Understanding Surrogacy Key Differences & Terms: Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an incredible path to parenthood that has been around for thousands of years with mentions of surrogacy practices throughout history and in cultural traditions across the globe. However, it can be overwhelming at first to understand the different types of surrogacy. You may have heard about the different methods of surrogacy including gestational and traditional or commercial versus altruistic surrogacy. One of the most common questions intended parents and potential surrogates usually ask is: “What’s the difference?”

Let's begin with the term “surrogate.” The word “surrogate” is rooted in the Latin term “Subrogare” or to “substitute” (acting in the place of.) This means that a surrogate mother implies a woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth with the intention of giving away this child to another person or couple who are commonly referred to as the “intended” or “commissioning” parents.

Traditional Surrogacy 

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated via intrauterine insemination (IUI) with the intended father or donor’s sperm. This means the surrogate mother uses her own egg, making her biologically related to the child.

This method can often be legally and emotionally complicated. Due to the genetic relation between the surrogate and the baby, she must legally relinquish parental rights after birth, which can create challenges. In many states, traditional surrogacy is not permitted, and most surrogacy agencies support gestational surrogacy, which allows the process to move forward smoothly and avoids the unique legal and emotional complexities that can arise with traditional surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy 

Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, is the most common method of surrogacy today. An embryo created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is transferred using a catheter to the surrogate (also called gestational carrier), without using any of the surrogate’s DNA.

The embryo is created in a lab through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either:

• The intended parents' egg and sperm.

• An egg and sperm from donors. 

• Or, a combination of both.

  
  

Once the embryo is created, it is transferred using an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound to guide a thin catheter into the uterus, allowing the fertility doctor to precisely place the embryo(s) in a favorable location to improve success rates and reduce potential injury to the uterine lining.

Since there is no genetic link between the surrogate and the child, gestational surrogacy is the most legally straightforward and emotionally clear option. 

Commercial vs. Altruistic Surrogacy 

You may have also heard the terms commercial or altruistic surrogacy. This distinction is made depending upon if the surrogate receives compensation for surrogacy services. If a surrogate receives money, it is considered commercial, and if she receives no compensation beyond reimbursement of her insurance coverage, medical, legal, and pregnancy-related expenses it is referred to as altruistic.

Which Is Right for You?

While gestational surrogacy is currently the most common approach to surrogacy, often considered less complex from a legal and emotional standpoint due the surrogate having no genetic relation to the child, some intended parents may still consider traditional surrogacy.

Traditional surrogacy may appeal to those who prefer a more affordable option, since traditional surrogacy can sometimes involve fewer medical procedures. Traditional surrogacy may also be considered when the surrogate is a family member or close friend who is choosing to donate her own egg and carry the pregnancy as an altruistic arrangement. In these cases, the existing trust and relationship can make traditional surrogacy feel like the right fit for both parties.

Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, may provide added clarity around parental rights. For surrogates, the absence of a genetic connection can help establish clear boundaries throughout the process.

If you would like to explore more about gestational and traditional surrogacy options, potential costs, and legal considerations, visit Babymoon’s website for additional educational resources.

Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance tailored to your individual situation.