Traditional Surrogacy and Gestational Surrogacy: Two Ways to Create a Family

Creating one’s own family is a dream for many. Having children who look identical to you and act similarly to you is an indescribable feeling. Experiencing flutter kicks and hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is something most women dream of. Unfortunately for some, they’re unable to make that dream a reality. This could be due to health complications, infertility issues, and even having health conditions that could be passed on to their child. Couples unable to expand their families often, unintentionally, strain their relationship, which can cause them to give up on their dream of having children. Single individuals often feel the same heart break and feel as if creating a family is not possible. Not having a partner to lean on is enough for anyone to say, “never mind”.

Fortunately, we live in a day and age where science is on our side. Whether you have a partner or not, you can still make your dreams of growing your family come true! Women and their families have many options to choose from and can still enjoy the miracle of life. The magic and excitement of parenthood is still possible through the power of surrogacy. There are two ways to create a family and that is through traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In the paragraphs to follow, we will discuss each type of surrogacy, which we hope will help you determine the best fit for you and your family.

Definition of Terms

To start us off, let’s first define the two amazing types of surrogacy and what they mean for families. These definitions will help you, the intended parent(s), determine which method you would like to use to expand your growing family.

Traditional Surrogacy

This form of surrogacy is when a surrogate uses her own eggs to help create a child for a couple. This method is often chosen by same-sex couples, individuals, or couples who can’t produce healthy eggs. Same sex couples and individuals must go through a sperm bank first, before they can utilize a surrogate. The surrogate will then be artificially inseminated and carry the intended parent(s) child to term.

Unfortunately, there are major drawbacks and concerns to choosing traditional surrogacy. What most people don’t consider is that because the surrogate uses her own eggs, she shares a biological connection to the child. This means that she has legal parental rights. Her rights must be terminated before she is able to give the child to the intended parent(s). In addition, certain states don’t allow or even consider traditional surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy utilizes the intended parent(s) and gestational carrier. With this type of surrogacy, the intended parent(s) share a biological link to the child, and the egg and sperm are taken from you, the intended parent(s). After that, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the gestational carrier of your choosing. Single parents who choose this method, may have to go through a sperm or egg bank, respectively.

Fortunately, this method has less drawbacks and legal complications. Because you and your spouse or partner have biological links to the child, you have more legal rights and credibility. The gestational carrier must enter into a contractual agreement with you, the intended parent(s), knowing her job is to help expand your family. To uphold her end of the agreement, she knows she will have to give the child to the intended parents to avoid any legal trouble. This type of surrogacy is a much simpler process and has the potential to be a smoother. In addition, gestational surrogacy is generally seen as the most preferred method for intended parent(s) to achieve their family goals.

Traditional Surrogacy and Gestational Surrogacy

Overall, both of these methods are beneficial and have many rewards. Both traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy, have their fair share of drawbacks. In essence, the only difference between the two is biological connection. If you can’t have a child on your own, but still want that biological connection, gestational surrogacy is your friend. If you can’t conceive a child naturally or biologically and still want the magic of family, traditional surrogacy can help you reach those goals. Whether you are single, married, or dating someone of the same sex, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas is here to make your dreams become reality.

When considering growing your beautiful family, make sure to thoroughly research your state’s laws on surrogacy. Be sure to contact one of our lawyers for any additional questions or concerns you may have. Making the decision to expand your family is both exciting and life-changing.

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas

Adoption Choices, Inc. is a private, non-profit adoption agency licensed by the state and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive parents since 2002. Our staff has a genuine commitment to providing an empathetic, empowering, and progressive experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas. You may visit our website or contact us at 775-474-4673.

Support Adoption Choices

Adoption Choices, Inc. is partnering with Crowdrise, a fundraising website for nonprofits, to help our adoptive parents and birth parents with much needed financial assistance. We understand that expenses keep clients from fulfilling their dreams. Both with birth parents making a plan for adoption, and with adoptive parents growing their family. It is our mission to provide financial assistance through grants and scholarships, awarded annually in November, in honor of National Adoption Month. Funds assist adoptive parents with matching and placements, adoption finalization and helping birth mothers improve their lives through higher education — and much more.