AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – A hormone produced by the follicles in the ovaries. It is used as an indicator of a person's ovarian reserve, meaning the number of ova (eggs) remaining in the ovaries. AMH levels can help assess fertility potential, particularly in individuals undergoing fertility treatments like IVF. Higher AMH levels generally indicate a higher number of remaining ova (eggs), while lower levels may suggest a reduced ovarian reserve, which can affect fertility. AMH is often measured in blood tests to evaluate fertility status and guide treatment decisions.

Amniocentesis – A procedure used to extract a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus for testing during pregnancy.

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) – A term encompassing all medical procedures used to assist in conception, including IVF, IUI, and ova/sperm donation.

Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) – Canadian federal legislation that governs assisted reproduction, including surrogacy, donation, and reproductive health.

Birth – The process by which a baby is delivered from a Surrogate’s uterus into the outside world, marking the beginning of life outside the womb. It typically occurs through vaginal delivery, but can also happen via a surgical procedure such as a C-section. Birth involves a series of physiological changes, including the onset of labor, the dilation of the cervix, and the expulsion of the baby and placenta from the Surrogate’s body.

C-section or Caesarean Section – A surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions made in the Surrogate’s abdomen and uterus, rather than through the vaginal canal. This procedure is typically performed when a vaginal delivery would put the Surrogate or baby at risk due to complications such as fetal distress, an abnormal position of the baby, or health concerns for the Surrogate.

Certificate of Independent Legal Advice – A document confirming that each party has received legal advice before entering into a surrogacy or donation agreement.

Court Order – A legal document issued by a court that officially establishes and recognizes the legal parents of a child.

Cryopreservation – The process of freezing ova, sperm, or embryos for future use.

Declaration of Parentage Application (DOPA) – The court process where a judge signs a court order declaring that the Intended Parent(s) are the legal parents of the child born through surrogacy and declaring that the Surrogate and spouse, if any, are not the legal parents of the child born through surrogacy.

Embryo – The early stage of development of a fertilized ova.

Embryo Donation – The process of donating embryos (usually leftover from IVF) to another person or couple.

Embryo Donation Agreement – A legal agreement between the embryo Donor(s) and the Intended Parent(s) regarding the use of the donated embryos.

Embryo Transfer – The process of placing an embryo into the uterus following IVF.

Endometriosis – A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which can cause infertility.

Factor Infertility (Female/Male) – Infertility caused by issues with the reproductive system (female or male).

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) – The process of transferring a frozen embryo into a uterus.

Fertility Law – Refers to the area of law that governs the legal aspects of reproductive technologies and assisted reproduction, including surrogacy, ova donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). This branch of law addresses the rights, responsibilities, and legal issues faced by individuals and couples involved in third-party reproduction, as well as medical professionals, clinics, and agencies. Fertility law ensures that all parties are legally protected, that reproductive agreements are clear and enforceable, and that the entire process aligns with legal standards, particularly in areas such as parental rights, Donor anonymity, and ethical considerations.

Fertility Lawyer – A lawyer who specializes in reproductive law, including surrogacy, donation agreements, and assisted reproduction.

Gamete – A reproductive cell (sperm or ova).

Gamete Donation Agreement – A legal agreement between a Donor (ova or sperm) and the Intended Parent(s) outlining the terms of the donation.

Gestational Carrier – A person who carries a pregnancy created by IVF, using the Intended Parent(s)’ or Donor’s ova and sperm.

Gestational Surrogacy – A surrogacy arrangement in which the Surrogate carries a child that is not genetically related to them (using an ova from the Intended Parent or a Donor).

Hysteroscopy – A procedure used to inspect the inside of the uterus, often part of fertility assessments.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – A form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an ova.

Informed Consent – A process in which all parties fully understand the medical, legal, and emotional implications of fertility treatments and sign an agreement confirming their understanding.

