The Genetics of Surrogacy: Whose DNA Does a Surrogate Baby Have?

Surrogacy is a complex but beautiful way to grow a family. One of the most frequently asked questions is about the genetics of a surrogate-born baby. Who does the baby inherit their DNA from? Does the surrogate contribute genetically? To answer these questions, we need to explore the fundamentals of gestational surrogacy and how modern fertility science works.

How Does DNA Work in Gestational Surrogacy?

To understand the genetics of surrogacy, it's crucial to distinguish between the two main types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is rarely used today and involves the surrogate’s own egg, making her the genetic mother. In gestational surrogacy—the standard and legally recognized method in the U.S.—the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.

In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is created using an egg and a sperm from the intended parents or donors. This embryo is then implanted into the uterus of a gestational carrier, who carries the baby to term but does not contribute any DNA.

The Role of Genetics in Gestational Surrogacy

Genetic material (DNA) comes only from the egg and the sperm. The surrogate contributes only the environment for the baby to grow during pregnancy—no genes.

Eggs and Egg Retrievals

The egg used in gestational surrogacy may come from the intended mother or an egg donor. Either way, the woman who provides the egg is the genetic mother of the baby.

Egg Retrieval Process

Egg retrieval involves hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. When the eggs are mature, a fertility specialist retrieves them during a minimally invasive procedure.

If the intended mother provides the eggs, the baby will share her DNA.

If an egg donor is used, the baby will share DNA with the donor instead.

This means the surrogate mother has no biological link to the child, even though she experiences the pregnancy.

Sperm

The sperm comes either from the intended father or a sperm donor. If the intended father provides the sperm, the child will be genetically related to him. If a sperm donor is used, the baby inherits DNA from that donor. Just like with eggs, the person who provides the sperm contributes half of the child’s DNA.

Embryos

Once the egg and sperm are combined in a lab through in vitro fertilization (IVF), they form an embryo. The embryo contains a full set of 46 chromosomes: 23 from the egg and 23 from the sperm. After testing for health and viability, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate’s body nurtures the embryo, but her DNA does not mix with the baby’s genetic material.

What Type of People Consider Gestational Surrogacy To Become Parents?

Gestational surrogacy is an inclusive family-building method chosen by people from various backgrounds and circumstances:

• Couples Facing Infertility – Heterosexual couples who cannot conceive naturally due to medical issues—such as uterine conditions, repeated miscarriages, or IVF failures—often turn to surrogacy.
• LGBTQ+ Couples – Gay male couples use surrogacy in combination with egg donation to have children genetically related to one or both fathers.
• Single Parents – Single men and women also pursue surrogacy when they want to raise a child independently but lack the means to carry a pregnancy themselves.
• Medical Conditions or Health Risks – Women with serious health risks or who’ve undergone surgeries like hysterectomy may rely on a surrogate to safely bring a baby into the world.

Legal and Medical Oversight

Gestational surrogacy in the U.S. is highly regulated to ensure the safety and rights of all parties. Fertility clinics follow strict protocols for screening, medical testing, and ethical procedures.

Legal contracts also protect the intended parents and the surrogate. These contracts outline parental rights, responsibilities, and compensation.

Government Resources and Data

For more information about reproductive health and fertility options, including assisted reproductive technology (ART), visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/art/index.html

Another helpful resource is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which provides insights into genetics, infertility, and IVF: https://www.nih.gov

Information on embryo donation and ART statistics can also be found through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): https://www.hhs.gov

Conclusion

So, whose DNA does a surrogate baby have? In gestational surrogacy, the answer is simple: the baby’s DNA comes solely from the egg and sperm providers—whether they are the intended parents or donors. The surrogate carries the child, but does not contribute genetically.

This clear genetic distinction makes gestational surrogacy a powerful, ethical, and well-regulated option for individuals and couples wishing to build a family.

Understanding the science behind the process helps remove confusion and supports more informed, confident decisions on the journey to parenthood.