What is surrogacy and what are the different types of surrogacy called?
DEFINING SURROGACY
Surrogacy is the practice of a woman carrying the biological child of another individual or couple. With this process, the surrogate mother will be artificially inseminated, and will then carry out the pregnancy, eventually giving the child to the intended parents upon its birth. There are two main types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational, which work in different ways.
TRADITIONAL SURROGACY
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is responsible for both donating the egg and carrying the embryo. Sperm from the biological father is inserted into the surrogate's uterus to allow fertilization to occur. This means that the surrogate is also the biological mother of the child. This type of surrogacy is mainly used when the biological mother's egg or father's sperm cannot be used.
GESTATIONAL SURROGACY
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate's eggs are not utilized, ensuring the child is not biologically related to the surrogate. Instead, the creation of the embryo involves using the biological father's sperm and the biological mother's egg (or an egg donor). This is done through the process known as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Once the biological mother's egg is successfully fertilized, the resulting embryo is transferred to the gestational surrogate's uterus. Before this pivotal moment, the embryos undergo a crucial development phase in the laboratory, typically spanning three to five days. During this time, the embryos are nurtured and allowed to flourish, preparing them for the transfer to the surrogate's uterus.
The success rate of IVF in gestational surrogacy hinges on various factors, including the age and health of the biological mother (egg donor). If she carries the embryo through the entirety of the pregnancy term until the birth.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Egg Donor:
In gestational surrogacy, intended parents may opt to use an egg donor to create the embryo. This option is commonly chosen by same-sex couples, single men, heterosexual couples, or women unable to produce viable eggs. In contrast, traditional surrogacy does not require an egg donor, as the surrogate’s eggs are used..
Medical Procedures:
Gestational and traditional surrogacy involves distinct medical procedures. In gestational surrogacy, IVF is utilized to combine the intended mother's (or donor's) egg with the intended father's (or donor's) sperm. This process forms an embryo that is then transferred to the surrogate's uterus.
Traditional surrogacy may also involve IVF, but more commonly relies on artificial insemination through intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a simpler process that usually requires fewer fertility treatments for the surrogate. Additionally, intended mothers in traditional surrogacy do not undergo fertility medications or the egg retrieval procedure.
Surrogacy Professionals:
Surrogacy professionals often specialize in either traditional or gestational surrogacy. Due to the legal and emotional complexities involved, gestational surrogacy agencies are more prevalent. Intended parents opting for traditional surrogacy may have limited options when choosing a professional.
Wait Time:
Many surrogates prefer gestational surrogacy due to its reduced emotional complexity. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is biologically related to the child she carries. This runs the risk of making it emotionally challenging to relinquish the baby to the intended parents. Consequently, intended parents choosing traditional surrogacy may experience increased difficulty in finding a willing surrogate, potentially resulting in longer wait times.
Legal Process:
Surrogacy laws can be complex, with many states permitting gestational surrogacy while prohibiting traditional surrogacy. It is crucial to work closely with an attorney well-versed in your state's surrogacy laws. Moreover, traditional surrogacy often involves additional legal actions due to the surrogate mother's biological connection to the child. Processes like termination of parental rights and stepparent adoption may be necessary.
Surrogacy Cost:
Traditional surrogacy is generally less expensive than gestational surrogacy, primarily due to differences in the medical procedures involved. IUI, which is generally used in traditional surrogacy, is more cost-effective than IVF. With gestational surrogacy, the intended parents will need to factor in expenses related to egg donation and/or fertility treatments for the intended mother.
Risk:
In traditional surrogacy cases, additional legal care may be required due to the biological relationship between the surrogate and the baby. It is unusual for a surrogate to attempt to keep the baby they have been contracted to carry, however, traditional surrogacy presents a greater legal risk than gestational surrogacy.
CHOOSING THE TYPE OF SURROGACY THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Even with their differences, both surrogacy methods are typically just as safe as going through a traditional biological pregnancy. Choosing the right type of surrogacy for your needs is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.
Modern Family Surrogacy is committed to assisting individuals and couples in navigating this complex journey. With our expertise, guidance, and personalized support, you can confidently make informed choices that align with your dreams of building a modern family. Whether you're considering traditional or gestational surrogacy, agency-assisted, or open or closed arrangements, Modern Family Surrogacy is here to guide you every step of the way, providing the resources and compassion needed to make your surrogacy journey a success.
