Surrogacy is part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). What makes surrogacy unique within ART is that a woman provides her womb to carry a child for someone else. Many states create a legal and medical framework to protect the baby, intended parents, and surrogate. Some states do not allow surrogacy or provide any safeguards.

There are two types of surrogacies. The first one is traditional surrogacy. In this form, a woman provides her egg and has a child for someone else. Whereas in gestational surrogacy, the baby’s parents have their embryo implanted inside their surrogate’s womb in hopes for a successful pregnancy.

Key aspects in surrogacy

Parents’ Genetic Involvement

In traditional surrogacy the surrogate provides her egg for the embryo, and the baby’s father provides his sperm. The surrogate and the baby’s father are biologically related to the baby.

In gestational surrogacy the baby’s mother (Mom) provides the egg for the embryo. The baby is related to his/her mother but not the surrogate. Intended parents may choose to use donor eggs or sperm because of a medical reason or personal preference.

Embryo Formation

In traditional surrogacy the embryo is formed inside the surrogate’s uterus with her egg. The surrogate undergoes a medical procedure called intrauterine insemination (IUI).

In gestational surrogacy the invitro fertilization clinic creates the embryo in the laboratory with the gametes intended parents choose. The doctor transfers the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus in hopes for a successful pregnancy.

Becoming Pregnant

In traditional surrogacy, the doctor at the invitro fertilization clinic performs a medical procedure called intrauterine insemination (IUI) to fertilize the surrogate’s egg.

Legal Concerns

In traditional surrogacy the surrogate is the baby’s biological mother. In some states, she is allowed to keep the child despite her original intentions or what the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement states.

In gestational surrogacy the intended mother is the baby’s biological mother, and the surrogate must legally forgo any claim over the child. Intended parents and their surrogate sign a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.

Using an Agency

For both traditional and gestational surrogacy using an agency is wise. An agency can serve as a mediator for difficult conversations as well as a guide to handle personal, emotional, and psychological situations, especially if the surrogate is a close friend or relative. The agency coordinates logistical, medical, and legal activities for a successful outcome. It will reduce stress and simplify the surrogacy process.

IPs Tend to Choose Gestational Surrogacy

In most cases, intended parents choose gestational surrogacy over traditional surrogacy. As legal and medical frameworks develop in each state, it becomes easier for parents to secure their parental rights through gestational surrogacy. Omega Family Global is a comprehensive surrogacy agency that coordinates all aspects of the journey for both intended parents and surrogates.