Understanding the Differences Between Gestational Surrogacy vs Traditional Surrogacy

One of the initial choice intended parents and prospective surrogates must make when considering surrogacy is the type of surrogacy they want to pursue.

Key Facts

1. Gestational Surrogacy: Involves IVF, with no genetic connection between the surrogate and child.
2. Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother.
3. Legal implications: Traditional surrogacy poses more complex parental rights issues.
4. Medical procedures: Gestational surrogacy requires embryo implantation; traditional uses artificial insemination.
5. Popularity: Gestational surrogacy is more widely practiced due to clearer legal and ethical boundaries.

There are two types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. But what’s the difference between the two? Gestational surrogates carry a baby that is not biologically related to them, while traditional surrogates both carry and are related to the baby they’re carrying. 

In this blog post, we will explore the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy in details so that you can make an informed decision about which type is right for you.

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What is Surrogacy? 

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate mother) carries and delivers a baby for another couple or person. The surrogate may be either related to the commissioning parents (traditional surrogacy), or she may have no genetic connection to the child (gestational surrogacy).

Both traditional and gestational surrogacies are legal in most countries, though there are variations in the legal requirements and restrictions that may apply. In general, surrogacy arrangements must be entered into willingly and with the full understanding of all parties involved. The surrogate mother must also be medically fit to carry a pregnancy and give birth.

As stated earlier on, there are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. We'll go over it in details in the following paragraphs.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an embryo created using the eggs of the commissioning mother (or a donor) and the sperm of the commissioning father (or a donor) is implanted into the surrogate mother's womb. The child will therefore be genetically related to at least one parent, but not necessarily both. This type of surrogacy is sometimes referred to as "host" or "partial" surrogacy.

Gestational surrogacy is considered to be a more humane form of surrogacy, as it does not involve any genetic connection between the surrogate and the child. Additionally, gestational surrogates are often seen as more reliable than traditional surrogates, as they have no emotional attachment to the child they are carrying. Gestational surrogates are often called "gestational carriers."

What is Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy involves artificial insemination of the surrogate mother using the father's sperm through a process known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). This type of surrogacy is also known as full surrogacy or genetic surrogacy. 

With traditional surrogacy, there is a genetic connection between the surrogate and the child; half of the child's DNA will come from the surrogate. The child will therefore be genetically related to both the surrogate mother and the father. In some cases, donor sperm may be used instead of the father's sperm.

In traditional surrogacy arrangements, the surrogate may be compensated for her time, physical discomfort, and lost wages during pregnancy and childbirth. Traditional surrogacy is less common than gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogates are also called "genetic surrogates" or "birth mothers."

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Differences Between Gestational vs Traditional Surrogacy

If you’re considering surrogacy to build your family, you may be wondering what the difference is between gestational surrogacy vs traditional surrogacy. Both methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the distinction before making a decision.

- Legal Process

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the biological mother of the child. She is impregnated with the father’s sperm through artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination. The child is therefore genetically related to both the surrogate and the father. The legal process for this type of surrogacy is more complex because the surrogate mother has parental rights to the child. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not the biological mother of the child. She is implanted with an embryo that has been created using the father’s sperm and the mother’s egg. The child is therefore only genetically related to the parents. The legal process for this type of surrogacy is non-complex because the surrogate mother has no parental rights to the child. 

- Costs

On average, gestational surrogacy costs more than traditional surrogacy. This is due to differences in the medical process; IUI is less expensive than IVF and typically involves fewer medical procedures and fertility treatments.

- Medical Process

The medical procedures of IVF (gestational surrogacy) and IUI (traditional surrogacy) are very different. In general, IUI is a simpler procedure that necessitates fewer fertility treatments for the surrogate. In addition, because their eggs will not be used to create the embryo, intended mothers will not need to take fertility medications or go through the egg retrieval process.

- Risks

Traditional surrogacy is more emotionally and legally hazardous than gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is the biological mother of the child, so she is more likely to emotionally attached with the baby, making it more difficult to hand the baby over to the intended parents. Furthermore, because she has parental rights to the baby, she has the legal right to challenge the surrogacy arrangement in court, which could result in a lengthy and costly legal battle for everyone involved.

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Which type of surrogacy is right for you?

Let's take a quick recap from the beginning of the article. When it comes to surrogacy, there are two main types: gestational and traditional. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two before making a decision.

Gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child. This is done through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), where the egg and sperm are combined outside of the body, and then implanted into the surrogate. This type of surrogacy is often chosen by same-sex couples or couples who have had trouble conceiving on their own.

Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate mother uses her own egg to conceive the child. This means that she will be genetically related to the child. Traditional surrogacy is often chosen by couples who want a closer connection to their child’s biological mother.

With all that being said, which type of surrogacy is right for you? Well, it really depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you’re looking for a surrogate who has no genetic connection to your child, then gestational surrogacy may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a surrogate who has a closer connection to your child, then traditional surrogacy may be a better fit. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your family.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are some key differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy. If you are considering hiring a surrogate, it is important to understand these differences so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. We hope this article has helped to clear up any confusion and given you some food for thought. Thank you for reading!

References

1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy Defined. Retrieved July 2025, from https://www.asrm.org
2. Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Understanding Surrogacy Options. Retrieved July 2025, from https://www.resolve.org
3. Mayo Clinic. IVF and Gestational Surrogacy Procedures. Retrieved July 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org
4. LegalMatch. Legal Aspects of Surrogacy Agreements. Retrieved July 2025, from https://www.legalmatch.com
5. Parents.com. Surrogacy: A Growing Family Option. Retrieved July 2025, from https://www.parents.com

Iyanu Kolawole

My name is Iyanu Kolawole, I’m a professional content writer and web developer. I have always been passionate about writing and developing my coding skills. I started my career as a content writer and have written for several companies and brands. I am also a skilled web developer and have built several websites for businesses and individuals.I am a hardworking individual who is always looking to improve my skills. I am constantly striving to learn new things and to be the best at what I do. I am also a very friendly person and enjoy working with others.