Surrogate Father: Understanding the Role and Definition

There are three interpretations of what a surrogate father is, all of which describe an unconventional parental dynamic whereby there aren't simply one man and one woman conceiving the child within a relationship because of personal or physical circumstances like divorce or infertility.

Sperm Donors

• Men who donate their sperm to women through a sperm bank agency or privately to a friend or loved one are called surrogate fathers; they are not involved in the actual conception, pregnancy and life of the child, but provide the means by which these things can happen.

Not Biologically Related

• A man who fathers a child who is not biologically his own but the product of the mother's previous relationship can be called a surrogate father. Although they are not related to the child, he chooses to treat her as if she were his own.

Egg Donors

• Men who are not married or in a relationship and decide they would like to become fathers can seek an egg donor and a surrogate mother, either through an agency or privately with a friend. When the baby is born, the father is the sole parent and can also be referred to as a surrogate father.