noun

surrogacy

SUR-uh-guh-see/ˈsɜːrəɡəsi/

The act of serving in another's place.

Surrogacy involves taking on a role for someone else.

A visibly pregnant woman meets with the intended parents at a calm counseling table; she gently rests a hand on her belly while the couple holds a small empty baby blanket and listens with gratitude.

Etymology

surLatinin the place of

+rogaLatinto ask, propose

+cyEnglishstate or office

“In the place of” and “ask, propose” combine in a verb meaning “put in another’s place.” Surrogacy names the substitute’s role, applied here to carrying a pregnancy for another person.

In context

Alcea Surrogacy4:28

Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, the surrogate carries a baby that has no relation to them. The baby is genetically someone else's egg and sperm

The powerful story of a surrogate baby who became an intended parent

More examples

They discuss surrogacy as one way to become parents.
State laws on surrogacy vary.
The surrogacy agreement sets out everyone's responsibilities.

Forms

surrogacy · surrogacies

surrogate noun — A person who serves in another's place.

Similar words

substitution: Emphasizes replacement, not necessarily acting on another person's behalf.
representation: Means acting or speaking for others, without necessarily replacing them.