You may have noticed we talk a lot about gestation surrogacy, and for good reason! Gestational surrogacy is the type of surrogacy we help potential Surrogates and Intended Parents navigate. These two types of surrogacy have some very significant differences.
Through the process of traditional surrogacy, the Surrogates egg or eggs are fertilized by the Intended Fathers sperm, or sperm from a Sperm Donor. This can be done in a clinical setting with a Fertility Doctor, using Intrauterine insemination (IUI). The sperm is placed in the Surrogates uterus to facilitate fertilization of the Surrogates egg. Obviously, the child that is born through traditional surrogacy is genetically related to the Surrogate.
Gestational surrogacy results in a baby that is not genetically linked to the Gestational Carrier or Surrogate. An embryo is created at a fertility clinic using the Intended Parents egg and sperm or a combination of donor eggs, donor sperm, and/or gametes from the Intended Parents. The embryos created may be frozen or transferred to the Surrogate’s uterus within a few days.
Traditional surrogacy may appear to be cost effective (by avoiding IVF) but emotionally and legally the complications can be costly. Because the Surrogate is giving birth to a child that is genetically hers, through traditional surrogacy, she may experience stronger emotions about giving the baby to the Intended Parents after birth. The experience can become traumatic for everyone involved very quickly. The surrogates genetic link to the child can also create legal challenges for the Intended Parents when declaring parentage and may result in the Intended Parentage being forced to adopt the child.
We firmly believe gestational surrogacy protects all parties, legally, financially, and emotionally.
If you have been considering traditional surrogacy, as an Intended Parent or a Surrogate, we encourage you to contact us. We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of both gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy and help you sort through your options, without judgment. We understand that the journey to parenthood, or helping others achieve parenthood is very personal. What is right for you might not be right for someone else, and that’s okay!
