Gestational vs Traditional Surrogacy: What’s the Difference?

There are two primary types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. Both involve a woman carrying a pregnancy for another family, but the processes and legal relationships differ greatly. Understanding these differences is key for intended parents and surrogates.

Definitions of Surrogacy Types

Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy today. It involves transferring an embryo created via IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Traditional surrogacy, however, uses the surrogate’s own eggs and fertilisation via intrauterine insemination (IUI); she is both the carrier and the genetic mother.

Medical Differences

Gestational surrogacy requires IVF, which involves stimulating the intended or donor eggs, retrieval, fertilisation and embryo transfer. Traditional surrogacy uses IUI, a simpler process that bypasses egg retrieval and may be cheaper but gives the surrogate genetic ties to the child.

Legal Considerations

Because traditional surrogates are biologically related to the baby, they retain parental rights until those rights are terminated post-birth. As Southern Surrogacy explains, this leads to more complicated legal procedures, including stepparent adoption in some regions. Gestational surrogacy uses pre-birth orders that establish parentage before delivery, simplifying the legal process.

Wait Time and Availability

Many agencies only handle gestational surrogacy cases, and most surrogates prefer gestational arrangements because they eliminate genetic ties. This can make it harder to find traditional surrogates, leading to longer wait times for intended parents.

Costs and Risks

Gestational surrogacy tends to cost more due to IVF expenses and surrogate compensation, whereas traditional surrogacy uses IUI and can be less costly. However, traditional surrogacy poses greater emotional and legal risks because the surrogate may bond with the child and challenge the agreement.

Pros and Cons

• Gestational surrogacy: more legal certainty, safer emotional boundaries but higher cost.
• Traditional surrogacy: lower cost and simpler medical process but increased legal complexity and emotional risk.

Case Study

Laura and Michael opted for gestational surrogacy using Michael’s sperm and a donor egg. Their surrogate delivered a healthy son, and because parentage was established prenatally, there were no legal hurdles. Their friends Anna and Jorge tried traditional surrogacy; although the pregnancy succeeded, the surrogate struggled with relinquishing parental rights, resulting in months of legal proceedings.

Testimonials

“Gestational surrogacy offered us peace of mind. Knowing we were the legal parents before birth eased our anxiety.”

– Claire

“I chose traditional surrogacy for financial reasons, but I underestimated the emotional challenges.”

– Mark

“As a surrogate, not being genetically related helped me set clear boundaries and focus on carrying the baby safely.”

– Nadia

Related Guides

• Differences between surrogacy and adoption
• Navigating fertility treatments for surrogacy
• Insurance and legal protection during surrogacy

FAQs

Q: Why is traditional surrogacy less common?

Ans: Legal and emotional risks deter most agencies and intended parents.

Q: Can a traditional surrogate change her mind?

Ans: Laws vary by jurisdiction, but parental rights must be legally transferred.

Q: Do costs differ greatly between the two types?

Ans: Traditional surrogacy tends to be less expensive due to IUI and the absence of egg retrieval.

Next Steps with Patients Medical NYC

Unsure which surrogacy type is right for you? Our physicians and legal experts will explain your options in detail. Contact Patients Medical NYC for personalised guidance.