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Fertility Glossary

Intended parent

The person or couple who will be the child's legal parents.

Donor treatment & family building

Intended parents, called commissioning parents in the Children's Act, are those who will raise the child born through surrogacy. Once the High Court has confirmed the surrogate motherhood agreement before fertilisation, the child is regarded as theirs from the moment of birth, and no adoption process is required.

Also known as: commissioning parent, intended parents

Sources

  • Children's Act 38 of 2005 (South Africa)

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only β€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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