Glossary · Definition · v2026.3
What Are Intended Parents?
Intended parents are individuals or couples who plan to become the legal parents of a child born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy.
Legal Definition
In surrogacy law, intended parents are the individuals who commission the surrogacy arrangement and intend to assume full legal and parental responsibility for the child. Legal parentage is established through pre-birth orders (in states that allow them) or post-birth adoption or parentage orders. The legal process varies significantly by state and country.
Role in the Surrogacy Process
Intended parents typically provide the genetic material (eggs, sperm, or both) or select donors. They are involved in selecting and matching with a gestational surrogate, negotiating the surrogacy agreement, attending medical appointments, and planning for the birth. The intended parents bear all medical, legal, and agency costs associated with the surrogacy arrangement.
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This content defines terminology for educational orientation. It does not constitute medical advice.