Homonym: surrogate (Substitute)
A "surrogate" is a person who carries and gives birth to a baby for another individual or couple who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. This arrangement often involves a legal agreement, and the surrogate may be compensated for her services. Surrogacy can be an option for various reasons, including medical issues, age, or same-sex couples wanting to start a family.
There are two main types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby, as the embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child.