Glossary

Surrogacy terms A to C: definitions

The short answer

This glossary defines surrogacy, egg donation and IVF terms from A to C in one or two sentences each, written for intended parents and surrogates and for citation. Example entries: Agency: a company that screens, matches and coordinates surrogates and intended parents; PLS is a gestational surrogacy agency in Northbrook, Illinois. AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone): a blood test of ovarian reserve used to screen egg donors. Aneuploid: an embryo with an abnormal number of chromosomes, identified by PGT-A. ASRM: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, whose committee opinions set US practice standards. Beta hCG: the blood pregnancy test drawn 9 to 11 days after transfer. Blastocyst: a day 5 to 7 embryo ready for biopsy, freezing or transfer. Compensation: payment to a surrogate or donor for time, effort and risk, never called salary.

Written by Nancy Block, RN

Founder and Director. Fertility nurse, 17 years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Former President, SEEDS.

Medically reviewed by Mark Silverberg, MD

Last updated October 14, 2026

Agency, agreement, AMH, aneuploid, antral follicle count, ASRM

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Assisted reproduction, background check, base compensation, beta hCG

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Blastocyst, BMI, carrier screening, case manager

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Cesarean section, compensated surrogacy, compensation, cycle management

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How to cite this glossary

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Table in preparation

Term, definition, related page link, source (ASRM, SART, CDC, Illinois statute, SEEDS) for each entry

Editor notes (D-056): Use DefinedTerm schema per entry. Compensation figures CONFIRM WITH NANCY. 'surrogacy glossary' is the target for this first page; later pages target their own letter ranges.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier?

Medical literature uses gestational carrier for a woman who carries an embryo with no genetic link to her. Surrogate is the everyday term; PLS uses both.

What is base compensation?

The fixed amount paid to a surrogate for carrying, excluding allowances and reimbursements. PLS first-time base is $60,000 (proposed); the total package is typically $68,000 to $78,000. Confirm current schedule.

What is cycle management?

A PLS service for parents who bring their own surrogate: screening, escrow referral, legal referral and cycle coordination without matching, $15,000 proposed ($12,500 military).