Defining the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy in biological terms is straightforward. Understanding the legal and emotional differences between the 2 methods is a bit more complicated. As a trusted, experienced surrogacy agency, we offer gestational surrogacy around the world, including through all of our offices including our California, New York, and Massachusetts offices.
Before in vitro fertilization became more common, individuals or couples relied exclusively on traditional surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy is a process using the surrogate’s own eggs, making the surrogate the biological mother of the child. The legal and emotional effect of traditional surrogacy can be complicated. Gestational surrogate provides a more straight-forward process both legally and emotionally for all parties involved.
History of Surrogacy
You can trace surrogacy’s roots back to the Book of Genesis. But modern traditional surrogacy’s history in the United States began in 1976 when attorney Noel Keane negotiated and drafted the nation’s first formal contract between a surrogate mother and a married couple. The groundbreaking “Baby M” case changed the future of surrogacy, though. In the case, the New Jersey Supreme Court invalidated a surrogacy contract, restoring parental rights to a surrogate who had taken custody of the baby after the birth.
Even though the couple who signed the contract was awarded custody, the case shined a spotlight on the pitfalls of traditional surrogacy. At the same time, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was staking its place as an option to traditional surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, IVF is used to create an embryo using the eggs from a donor or intended mother and the sperm from an intended father. The embryo is then implanted in the surrogate, who has no genetic connection to the baby.
As IVF techniques became more advanced, traditional surrogacy became less popular. Some states even passed laws establishing restrictions on the arrangements or outlawing them altogether.
Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy
Both intended parents and surrogates enjoy peace of mind using gestational surrogacy, especially when working through an agency such as Circle Surrogacy. We offer an extensive support system that includes social workers, an in-house legal staff well-versed in reproductive and surrogacy law, and staff who can help navigate financial issues. With this team, Circle Surrogacy provides a full-service experience for intended parents, egg donors, and surrogates.
As with the “Baby M” case, traditional surrogacy carries legal and emotional risks involving a surrogate who may be unwilling to give up custody of the baby. This explains why gestational surrogacies make up the vast majority of modern surrogacy arrangements.
Comparing the Cost of Traditional and Gestational Surrogacy
It’s difficult to make a direct comparison of the costs of the two types of surrogacy. In vitro fertilization used in gestational surrogacy is more expensive than the intrauterine insemination process employed during traditional surrogacy. But traditional surrogacy arrangements are usually private, and the costs of hiring private lawyers and other support staff that may be necessary can increase the cost of the process.
Becoming a Surrogate with Circle Surrogacy
As a gestational surrogate with Circle Surrogacy, you’re supported by a team that includes women who have been in your shoes. Some have even gone through the process as many as 3 times. They help potential surrogates through the application process and answer virtually every question you may have. They can also discuss how much a surrogate makes, which includes base pay and additional benefits. Learn more about becoming a surrogate with Circle Surrogacy, or if you meet surrogate requirements and you’re ready for the next step, you can apply with our online form.
Becoming a Parent with Circle Surrogacy
If you’re thinking about growing your family through surrogacy, you can learn all about surrogacy and the process of becoming a parent here. Circle supports intended parents from all around the United States, as well as around the globe. We help intended parents who are single or couples and heterosexual or part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our team is experienced and compassionate, and ready to answer any questions you may have. You can fill out a short form and a Parent Intake Associate will be in touch.