Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a complex process that involves legal, medical, and emotional considerations for all parties involved. Therefore, one of the key decisions intended parents need to make when embarking on a surrogacy journey is selecting the right surrogacy professional to guide them through the process. This article explores the differences between traditional and gestational surrogacy, when to consider each, and the cost implications of each option.

Surrogacy: Using Own or Donated Eggs vs. Surrogate Mother’s Eggs.

In gestational surrogacy, the baby is not genetically related to the surrogate mother, who is also referred to as a “gestational carrier” and “birth mother.” Instead of using the surrogate mother’s genetic material (oocytes containing her DNA), the embryo is created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and is then transferred to the surrogate mother, who gestates the embryo, with which she has no biological relationship.

Before the gestational surrogacy process is started, the hopeful intended parent or couple will choose how their embryo will be generated and which gametes will be used. Generally, there are four options available:

IVF using the intended mother’s oocytes and the intended father’s sperm
IVF using the donor’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm
IVF using the intended mother’s oocytes and the donor’s sperm
IVF using donated eggs and donated sperm or embryo adoption

An embryo will be created at the IVF lab and transferred to the gestational surrogate mother using one of the following:

The eggs of the intended mother and sperm of the intended father, in which case both intended parents will be genetically related to their child.
A donated egg fertilized with the intended father’s sperm, in which case the intended father will be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the egg donor, and half will come from the father).
The intended mother’s egg is fertilized with donor sperm, in which case the intended mother will be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the mother, and half will come from the donor).
A donated embryo will be adopted, or an embryo will be created using donor eggs and donor sperm, in which case the neither intended parent will be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the egg donor and half will come from the sperm donor).

Most commonly, at least one of the intended parents will be genetically related to the child; IVF using the donated gametes or adopting an embryo is used only in the most complicated infertility cases that cannot be resolved.

In traditional surrogacy, the baby is genetically related to the surrogate mother because her genetic material containing DNA (egg) is used in embryo generation. Traditional surrogate mothers become pregnant via intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using sperm from the intended father or donor.

The intended parents opting for traditional surrogacy will need an IUI or IVF procedure.

IUI using the intended father’s sperm
IUI using the donor’s sperm
IVF using the surrogate mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm
IVF using the surrogate mother’s egg and the donor’s sperm

A traditional surrogate mother will conceive naturally (as fertilization will happen in her body) via IUI (intrauterine insemination) procedure using one of the following:

She will be inseminated artificially using the intended father’s sperm, in which case the intended father will be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the surrogate mother, and half will come from the father).
She will be inseminated artificially using the donor’s sperm, in which case the intended father won’t be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the surrogate mother, and half will come from the donor).

Alternatively, in cases that require preimplantation genetic testing to identify single–gene defects or chromosomal anomalies in the embryo before transferring it for further gestation (for example, PGD for Fragile X syndrome, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, etc.) or if the intended father has a low concentration of normal sperm, or sperm with poor motility, sperm DNA fragmentation, testicular injury or infections, ejaculatory dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, genetic defects, or any other male factor infertility that can be resolved by IVF procedure.

In case of IVF surrogacy, an embryo will be created at the laboratory and transferred to the traditional surrogate mother using one of the following:

A surrogate mother’s egg fertilized with the intended father’s sperm, in which case the intended father will be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the surrogate mother, who will be an egg donor, and half will come from the father).
The surrogate mother’s egg is fertilized with donor sperm, which means the intended father won’t be genetically related to the child (half the baby’s DNA will come from the surrogate mother, and half will come from the donor).

In most cases, the intended father will be genetically related to the child; IUI using the donor’s sperm or IVF using the donated sperm is used only in the most complicated infertility cases that cannot be resolved.

To summarize, gestational surrogacy is something most intended mothers turn to if they still can produce a healthy and viable egg because this type of surrogacy enables women to maintain the genetic link to their babies. Single men, same–sex male couples, and heterosexual couples in which women cannot produce a healthy egg will have to use the donated egg from the Egg Donor to make an embryo and transfer it to the gestational surrogate mother. And vs. if the intended parents cannot find a suitable egg donor or do not want to use the eggs from an anonymous donor, they may opt for a traditional surrogate mother, who will also be their Egg Donor.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy: When to Consider?

