Traditional and Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy is not a one size fits all solution. There are two types- traditional and gestational surrogacy and each of these types comes with their own challenges based on your personal needs.

Traditional Surrogacy.

 The surrogate will use either artificial insemination or IVF along with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The surrogate will be providing her own eggs. This type of surrogacy is much more rare, and does come with its own legal risks and complications. Be sure you have an attorney and Agency experienced in Traditional surrogacy and understand the potential drawbacks.

Gestational Surrogacy

With the advancement of IVF (in vitro fertilization), we are now able to harvest eggs (either from the intended mother or donor) so they can be fertilized with the father’s or donor’s sperm. This happens outside the womb and the resulting embryo can then be placed into the gestational surrogate. Unlike traditional surrogacy, the gestational surrogate’s eggs are not used so she has no genetic links to the child. From a legal standpoint, gestational surrogacy is much less complex and more commonly chosen than other methods.

There was a time in the not so distant past when surrogacy had a negative stigma attached. While there are still some states struggling with this issue, it has become a much more common and accepted practice. Science has moved us so far forward with advances in genetics and fertility that parenthood is now within reach for thousands of people who might otherwise never have been able to experience its joy. This could happen because of marital status, age or sexual orientation.

There are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational. Within those two groups however there can be a number of different situations and circumstances, making each situation a unique process. I.V.F. is now a standard fertility treatment but that has only been the case for the last fifteen years. Before then, the only real option that someone had was to use a traditional surrogate and since a traditional surrogate uses one of her own eggs in the process, she is genetically linked to that child. With IVF, gestational surrogacy has become more popular as some couples realize they can now have someone carry a baby that is completely and genetically theirs in every way.

There are many reasons why someone may choose to use a surrogate. A woman choosing surrogacy might do so because medical issues have made pregnancy either impossible or dangerous. Many women are able to create healthy eggs but for whatever reason have a high rate of miscarriage. Gay couples have also found success through surrogacy. It has allowed them to pursue a dream once denied them.

Regardless of the reasons behind someone’s desire to achieve parenthood through surrogacy, the fact is that the process is much easier than it once was and at least in the United States, Gestational Surrogacy has become much less complex legally.