Independent Legal Advice (ILA) – Legal advice given to each party (Surrogate, Donor, Intended Parents) to ensure they fully understand their rights and obligations before entering into an agreement.

Intracervical Insemination (ICI) – Also known as home insemination, this method involves placing sperm directly into the cervix using a syringe or similar device, typically outside of a medical setting, to facilitate conception. This method is often used in sperm donation or surrogacy arrangements.

Intended Parent(s) or IPs – The individual(s) who intend to become the legal parent(s) of a child conceived through third-party reproduction (e.g., surrogacy, ova/sperm/embryo donation).

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) – A process of fertilizing an ova outside the body and implanting it into the uterus.

Luteal Phase – The phase in the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the body prepares for pregnancy.

Oocyte – An ova cell.

Ova Donation – The process where a person donates their ova for use by another individual or couple.

Ova Donation Agreement – A legal agreement between the ova Donor and the Intended Parent(s) that outlines the terms of the ova donation process.

Ova Retrieval – The process of collecting ova from a person’s ovaries for fertilization.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) – A condition in which ovaries become swollen and painful, often a complication of fertility treatments.

Ovarian Reserve – A term that refers to the number and quality of a person’s ova.

Ovulation Induction – The use of medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce ova.

Parentage Agreement – A legal document outlining the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved in surrogacy or donation arrangements.

Parentage Presumption – A legal principle that assumes the Intended Parents are the legal parents of the child, often supported by a legal agreement or court order.

Parental Rights – The legal rights and responsibilities of parents in relation to a child, including decision-making rights, custody, and care.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – A hormonal disorder that can affect fertility in individuals with ovaries.

Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) – A genetic test performed on embryos created via IVF to check for genetic disorders before they are implanted.

Reimbursements – The process by which the Intended Parents cover the legitimate expenses incurred by the Donor or Surrogate. This can include medical costs, travel expenses, lost wages, childcare, and other necessary expenses directly related to the donation or the surrogacy.

Semen Analysis – A test to assess the health and quality of sperm.

Sperm Donation – The process where a person donates sperm for use by another individual or couple.

Sperm Donation Agreement – A legal agreement between the sperm Donor and the Intended Parent(s) outlining the terms of the sperm donation process.

Sperm Donor – A person who donates sperm for use in assisted reproduction.

Sperm Sample or Deposit – The collection of sperm provided by a Donor or Intended Parent, typically for use in assisted reproductive procedures like insemination (IUI) or IVF.

Spermatozoa – A mature male sex cell or sperm.

Surrogacy – A reproductive arrangement where a person carries and gives birth to a child for another individual or couple.

Surrogacy Agreement – A legal agreement between the Surrogate and the Intended Parent(s) outlining their rights, responsibilities, and obligations.

Surrogate – A person who agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another

individual or couple.

Third-Party Reproduction – Refers to a reproductive arrangement in which an individual or couple relies on a third party—such as a sperm Donor, ova Donor, embryo Donor, gestational carrier (Surrogate), or traditional Surrogate—to assist in the conception and birth of a child. This process allows individuals or couples who may not be able to conceive or carry a pregnancy on their own to have a biological or legally recognized child. In third-party reproduction, the third party is typically not involved in raising the child, but they provide gametes (sperm or ova) or gestational support to help the Intended Parents achieve pregnancy. Legal agreements are often made to clarify the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all parties involved, ensuring that parental rights are established before or after the birth of the child.

Traditional Surrogacy – A surrogacy arrangement in which the Surrogate uses their own ova to conceive the child.

TTC (Trying to Conceive) – The process of attempting to become pregnant.

Uterus – The organ in the body where a fertilized ova develops into a fetus.

Vaginal Birth – The delivery of a baby through the Surrogate's vagina, without the need for surgical intervention, where the Surrogate carries and gives birth to the child for another individual or couple.

Vitrification – A method of freezing ova, embryos, or sperm quickly using cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation.