Surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements are two viable options for individuals who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. While both methods involve a third party carrying the pregnancy, it is important to understand the differences between them. We will explore the intricacies of surrogacy, its types, and the surrogacy process, including how to become a surrogate.
Let’s start with the most fundamental question – How does surrogacy work? Surrogacy is an agreement where a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for someone else, the intended parents. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own eggs, while in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is implanted with an embryo created using the intended parents’ and/or donors’ eggs and sperm.
There are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is less common as it involves the surrogate using her own eggs. The sperm from the intended father or donor is artificially inseminated into the surrogate’s uterus, and she carries the baby to term. In this scenario, the surrogate is the biological mother of the child.
Gestational surrogacy is more common and involves the creation of an embryo using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus, who carries the baby to term. In this scenario, the surrogate has no genetic relationship with the child.
One of the biggest differences between surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements is the genetic relationship between the child and the surrogate or carrier. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is biologically related to the child, which can create legal and emotional complexities. In contrast, gestational carriers have no genetic relationship to the child, which can make the legal and emotional aspects of the arrangement more straightforward.
Another difference between the two is the legal status of the intended parents. Depending on the state in which the surrogate lives and gives birth, in a traditional surrogacy arrangement, the intended parents may face legal challenges in establishing their parental rights, especially if the surrogate changes her mind about giving up the child. White it still varies state-to-state, in a gestational carrier arrangement, the intended parents can be recognized as the legal parents from the moment of birth. You can check out the Surrogacy laws here.
There are also differences in the medical process involved in surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements. Surrogacy often involves fertility treatments to help the surrogate conceive, while gestational carrier arrangements require IVF to create and transfer the embryo to the carrier’s uterus. This can make gestational carrier arrangements more expensive than surrogacy.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue surrogacy or a gestational carrier arrangement is a personal one that depends on the individual circumstances and preferences of the intended parents. Understanding the differences between the two can help individuals make informed choices and navigate the complex legal and emotional terrain of these arrangements. Learn more about the benefits and risks of surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements.