Intended Parent(s) (IPs)

What are intended parent(s) (IPs)?
Intended parent(s) — often abbreviated as IPs — are the individual(s) who commission a surrogacy arrangement to become the legal parent(s) of a child born through the process. In gestational surrogacy, IPs provide or select the egg, sperm, or embryo (via IVF) and partner with a gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy, with the goal of assuming full parental rights and responsibilities after birth.

How do intended parent(s) work?
IPs begin by engaging a surrogacy agency or independent process to find a gestational carrier. They work with fertility clinics for IVF, creating embryos from their own gametes or using donors. A gestational carrier agreement (GCA) — drafted by attorneys — outlines their obligations, including funding medical care, carrier compensation, and expenses via escrow. IPs may participate in prenatal milestones, like ultrasounds or birth planning, and take custody of the baby post-delivery, often through pre-birth orders or adoption processes, depending on local laws.

What’s their role in surrogacy?
Intended parents are the driving force behind gestational surrogacy, initiating the journey to build or expand their family when pregnancy isn’t possible or safe. Their role involves financial, emotional, and legal commitments to support the gestational carrier while preparing for parenthood. IPs’ decisions — from embryo selection to birth preferences — shape the process, making their collaboration with carriers and professionals pivotal to a successful outcome.

What are common features?

Diverse profiles: IPs include infertile couples, same-sex partners, single individuals, or those with medical barriers.
Financial responsibility: Cover surrogacy costs ($100,000-$200,000), including IVF, legal fees, and carrier support.
Legal agreements: GCAs ($5,000-$10,000) secure IPs’ parental rights and clarify carrier roles.
Emotional involvement: IPs may attend key moments, like transfers or delivery, per the GCA.
Custody transition: Pre-birth orders or post-birth legal steps establish IPs as legal parents.

What is the history of intended parent(s)?
The concept of intended parents emerged with modern surrogacy in the late 1970s, tied to IVF’s rise. The 1978 birth of Louise Brown in Oldham, England, inspired early IPs, but gestational surrogacy formalized their role in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, with the first documented case. The 1980s Baby M case in New Jersey highlighted IPs’ legal vulnerabilities, spurring better contracts. By the 1990s, agencies in San Francisco, California, supported diverse IPs, while Canada’s Toronto and Ukraine’s Kyiv became international hubs in the 2000s, refining IP-focused surrogacy laws.

Who are intended parent(s)?

Intended parents: Couples or individuals seeking parenthood via surrogacy due to infertility, health risks, or family structure.
Gestational carriers: Partner with IPs to carry their child, relying on IPs’ support.
Surrogacy agencies: Match IPs with carriers and guide their journey.
Attorneys and clinics: Ensure IPs’ legal rights and provide ART expertise.

What are benefits and considerations?

Benefits: Enables parenthood for those unable to carry, offers genetic connection (when using own gametes), and fosters collaboration with carriers.
Challenges: High costs and legal complexities require careful planning; navigating carrier relationships can be delicate.
Emotional impact: IPs experience joy and gratitude but may face stress during waiting periods or legal steps.

What about legal and financial aspects?
Surrogacy costs $100,000-$200,000, with IPs funding IVF ($10,000-$20,000), legal fees ($5,000-$10,000), and carrier compensation/reimbursements ($40,000-$70,000). GCAs ensure IPs’ rights, upheld in states like California and Illinois via pre-birth orders. Internationally, the UK requires post-birth parental orders, while Mexico supports IPs with clear contracts. Escrow accounts manage funds, and disputes — rare with good contracts — may involve custody or expense disagreements.

Why do they matter?
Intended parents fuel surrogacy’s purpose, turning dreams of family into reality through commitment and care. For potential surrogates, understanding IPs’ role highlights the shared goal and mutual respect, building confidence in the process. By explaining IPs’ journey, agencies establish authority, guiding clients with clarity and trust toward parenthood.

Related terms

Synonyms

Commissioning parent(s)
Prospective parent(s)
Surrogacy parent(s)
Legal parent(s)-to-be

Intended parents light the path to surrogacy, partnering with carriers to create families with hope and harmony.

Intended Parent(s) (IPs)

Surrogacy statistics

History of Surrogacy