When considering surrogacy, there are two primary types: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy, sometimes called genetic surrogacy, occurs when the surrogate also acts as the egg donor and is the biological mother of the baby she is carrying. For this reason, traditional surrogacy is less common as it can be more legally and emotionally complicated. In this situation, the sperm will still be used from the intended father, or in some cases, a donor. When considering traditional surrogacy, it’s important to understand the process, as well as the pros and cons, to ensure you are prepared for the journey.
How Does Traditional Surrogacy Work?
Traditional surrogacy, although more legally and emotionally complicated, is known for being medically simpler than gestational surrogacy. For gestational surrogacy, a fertility treatment known as In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is required. IVF involves egg stimulation, retrieval, lab fertilization, and transfer. While, traditional surrogacy involves a much easier procedure known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), which only requires the sperm to be injected directly into the surrogate’s uterus. Intended parents considering this type surrogacy typically include single males, same-sex male couples, and women who are unable to produce healthy eggs.
Traditional Surrogacy Process
The process of traditional surrogacy is quite different from gestational surrogacy. There are fewer medical procedures required, but more legal steps to be taken. The main steps are:
- Application – The first step to surrogacy is to submit your application. Surrogates and intended parents both need to submit different applications which notify the agency of their interest. Most agencies forbid traditional surrogacies and only carry out gestational surrogacies. For this reason, intended parents and surrogates may need to consider taking the independent route if your state allows it.
- Screening – Surrogate applicants must complete a basic screening assessment to confirm their eligibility to become a surrogate mother. Intended parents also go through a similar screening assessment, which ensures they are emotionally and financially ready for the responsibility that comes with raising a baby.
- Matching – Once both parties have completed their screening requirements, they will be matched up based on mutual goals and preferences.
- Legal Counsel – Before any medical procedures can begin, both parties must consult with a legal specialist and sign a contract to ensure the intended parents and surrogates’ rights are protected during the pregnancy. This process can be complicated as the surrogate will also be the biological mother of the baby and will have parental rights.
- Medical Procedure (IUI) – Intrauterine insemination (IUI) technique is used to artificially inseminate the surrogate mother using the intended father’s, or a donor’s, sperm.
- Pregnancy – Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will receive continuous care with regular check-ups and counselling to ensure a smooth journey.
- Birth – The surrogate will complete the pregnancy by giving birth to the child in the nearest hospital, arranged by the agency.
- Terminating Parental Rights – Once the baby is born, the intended parents must go to court with the surrogate mother to terminate her parental rights and complete a stepparent adoption for the intended mother.
Traditional Surrogacy Cost
Surrogacy can be quite expensive for intended parents. Many different variables can affect the cost of a traditional surrogacy. These variables typically include medical expenses (including IUI), legal fees, counselling costs, surrogate monthly allowance, and surrogate compensation.
Although IUI is typically is less expensive than IVF used in gestational surrogacy, it’s important for intended parents to understand these financial aspects well before starting this journey. This helps them plan and budget wisely for their path to becoming parents.
Traditional Surrogacy Laws
Surrogacy laws will vary depending on your location. In some states, genetic surrogacy may be illegal and only gestational surrogacy is permitted. While in other areas, surrogacy may be banned altogether. In general, surrogacy is a legally complicated process which will require an attorney and a contract to be signed by both the intended parents and the surrogate. Traditional surrogacy, especially, includes additional legal complications and processes, such as termination of parental rights for the surrogate and a stepparent adoption for the intended mother. For these reasons, it is crucial for intended parents and surrogates to consult with a legal professional before beginning this journey.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Surrogacy
Genetic surrogacy is a complicated process that has significant benefits and difficulties. Here are some pros and cons of traditional surrogacy that both intended parents and potential surrogate mothers should understand:
Pros of Traditional Surrogacy
- Traditional surrogacy is typically less expensive than gestational surrogacy.
- The medical process is not as extensive because the surrogate is also the biological mother of the baby.
- Intended mothers do not need to undergo any medical procedures because their eggs won’t need to be retrieved.
Cons of Traditional Surrogacy
- Traditional surrogacy is legally complicated and therefore, banned in most states.
- It can be emotionally difficult for the surrogate because she is the biological mother of the baby so the intended parents will need to go to court to remove her parental rights.
- Intended mothers are unable to be biologically related to the baby.
Making Your Decision
Many intended parents choose surrogacy as a way to complete their family. Traditional surrogacy is a particularly difficult process compared to gestational surrogacy. The legal and emotional complications that genetic surrogacy brings can be rather stressful for the parties involved. Certain extra steps must be taken when choosing to go the route. For this reason, most states prohibit this form of surrogacy and will only perform gestational surrogacies. If you wish to be an intended parent or surrogate mother, please consider the pros and cons, check the legal requirements in your specific area, and do extensive research to ensure this path is right for you.