Choosing between traditional and gestational surrogacy can be challenging for intended parents. Gestational surrogacy is often preferred due to its legal simplicity and lack of genetic ties between the surrogate and the child, making it a viable option for single potential mothers and fathers, couples struggling with fertility, same–sex couples, and those unable to carry a pregnancy to term safely. In contrast, traditional surrogacy may be considered by single men, same–sex male couples, and those who want a unique genetic link with the surrogate mother or cannot find a suitable egg donor for gestational surrogacy.

Who Can Consider Gestational Surrogacy?

Single potential mothers and fathers;
Couples with ongoing fertility struggles;
Same–sex couples;
Singles and couples who don’t want a genetic link between the surrogate mother and their child;
Anyone who is unable to carry a pregnancy to term safely.

Who Can Consider Traditional Surrogacy?

Single men (if they cannot find a suitable egg donor and would like their surrogate mother to provide her egg);
Same–sex male couples wishing to avoid egg donation or in cases when they have their family members or relatives wishing to become a surrogate mother (this also refers to cases when the male couple has a female friend who would love to help them);
Singles and couples who want to have a unique genetic link between the surrogate mother and their child that is impossible with a donated egg (in cases when the surrogate mother is a family member or relative of the intended parents, she will provide a unique genetic makeup; sometimes, a close friend can also be a surrogate mother);
Couples with ongoing fertility struggles who cannot find a suitable egg donor or do not want to use the eggs from an anonymous donor;
Anyone who is unable to carry a pregnancy to term safely.

Although traditional surrogacy enables intended parents to eliminate egg donor participation in the process or purchasing the donated egg, most heterosexual couples and intended mothers are turning to gestational surrogacy if they can produce an egg (but cannot safely carry a pregnancy to term) as this type of surrogacy allows these intended parents to be genetically related to their baby. Single men, same–sex male couples, and women who cannot produce healthy oocytes may choose traditional surrogacy because if opting for gestational surrogacy, they will need a donor’s eggs anyway, and not in all cases they can select an egg donor they like; in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the egg donor, simplifying the whole process of making an embryo.

Surrogacy Professionals: Understanding the Different Types and Their Roles.

Surrogacy can be a complex process that involves legal, medical, and emotional considerations for all parties involved. One of the key decisions intended parents need to make when embarking on a surrogacy journey is selecting the right surrogacy professional to guide them through the process. These professionals may include surrogacy agencies, attorneys, fertility clinics, or surrogacy matching websites.

It is important to note that surrogacy professionals may specialize in either traditional or gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy agencies tend to be more common due to the legal and emotional complexities of traditional surrogacy. With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother uses her own eggs, which can create legal issues surrounding her parental rights and obligations. This can make it more difficult to find professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in traditional surrogacy arrangements.

However, intended parents who do choose traditional surrogacy should still have access to professional support and guidance. While their options may be more limited, there are professionals who specialize in traditional surrogacy and can provide valuable assistance throughout the process. It’s essential for intended parents to research and choose a professional who has experience with the type of surrogacy they are pursuing and who they feel comfortable working with.

Overall, the decision to pursue surrogacy is a deeply personal one, and intended parents should carefully consider their options and seek out the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure a successful and positive outcome for all involved.

Most surrogacy agencies and surrogacy professionals prefer to work exclusively with gestational surrogate mothers and intended parents seeking gestational surrogacy because it is a less legally and emotionally complicated type of surrogacy.

Fewer agencies and professionals work with gestational and traditional surrogacy cases. Still, some will start the traditional surrogacy process if the intended parents find a traditional surrogate mother or ask their family member, relative, or close friend to become their surrogate mother.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy: Which is More Cost–Effective?

When it comes to surrogacy costs, there is a significant difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy tends to be less expensive because the surrogate uses her own eggs, and the medical process involves intrauterine insemination (IUI) instead of in vitro fertilization (IVF). On the other hand, gestational surrogacy is more expensive because the surrogate mother carries an embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, and the medical process involves a multistage IVF cycle.

The cost of traditional surrogacy can vary widely, depending on factors such as the type of surrogacy, the destination where the process takes place, the services used throughout the process, and the needs of the surrogate mother. The typical cost of a successful first–attempt pregnancy in traditional surrogacy starts at $60,000 and can range from $40,000 to $90,000. This cost includes agency and legal fees, counseling costs, medical expenses, and the surrogate mother’s living expenses and compensation.

