If you are considering surrogacy for assisted reproduction, you might understandably have some questions about how it works and what implications it has for your baby. Will your baby inherit anything from the surrogate mother? Are your baby and the surrogate mother genetically related? Does the surrogate have any legal rights to the baby? We answer all these surrogacy and DNA questions (and more!) below.
Traditional Surrogacy vs Gestational Surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational surrogacy. Nowadays, gestational surrogacy, rather than traditional, is the more common of the two.
With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg in the process and is genetically related to the child.
Gestational surrogacy is the practice in which the surrogate becomes pregnant via in vitro fertilization and is not genetically related to the child.
In other words, with gestational surrogacy, the intended mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) are fertilized via IVF with the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm). Once the fertilized eggs, or embryos, reach a certain maturity, one or two will be implanted in the surrogate’s uterus.
Does a Surrogate Share Any DNA With the Baby?
Because the surrogate, or gestational carrier, is not involved in the genetic creation of the embryo, she does not share DNA with the baby and is not biologically connected to them. Therefore, any vetted surrogate can carry your child without passing on any of their genetics.
With surrogacy, the most important thing is finding the right match for you, which is why we are here to help you every step of the way.
Do Surrogates Have Rights to the Baby?
As stated above, gestational surrogacy is the much more common practice used today. Traditional surrogacy can present more legal issues and fewer safeguards. Gestational surrogacy offers less legal complexities and much more security, as the surrogate has no legal rights to the baby.
The legalities of surrogacy are all dealt with and finalized before the process even begins, which will also offer you peace of mind as you start your family-building process.
How Circle Can Help
Here at Circle, we have successfully guided surrogacy journeys for intended parents and surrogates for almost 30 years. We offer a comprehensive team of social workers and lawyers, intake associates and accountants, program managers and coordinators to help both intended parents and surrogates feel supported, cared for, and guided through this entire journey. If you're considering building your family through surrogacy, complete our form to get started.