Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Couples and individuals who have had difficulties naturally conceiving a child often turn to surrogacy for help. There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.

Surrogacy has changed over time with advances in medical techniques. Traditional surrogacy differs considerably from modern gestational surrogacy, which is preferred nationwide. In fact, traditional surrogacy is banned across the U.S. due to legal issues and is not recognized as a type of surrogacy anymore.

Many surrogacy agencies, such as Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado, specialize in gestational surrogacy. Below, we explain the key differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy.

1. Procedural Differences between Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate mother having intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm from the intended father or a donor. The resulting baby comes from the surrogate’s egg.

Gestational surrogacy uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to combine sperm and egg from the intended parents and a donor if needed. The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus, where the baby will grow and develop.

2. Genetic Relationships with Gestational Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the baby is created from the surrogate’s egg and is half-related to the surrogate genetically. This causes legal and custody difficulties because the surrogate has to relinquish her parental rights.

In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents use their egg and sperm that is fertilized in a lab to create an embryo. However, sometimes intended mothers or fathers cannot use their own eggs or sperm, respectively, or one parent is sterile. In cases like this, the intended parents can use the missing egg or sperm from an egg or sperm bank or donor.

The majority of hopeful intended parents using gestational surrogacy are same-sex couples and individuals because it allows for donor genetic material to be used. The surrogate is not related to the baby with this type of surrogacy.

3. Emotional Difficulties Arise from Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy can create emotional challenges because the surrogate is related to the baby. This can cause stress for the intended parents, who may worry the surrogate will engage them in a legal battle for parental rights. Being related to the baby also makes it more difficult for the surrogate, who will be giving another family her child.

There is little worry of emotional attachment with gestational surrogacy. The intended parents and surrogate maintain contact throughout the nine months and the intended parents attend important medical appointments. Most intended parents choose to be present for the birth as well, and they take the baby home. With gestational surrogacy, a pre-birth order establishes the intended parents as the parents, so they have no need to worry about who has custody over the child.

4. Wait Time Differences between Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy

Many more states allow gestational surrogacy than traditional surrogacy. Because of this, if you want to pursue traditional surrogacy, you will have more difficulty finding a surrogacy agency to help you. This will dramatically increase the wait time before you can find a surrogate and have your baby.

There are many surrogacy agencies that specialize in gestational surrogacy, which is available in several states. The relatively little wait time comes down to finding a match between a surrogate and the intended parents. From there, the process has been well-established and takes as long as is needed to have your baby.

5. Contact and Relationships with Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Since the surrogate is related to the child in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate often wants continued contact with the child as they grow up. The intended parents can expect a lasting relationship with the surrogate for this reason.

In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents and surrogate can decide what their expectations for contact are throughout the surrogacy process and their wishes for contact after birth. Many intended parents develop a relationship with the surrogate and some stay in contact after the birth, but this is less common than in traditional surrogacy.

Choosing Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy

While there are a few key differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy, the choice is up to the intended parents. Surrogates can decide which service they are comfortable providing and select a surrogacy agency that is suited to that purpose.

How do you know which choice is right for your family? Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I want to be genetically related to my child?
  • Would I feel comfortable with my baby being carried by their mother?
  • How long am I willing to wait to match with a surrogate mother?
  • How much of a relationship do I want my child to have with the surrogate?

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado specializes in gestational surrogacy and is proud to bring intended parents and surrogates together to complete families. If you would like further information about gestational surrogacy or the surrogacy process, visit our website or contact our surrogacy specialists.

If you are interested in learning more about your gestational surrogacy options, contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.

Meet the Author: Madilyn Moeller is a writer and editor keen on translating the technical. Madilyn’s years of science writing shine through as she explains everything from health insurance to moving for her readers. Madilyn has a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Professional Writing, Psychology, and Neuroscience. She is a lifelong writer bringing her curiosity to the marketing stage, building websites and blogs for businesses moving online. She knows more about Medicare than any young adult should.

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