What's the difference between Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy? Depending on what you decide is best for you, the journey will look different.
Traditional Surrogacy - Traditional or genetic Surrogacy is a method of family building in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for an intended parent or parents and in which the Surrogate is a genetic parent of the baby.
The Surrogate's egg and the chosen sperm of the intended father or a donor is fertilized, resulting in her having a genetic connection to the child. The Surrogate will carry and deliver the baby. This form of surrogacy is no longer common practice and can carry a greater legal risk, especially for the intended parents.
Gestational Surrogacy - Gestational Surrogacy is the method of family building in which the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. The child is conceived using an embryo created in vitro, utilizing the Intended Parent or parents’ genetic material (eggs and/or sperm) and/or the genetic material of a donor or donors. The resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate, who then will carry and deliver the baby.
Considerations for Surrogates:
Medical Procedures - As a Surrogate you may undergo more or less fertility treatments prior to the procedures depending what route you choose.
Wait Times - If you decide to be a Gestational Surrogate this may result in a faster process if the Intended Parents already have embryos created for transfer. As a Traditional Surrogate you may have more difficulty matching with a family and a participating IVF clinic, as this is not a common practice.
Legal Process - Laws surrounding any Surrogacy option can be complex, since there is no federal surrogacy laws in United States, each state is self governing. Many states that allow Gestational Surrogacy do not allow traditional surrogacy. It is important to work closely with an attorney to understand the legalities of your states Surrogacy laws.
Risk - Traditional Surrogacy can pose a greater legal risk than Gestational Surrogacy. If you chose Traditional Surrogacy, you will be the biological mother of the child and you could potentially change your mind and decide you want to parent the baby when it is born.
Considerations for Intended Parents:
Legal Process - Laws surrounding any Surrogacy option can be complex, since there is no federal surrogacy laws in United States, each state is self governing. It is important to work closely with an attorney to understand the legalities of your states Surrogacy laws and establish a Pre-Birth Order.
Wait Times - Gestational Surrogacy may result in a faster process if the Intended Parents already have embryos created. Intended parents who choose Traditional Surrogacy may have more difficulty finding a willing surrogate, increasing their wait time.
Cost - The cost for fertility treatments will vary depending on Surrogacy you decide is best for your family.
Risk - While it is often rare for Surrogates to challenge a surrogacy agreement in efforts to keep a resulting child, utilizing Traditional Surrogacy can pose a greater legal risk than Gestational Surrogacy.
In Traditional Surrogate the Surrogate is the biological mother of the child, which raises the concerns of her bond with the baby and potentially changing her mind to parent the baby when it is born. As the Intended Parent you would then have to try to win custody in court, which could lead to a drown out legal battle.
Final Decision:
Although there are many factors both Intended Parents and Surrogates should take into consideration when comparing Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy, each option can help hopeful Intended Parents fulfill their Modernly Ever After.
If you are interested in learning more about helping a family or starting your Surrogacy journey, complete our intake form.
If you are interested in learning how you can receive your Modernly Ever After by starting or adding on to your family, let us help you navigate your journey.