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Surrogacy as a Path to Parenthood: Understanding Gestational Surrogacy with PCRM

At the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), we believe that there are many roads to building a family. For some, gestational surrogacy offers a powerful, compassionate, and scientifically advanced way to realize that dream. Whether due to medical challenges, past pregnancy losses, or other fertility barriers, gestational surrogacy can open the door to parenthood for many.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy (also called a gestational carrier) refers to the process in which a woman carries a pregnancy on behalf of intended parent(s), even though she is not genetically related to the baby. The embryo is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parent(s) (or donors), then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. This is different from traditional (or “classic”) surrogacy, where the surrogate donates her own egg and is genetically related to the baby; in gestational surrogacy, the carrier has no genetic link to the child.

Who Might Consider Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy can be a good option for people who:
Have a scarred, absent, or medically unsafe uterus

• Have experienced recurrent miscarriage
• Have health conditions that make pregnancy risky
• Are part of 2IALGBTQ+ families and cannot carry a pregnancy themselves

How the Process Works at PCRM

1. IVF & Embryo Creation
   First, intended parent(s) will undergo an IVF cycle to create embryos. These embryos are genetically linked to the intended parents (or their donors, if applicable).

2. Transfer to the Surrogate
   Once the embryo is ready, it’s transferred into the uterus of the gestational carrier. The pregnancy then progresses under close medical supervision.

3. Altruistic Surrogacy Only
   Under Canadian law, specifically the Assisted Human Reproduction Act surrogates in Canada must be altruistic. Surrogacy services cannot be paid for, but the surrogate can be reimbursed for allowable out-of-pocket costs (like medical expenses).

4. Emotional & Psychological Support
   PCRM’s third-party reproduction team is skilled not only in the medical aspects but also in supporting the emotional journey. We can connect you with counselors to help guide you during this time.

Criteria for a Gestational Carrier

To ensure safety and the best possible outcomes, PCRM requires gestational carriers to meet certain criteria:

• Age between 21 and 40 years
• At least one prior uncomplicated birth
• No serious medical or psychological conditions
• Normal infectious disease screening
• Body Mass Index (BMI) under 40
• Willingness to participate in a surrogacy agreement and counselling

Important Legal and Ethical Points

• Even though the surrogate carries the pregnancy, she has no legal parental rights: gestational surrogates are not genetically related to the baby, and under Canadian law, they cannot “change their mind” and keep the child.

• A formal surrogacy agreement (legal contract) is required.

Why Someone Becomes a Surrogate

Many women who choose to be gestational carriers do so out of altruism. They are motivated by a deep desire to help others build a family, often drawing on their own experience of motherhood and their compassion for others’ fertility journeys. Their generosity can make an incredible difference for intended parents who otherwise have limited options for carrying a pregnancy.

How to Get Started with PCRM

If you are considering gestational surrogacy — whether as an intending parent or as a potential carrier — PCRM encourages you to take the first step:

• Get a Referral: to one of our fertility specialists, or contact our third-party coordinators to discuss the process, learn more about eligibility, and ask any questions you may have.
• Our third-party nurses will review the steps for creating embryos with you and will be there to guide you through the process. They will connect you with legal representation and a fertility counselor.

Support for Out-of-Province and International Patients

PCRM is proud to work with intended parents from across Canada and around the world who are seeking gestational surrogacy. Our third-party reproduction team is experienced in coordinating care for patients who may not be local, ensuring that every step. From initial consultations to embryo creation and transfer is organized efficiently and with clear communication. Many patients choose PCRM for our high clinical standards, strong legal and counselling networks, and the supportive Canadian regulatory environment for altruistic surrogacy. We offer virtual appointments, flexible scheduling, and close collaboration with your local healthcare providers to help make the process as smooth as possible, no matter where you are located.

Final Thoughts

Gestational surrogacy is a remarkable, science-driven way to create life, and PCRM is deeply committed to supporting this path with integrity, compassion, and expertise. Whether you’re an intended parent longing for a child or a woman considering surrogacy, PCRM’s team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you want to learn more or take the next step, get in touch with our third-party reproduction team today by emailing [email protected]. You’re not alone, and we’d be honoured to walk beside you on this journey.

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