A–C
AHR treatment
Assisted human reproduction treatment involving gametes, embryos or related reproductive material. The exact statutory definition is in section 2 of the 2024 Act.
AHRRA
The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority, established in October 2025. Establishment does not mean every function described in the Act has commenced.
Altruistic surrogacy
An arrangement without a fee or reward for carrying a pregnancy, although permitted or reasonable expenses may be reimbursed under the law that applies.
Commercial surrogacy
An arrangement involving payment or reward beyond permitted expenses. Rules differ by country, and the enacted Irish framework contains prohibitions and limits that must be checked for commencement.
Counselling
Independent support to explore expectations, consent, relationships, pregnancy, birth and longer-term implications. Statutory counselling requirements and prudent counselling are not the same claim.
D–I
Donor
A person whose egg or sperm is used but who is not necessarily an intended parent. Donor information, consent and parentage rules depend on the treatment and jurisdiction.
Embryo transfer
The clinical placement of an embryo into a uterus. A transfer does not guarantee implantation, pregnancy or birth.
Gamete
An egg or sperm cell.
Gestational surrogacy
Surrogacy where the person carrying the pregnancy does not provide the egg. See the full gestational-surrogacy guide.
Intended parent
A person who intends to parent a child born through an arrangement. Intention alone does not necessarily establish legal parenthood.
International surrogacy
An arrangement involving treatment, a surrogate or birth outside the intended parents' home jurisdiction. More than one country's law may apply.
P–S
Parentage
The legal status of being a parent. It is distinct from genetic connection, day-to-day care and guardianship.
Parental order
A court order transferring or recognising parentage under the legislation that applies. The 2024 Irish Act describes several parental-order routes, but commencement must be confirmed.
Reasonable expenses
Costs connected with an arrangement that may be reimbursable under applicable law. It is not a universal list and should not be treated as payment for pregnancy.
Surrogate
The person who carries and gives birth to a child for an intended parent or parents. “Surrogate mother” is used in the 2024 Act; this site generally uses “surrogate” in explanatory text.
Surrogacy agreement
A record of the parties' understanding. Its legal effect and enforceability vary by jurisdiction; it cannot remove the pregnant person's bodily autonomy.
T–Z
Traditional surrogacy
An arrangement in which the surrogate's own egg is used, creating a genetic connection. It is different from the gestational model defined in the enacted Irish framework.
Uncommenced provision
Legislation enacted by the Oireachtas but not yet brought into legal operation by the required commencement mechanism.
Primary sources
Source review: 31 July 2026. Definitions are general information, not case-specific advice.