What Is Traditional Surrogacy?

Are you dreaming of becoming a parent but looking for a different way to start your family? Traditional surrogacy might be the answer you’ve been searching for. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of traditional surrogacy, breaking it down into simple terms so you can understand how it works and what to expect. Discover the pros and cons of this unique path to parenthood and find out if it’s the right choice for you. Join us on this exciting journey to explore traditional surrogacy and all its possibilities for creating your own family.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy:

Gestational surrogacy (host surrogacy) is when a woman (gestational surrogate or carrier) carries a child for someone else (Intended Parents). This woman, the surrogate, would have no biological connection to the child. To achieve pregnancy, the surrogate would need to have embryos medically transferred into her uterus. Embryos may consist of the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm or any combination of donor eggs and donor sperm.

The central positive aspect of gestational surrogacy is that the surrogate is completely unrelated to the child. Fertility clinics usually require legal agreements to be in place before egg retrievals (from the egg donor) and embryo transfers (to the surrogate mother) take place.

Traditional surrogacy (straight, natural, or partial surrogacy) is when “the surrogate” is genetically linked to the child. The surrogate’s eggs are used with either the intended father’s sperm or the donor’s sperm. This procedure can be done through IVF(In Vitro Fertilization), but more commonly, it is done through IUI (intrauterine insemination). The sperm is washed and medically injected into the surrogate’s uterus. Home insemination is another method commonly used with this type of surrogacy. Check with a medical professional before attempting home insemination.

Traditional Surrogate Regulations:

Surrogacy regulations vary from country to country, and partial surrogacy may be illegal, even in some countries where gestational surrogacy is legal.

Straight surrogacy is a legally complicated process, and in many situations, regulations are vague. This kind of surrogacy includes extra-legal challenges (for example, the termination of parental rights of the surrogate), so it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer before starting your process.

Traditional Surrogacy Cost:

The cost of traditional surrogacy will vary depending on different variables, including the surrogacy professionals you will work with, the many services you will need during the process, and the needs of your surrogate mother.

Whereas surrogacy is typically expensive, this type of surrogacy is usually cheaper than gestational surrogacy. This lower cost is because IUI is more cost-effective than IVF.

The lower surrogacy costs associated with natural surrogacy make it an attractive option. However, it carries remarkable legal risk because the surrogate is the biological mother of her baby, so she has the power to change her mind and keep the baby. In this scenario, the intended parents would need to go to court to gain custody of the baby.

Pros And Cons of Traditional Surrogacy:

Traditional surrogacy presents both advantages and challenges:

Advantages:

1. Cost: Traditional surrogacy can be less expensive than other surrogacy methods because it doesn’t involve the complex process of using donor eggs.
2. Genetic Connection: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is related to the baby genetically. This is an advantage for those intended parents who desire a genetic link between the baby and the surrogate.
3. Simplified Donor Process: In cases where a donor is needed, natural surrogacy streamlines the process. The surrogate acts as the egg donor and the carrier, and engaging a third-party egg donor is unnecessary. This also eliminates the need for legal agreements with separate donors.

Challenges:

1. Emotional Complexity: Traditional surrogacy can be emotionally challenging because the surrogate is the child’s biological mother. This can create complex feelings for everyone involved.
2. Legal Issues: The legal aspects of traditional surrogacy can be more complicated than other forms of surrogacy. Laws vary by location, and navigating them can be tricky.
3. Risk of Bonding: Since the surrogate is genetically connected to the child, there is a risk that she may develop a strong bond with the baby.
4. Limited Options: Finding a traditional surrogate can be more challenging than finding a gestational surrogate. Many surrogates prefer gestational surrogacy to avoid the genetic connection.

Traditional surrogacy has benefits, like lower costs, and drawbacks, like emotional complexity and legal challenges. It’s essential to consider these factors carefully when deciding on the surrogacy path for you.

Final Thoughts:

Although there are many challenges with traditional surrogacy to be considered, people still use it.

Whether you are a prospective surrogate or an intended parent, before starting your process, weigh the risks of traditional surrogacy before moving forward. Here, you can learn more about the different types of surrogacy processes.