What Does Intended Parent Mean?

In the world of surrogacy and assisted reproduction, the term intended parent comes up often,  but what does it actually mean?

An intended parent is someone who plans to become the legal parent of a child born through surrogacy. They may or may not share a biological connection to the baby, and they may be single, partnered, or part of the LGBTQ+ community. What they all share is a deep desire to grow their family,  and a surrogacy journey built on hope, trust, and connection.

At Hatch, supporting intended parents is at the heart of everything we do. In this article, we’ll explore what the term means, who it applies to, and how we help people build families through surrogacy.

Intended Parent Definition

An intended parent is a person or couple who chooses to grow their family through surrogacy or other forms of assisted reproduction. This includes those who will assume full parental rights and responsibilities after the child is born, even if they didn’t carry the pregnancy themselves.

Importantly, being an intended parent doesn’t depend on genetics. Whether or not the child is biologically related, the intended parent is the one who loves, raises, and legally parents the child.

Who Can Be an Intended Parent?

There’s no single story or background that defines an intended parent. At Hatch, we work with a diverse community of people — all with different paths to parenthood. This includes:

• Individuals and couples facing infertility or who are unable to carry a pregnancy
• Gay couples and LGBTQ+ parents building a family through LGBTQ+ surrogacy
• Single parents by choice, who are choosing to grow their families on their own
• People with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe or high-risk

No matter their background, every intended parent at Hatch shares the same dream: to welcome a child into their life with care, love, and intention.

Why Do Intended Parents Choose Surrogacy?

There are many reasons why someone may need the support of a surrogate to build their family. Some of the most common include:

• A history of infertility or unsuccessful fertility treatments
• Previous pregnancy loss or health conditions such as uterine abnormalities
• Recovery from medical procedures like cancer treatment or hysterectomy
• The need for donor eggs, sperm, or embryos
• The desire to become a parent without a partner
  
  

While the circumstances vary, the goal is always the same: creating a safe, supported, and ethical path to parenthood.

The Role of Intended Parents in the Surrogacy Journey

Intended parents are closely involved throughout the surrogacy process. Their role includes:

• Meeting requirements for intended parents to ensure readiness and legal eligibility
• Being matched with the right surrogate through Hatch’s expert matching process
• Collaborating on medical, legal, and logistical steps during the pregnancy
• Building a relationship with the surrogate, when appropriate
• Preparing for birth and post-birth transition into parenthood

The process is structured, compassionate, and designed to help each intended parent feel confident and supported at every stage.

Final Thoughts

An intended parent is someone who brings intention, love, and commitment to the journey of building a family — even when the path looks different from what they once imagined.

At Hatch, we’re honored to walk alongside intended parents from all backgrounds. Whether you’re starting to explore your options or ready to take the first step, our team is here to help you navigate your intended parent journey with clarity and care.