Types of Surrogacy
Surrogacy allows individuals or couples to have a child through another woman acting as a carrier. Commonly, there are two main types:
1. Gestational Surrogacy
• The surrogate carries an embryo created via IVF using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors.
• She has no genetic relation to the baby.
• Medical process includes:
– Egg retrieval from donor/intended mother
– Fertilization with intended father/donor sperm
– Embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus
• Considered safer and legally simpler compared to traditional surrogacy :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
2. Traditional Surrogacy
• The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized (via IUI or IVF) with sperm from the intended father or a donor.
• Thus, she is biologically related to the child.
• Less common today due to emotional, legal challenges and frequently banned :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Additional Categories
- Altruistic (Non‑Commercial) Surrogacy: Surrogate isn’t paid beyond pregnancy-related expenses; often a friend/family member :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Commercial Surrogacy: Surrogate receives financial compensation in addition to expenses; legality varies by country :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Domestic vs. International Surrogacy: Based on whether the process occurs within or outside the intended parents’ country, affecting legal and logistical factors :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Agency vs. Independent Surrogacy: Agency-managed arrangements vs. direct agreements coordinated privately :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Key Takeaways
- Gestational surrogacy is now the predominant method; it avoids genetic link to surrogate and legal complexity.
- Traditional surrogacy is rare due to genetic ties and emotional/legal hurdles.
- Payment structures—altruistic vs. commercial—must comply with local laws.
- International/domestic and agency/independent routes offer varying levels of support, oversight, and cost.
Source article: ichhori.com