Donors & surrogacy 

What are fertility donations and surrogacy?

For some people, a donor or surrogate is the best way to grow their family. While this may not be the path you first imagined, many patients find these options deeply meaningful and are grateful for the families they build this way. 

Who can donors and surrogacy help? 

Donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy may be recommended when:

  • Pregnancy is not possible with your own eggs or sperm
  • Medical conditions make carrying a pregnancy unsafe or unlikely
  • Repeated fertility treatments have not been successful

These options can offer high success rates and a clear path forward when other treatments are no longer the right fit. 

What to expect with a fertility donor 

  • Donated eggs are fertilized with sperm from your partner or with donor sperm to create an embryo.
  • You’ll take medications to prepare your body to support pregnancy. 
  • The embryo will be placed into your uterus, just like a standard IVF cycle.

Donors may be someone you know or someone chosen from a screened donor program. All donors go through careful medical and emotional screening. 

What to expect with a surrogate 

  • A surrogate carries the pregnancy on your behalf. 

  • The embryo is created using your egg or sperm, donor eggs or sperm, or both. 

  • The surrogate does not share a genetic connection to the baby. 

What are the emotional considerations for using donors and surrogates? 

Learning that donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy is your best option can bring up complicated emotions. For many people, the idea of a biological connection is important, and it can be hard to let go of that expectation. Our patients express a mix of emotions and many different beliefs, including:

  • Pregnancy and birth create a powerful bond 
  • Feeling the baby move, giving birth and holding your child are important experiences 
  • Love and connection grow through shared life, not genetics alone 

There is no “right” way to feel — only your way. Talk to your care team to get support for the emotions you feel. 

Success and outcomes 

  • Donor eggs and sperm often lead to high success rates. 

  • Many patients report feeling confident and at peace with their decision. 

  • Families built through donation or surrogacy are as loving and complete as any other. 

Ask your care team about the success rates associated with your unique situation.