When considering surrogacy, one of the first decisions hopeful parents and potential surrogates have to make is the type of surrogacy they want to pursue.
There are two primary types: gestational and traditional surrogacy. While Southern Surrogacy’s program focuses on gestational surrogacy, it is important to understand all of your options and the differences between them. Here, learn more about traditional vs. gestational surrogacy.
Gestational surrogacy, also called partial surrogacy or host surrogacy, is the most common type of surrogacy today; in fact, Southern Surrogacy only handles gestational surrogacy cases. But how does gestational surrogacy work?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate (also often called the gestational carrier) is not biologically related to the baby she is carrying. Instead, the embryo is created in the laboratory using in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryo may be created using the intended mother’s (or donor’s) egg and the intended father’s (or donor’s) sperm. It is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus at the fertility clinic.
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate doubles as the egg donor and is the biological mother of the baby she is carrying; the embryos are created using sperm from the intended father or a donor in a process called intrauterine insemination (IUI). This type of surrogacy is also known as full surrogacy or genetic surrogacy.
Because the traditional surrogacy process can be more legally and emotionally complicated, this form of surrogacy is now far less common than gestational surrogacy.
The primary difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy is the surrogate’s biological connection to the child (or lack thereof). However, this simple difference impacts the surrogacy process in several significant ways. It is important for hopeful intended parents and potential surrogates to consider all of the following factors before deciding between traditional vs. gestational surrogacy:
There are a number of pros and cons to consider when debating traditional surrogacy vs. gestational surrogacy. Ultimately, it is up to each intended parent and prospective surrogate to consider their own goals and priorities when choosing the type of surrogacy that is right for them.
If you think gestational surrogacy might be a good fit for your family, please contact Southern Surrogacy today to learn more about our gestational surrogacy program and services.
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