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Types of Surrogacy

AI Smart Summary

This guide explains the different types of surrogacy, including gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy, and helps intended parents understand how each option works. It covers the medical process, legal considerations, genetic relationships, eligibility, and why gestational surrogacy is the preferred and most widely practiced method today. The page also explains who can benefit from surrogacy, what to expect during the journey, and how physician-led guidance can make the process safer and more transparent.

FAST FACTS

Two Main Types

Gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy are the two recognized forms of surrogacy.

Most Common Choice

Gestational surrogacy is the standard option used by the majority of fertility clinics because the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.

Who Can Benefit

Surrogacy can help couples with infertility, LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and individuals with medical conditions that prevent pregnancy.

Legal Requirements

Surrogacy laws vary by state and country, making experienced legal guidance an essential part of the process.

Medical Process

IVF is used to create embryos that are transferred to the gestational carrier after comprehensive medical screening.

Professional Support

Physician-led agencies provide medical coordination, surrogate screening, legal assistance, and ongoing support throughout the journey.

Key Takeaways

Gestational surrogacy is the preferred option because the surrogate does not share a genetic relationship with the child.

Traditional surrogacy is less common due to its legal, emotional, and parental complexities.

Successful surrogacy requires teamwork, including fertility specialists, legal professionals, and experienced agency support.

Understanding the differences between surrogacy types helps intended parents choose the safest and most appropriate path for building their family.

There Are Two types of Surrogacy That Are Available

Traditional Surrogate

A traditional surrogate becomes pregnant by an IUI process. This involves impregnating her with sperm from either the intended father or a donor. The embryo is then fertilized inside her. This is not a common protocol.

Gestational Surrogate

Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy. In this process, the surrogate carries a child that is not biologically related to her. Gestational surrogacy involves the use of the intended parent's eggs and sperm. These are fertilized in a lab. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the surrogate uterus. The surrogate carries the pregnancy until the baby is born. The baby is genetically related to the intended parents.

Gestational surrogacy plus egg donation is a type of surrogacy. It involves the use of both an egg donor and a surrogate to help the intended parents conceive a child. 

Surrogacy of this type involves the use of an egg donor’s eggs. These eggs are fertilized in a laboratory with the intended father’s sperm.

The embryo is transferred to the surrogate uterus. She carries the pregnancy until it is full-term. Finally, she gives birth to the child.

Which option is right for you? It depends on your individual circumstances and needs.

Consider gestational surrogacy and gestational surrogacy plus egg donation. If both intended parents have viable eggs and sperm, gestational surrogacy may be the right option for you. Fertility issues or genetic concerns can make gestational surrogacy plus egg donation the better choice for intended parents.