There are two primary types of Surrogacy – traditional and gestational.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy arrangements, the woman carrying the child(ren), the surrogate, is also the biological mother. The woman uses her egg and donor sperm (either from the intended father or anonymous donor) to become pregnant. Depending on the state in which she gives birth, the woman may be required to go through a legal process to terminate her parental rights after the child is born.
Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate (or carrier) has no genetic link to the child(ren) she is carrying. The embryo is created using material from the intended parents or donors. There can be a multitude of combinations in how the embryo is created – using donor egg/sperm or egg/sperm from intended parents. In many cases, one or both of the intended parents have a genetic link to the child.
At Family Choice, we serve gestational surrogacy, primarily because of the uncertainty of laws regarding traditional surrogacy. In Indiana, for example, there is strong case law on the establishment of parentage to the intended parents of a child born through gestational surrogacy. Legal parentage can be established before the child is born to protect the carrier and the intended parents. Because the there is no biological connection between the carrier and the child, gestational surrogacy is considered to be a legally safer option.
Our mission is to help families around the globe achieve their dream of parenthood through gestational surrogacy. Our experienced team welcomes the opportunity to serve you through the entire matching, qualification, legal and medical processes that encompass the surrogacy journey.
If you have questions about becoming a parent or a gestational surrogate, please contact Family Choice for a consultation.