the type of surrogacy.

• Gestational surrogacy uses the intended mother’s egg or a donor egg

• Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s egg

  
  

Today, gestational surrogacy is the standard choice for families seeking clarity, safety, and legal security.

If you’re exploring surrogacy and want to understand how egg and sperm choices affect the journey, you can continue learning here.