Now let's try to explain what a traditional surrogate is. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated using sperm from either the intended father or a donor. The surrogate gives birth to a baby that she is biologically related to but who will be adopted by the intended parents, losing her rights as parent.
The popularity of gestational surrogacy has greatly diminished traditional surrogacy, primarily because of the legal and emotional complexities involved in carrying another couple's child. However, it is still a viable option for some intended parents who want to grow their families. Learn more about traditional vs gestational surrogacy below. And in contrast to the former, we will tell you why this new process is superior both economically and emotionally.
What Is Traditional Surrogacy And Gestational Surrogacy: Definition of The Concept And Description Of The Process
What is traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy? Traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate is genetically related to the child she carries (also called partial or genetic surrogacy), can sometimes be more difficult than gestational surrogacy because of greater social and legal hurdles. While the genetic relationship between a traditional surrogate and her commissioning couple may legally and emotionally complicate matters, there are some people who would consider this method of conception:
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Single men
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Same-sex male couples
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Intended mothers who cannot produce healthy eggs
Because they are unable to produce their own eggs, single men and same-sex male couples may use traditional surrogacy. In this form of the process, a woman enters into an agreement with another family (which could consist of two or more people) in which she provides her egg to be fertilized by sperm from one man in that family while gestating the resulting child within her body. Heterosexual couples and women who can produce healthy eggs but cannot safely carry a pregnancy to term often choose gestational surrogacy, as it allows them to be genetically related to their baby. Many traditional surrogates are close friends or relatives of the intended parents.
The traditional surrogate process differs from gestational surrogacy in a few key ways.First, the intended parents will not need to identify an egg donor because the surrogate’s eggs—as opposed to those of some other woman—will be used for fertilization. This means the family only needs to find a surrogate who is willing to carry their child using traditional in vitro fertilization methods.
Once you have identified a potential surrogate, an attorney should draft and negotiate a legal contract between the parties. Amendments may be needed throughout this process to reflect changes in circumstances or desired outcomes for the intended parents. Traditional surrogacy is more legally complex than gestational surrogacy because it involves the transfer of both genetic material and gestation. The non-biological intended parent can establish parental rights for the child by completing a stepparent adoption after he or she is born.
Once contracts have been signed, pregnancy can begin. Gestational surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an embryo is created and transferred to the surrogate mother. Traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, uses intrauterine insemination (IUI) - where a man's sperm is injected into a woman's uterus before pregnancy occurs to artificially impregnate the woman. IUI is less complicated, less expensive and involves fewer medical procedures than IVF. It can be repeated several times until pregnancy occurs.
After that, the surrogate will carry the baby as if it were any other pregnancy. When she gives birth, her status as biological mother will mean that she has parental rights over the child—rights which must be terminated in order to legally adopt your son or daughter.
Because of the legal and emotional complexities of traditional surrogacy, many professionals work only with intended parents pursuing gestational surrogacy. Your state’s laws will determine which process is best for you; other factors may play a role in your decision as well. That's why it's important to understand what is traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. That's why it's important to understand what is the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy.
What Is The Difference Between Traditional And Gestational Surrogacy?
What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy? Traditional surrogacy poses a number of benefits and challenges to consider. Here are some common advantages and disadvantages:
PROS
- Traditional surrogacy can be a less expensive option for people who want to have children.
- Intended mothers do not need to undergo medical procedures because their eggs will not be harvested to create the embryo.
CONS
- Many states have outlawed the practice of traditional surrogacy
- The traditional method of surrogacy is for the surrogate to be a biological mother, meaning she has parental rights and can change her mind about giving up the child. The intended parents would then have to go through a custody hearing in court.
- In some cases, intended parents can both be recognized as a child’s legal parents by completing a stepparent adoption.
Many surrogacy professionals do not offer traditional programs, and gestational surrogates tend to be more comfortable with that form of the process than those involved in traditional arrangements. While there are many challenges with traditional surrogacy, it is possible. It's up to every intended parent to weigh these risks before deciding whether or not he or she will pursue this option.
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