How Does The Traditional Surrogacy Process Work?

Traditional Surrogacy Definition

Traditional surrogacy is also referred to as genetic or partial surrogacy, mainly because the surrogate shares a biological link to the child she is carrying. There are many emotional and legal variables involved in traditional surrogacy; however, this may be a better option for some people. People who may pursue a traditional surrogacy process are:

• Same-sex male couples
• Single Men or Women
• Intended mothers who are unable to produce viable eggs

Heterosexual couples and some women who can generate viable eggs but cannot safely carry their baby to term are more likely to pursue gestational surrogacy. This option enables intended parents to be genetically linked to their unborn child. Same-sex couples, single men, and women who cannot produce viable eggs pursue traditional surrogacy because they require donor eggs. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the egg donor.

Since the surrogate is the baby’s biological mother, most traditional surrogates are close relatives or friends of the parents.

How Does the Traditional Surrogacy Process Work?

In traditional surrogacy, the intended parents don’t have to look for an egg donor because the surrogate will also be the donor. The family only requires a match with a surrogate who wants to participate in traditional surrogacy.

Once a traditional surrogate is found, legal contracts must be drawn up and signed by both parties. It is essential to work with a lawyer who is familiar with traditional surrogacy requirements.

Legally speaking, traditional surrogacy is far more complex than gestational surrogacy, mainly because the surrogate mother shares a biological link with the unborn child. If both intended parents want parental rights for their unborn baby, the non-biological intended parent will have to pursue a step-parent adoption plan after the baby’s birth.

Once the necessary contracts are signed, the pregnancy may commence. Traditional surrogacy uses intrauterine insemination (IUI) to inseminate the surrogate with the intended father’s sperm artificially. The process of IUI is far less expensive and complicated than IVF and can be used repeatedly until pregnancy occurs.

Once fertilization occurs, the surrogate will carry the baby to term, much like any other pregnancy. Once the baby is birthed, the surrogate is considered the biological mother and will, therefore, have parental rights. Therefore, additional legal procedures will be required to end her parental rights so that the intended parents can legally adopt their baby.

Due to the emotional and legal complexities involved in the traditional surrogacy process, many professionals prefer to work with intended parents who want to pursue gestational surrogacy.

To speak to a professional about gestational surrogacy, contact Rite Options.