Legal Definitions - alternative reproductive technology (ART)

Alternative reproductive technology (ART) is a way for people who are unable to conceive naturally to have a child. It includes various treatments and procedures such as in vitro fertilization, sperm donation, ovum donation, and the use of a surrogate carrier.

For example, in vitro fertilization involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body and then transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus. Sperm and ovum donation involve using donated sperm or eggs to conceive a child. Surrogacy involves using a surrogate mother to carry the child to term.

These examples illustrate how ART can help people who are infertile to have a child using alternative methods.