In comparison, gestational surrogacy is more expensive, with the typical cost of a successful first-attempt pregnancy starting at $75,000 and ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This cost includes the same factors as traditional surrogacy, but also involves additional costs such as egg or sperm donation, hi–tech services, and sometimes sophisticated algorithms to create an IVF embryo. Additionally, insurance may not cover the medical expenses for intended parents and their surrogate mothers, and there are fewer financing options available to intended parents than to adoptive families. Overall, intended parents should work closely with their surrogacy professional to determine a more accurate cost of the surrogacy process according to their budget.

Understanding Wait Times in Surrogacy: Considerations for Traditional and Gestational Surrogacy.

The emotional aspect of surrogacy is an important consideration for both intended parents and surrogate mothers. Many surrogate mothers prefer gestational surrogacy over traditional surrogacy because it is less emotionally complicated. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child she is carrying, which can create a strong emotional bond between the surrogate mom and the baby, making it more difficult for her to relinquish the child to the intended parents after birth. As a result, intended parents who opt for traditional surrogacy may have a longer wait time to find a surrogate mother willing to carry a child and relinquish parental rights.

The wait time for traditional surrogacy can be further extended due to legal complications. In cases where the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child, legal procedures such as termination of parental rights and stepparent adoption proceedings may be necessary, which can add additional time and expenses to the surrogacy process.

In contrast, gestational surrogacy allows the intended parents to be biologically related to the child while the surrogate mother has no genetic relationship with the baby, making it easier for the surrogate mom to relinquish the child to the intended parents without any emotional attachment. This makes it more appealing to many surrogate mothers, reducing the wait time for intended parents to find a willing surrogate mother. Additionally, the legal process for gestational surrogacy is generally simpler than traditional surrogacy, as there are no legal complications involving parental rights and adoption proceedings.

Therefore, the wait time for intended parents to find a surrogate mother can vary depending on the type of surrogacy chosen, and it is vital to consider the emotional and legal aspects involved in each option to make an informed decision. Consulting with a surrogacy professional or attorney can help intended parents understand the wait time and legal considerations associated with each type of surrogacy.

Surrogacy and the Law: Challenges and Considerations.

Surrogacy is a legally complex issue, with laws and regulations that can vary widely by country and state. In many jurisdictions, there are no federal laws regulating surrogacy, and even in states where surrogacy contracts are permitted, the laws governing surrogacy can be unclear. Some countries and states prohibit surrogacy altogether, while others have specific laws that permit or prohibit certain types of surrogacy arrangements. For example, in some places, gestational surrogacy may be allowed but traditional surrogacy may be prohibited, or vice versa. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is biologically related to the child, can involve additional legal considerations such as termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings.

While surrogacy presents new legal and ethical dilemmas, working with an experienced attorney can help to ensure that all legal considerations are taken into account throughout the surrogacy process. This can help to minimize the risk of legal complications and ensure that all parties involved understand their rights and responsibilities.

Surrogacy Risk Assessment: What You Need to Know.

Risk is an important consideration when it comes to surrogacy, and it is important to understand the legal implications of each type of surrogacy arrangement. While it is rare for a surrogate mother to challenge a surrogacy agreement and try to keep the child, traditional surrogacy does present a greater legal risk than gestational surrogacy.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child, which means that she has a genetic connection to the baby she is carrying. This can create a strong emotional bond between the surrogate mother and the child, making it more difficult for her to relinquish parental rights and hand the baby over to the intended parents after birth. If the surrogate mother becomes attached to the child and changes her mind about giving up parental rights, the intended parents may be faced with the daunting task of trying to win custody in court.

This legal battle can be a lengthy and emotionally exhausting process, and it is important to have a solid legal agreement in place before beginning the surrogacy process. The agreement should outline the surrogate mother’s rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the intended parents, to help minimize the risk of any legal disputes arising.

In contrast, gestational surrogacy eliminates this risk as the surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child she is carrying. Therefore, it is often a more appealing option for intended parents who are concerned about the potential legal risks associated with traditional surrogacy.

Ultimately, it is essential for the intended parents and surrogate mothers to work with experienced attorneys and surrogacy professionals to ensure that all legal considerations are taken into account, and a comprehensive agreement is in place to protect everyone involved in the surrogacy process.

Wrapping Things Up

Surrogacy can be a complex process that involves legal, medical, and emotional considerations for all parties involved. Traditional and gestational surrogacy have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and intended parents should carefully consider their options before making a decision. The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on the type of surrogacy and the services used throughout the process. It is important for intended parents to seek out the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure a successful and positive outcome for all involved.