Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple (the intended parents). There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is also the biological mother of the child because her egg is used in the process; and gestational surrogacy, where the egg comes from the intended mother or an egg donor, meaning the child is not genetically related to the surrogate. Surrogacy provides a means for individuals and couples to have a child when they are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term on their own, due to health issues, infertility, or other reasons. It involves legal agreements to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved are clearly defined and protected.