Gestational Surrogates (Carriers) vs. Traditional Surrogates
Gestational Surrogates
Gestational carriers, also known as gestational surrogates, are by far the most popular option being used by couples. Gestational surrogates are not genetically related to the child that they carry. Instead, modern technology allows the gestational surrogate to carry a genetically unrelated fetus through donor eggs or using the intended mother’s eggs.
Gestational surrogates can work closely alongside mothers or egg donors to sync their cycles and prepare for the IVF process shortly after the egg retrieval procedure and embryo creation. They may also instead use an embryo that was frozen through an earlier IVF cycle. Again, they do not have the genetic linkage that might further complicate parentage issues and ethicality.
Traditional Surrogates
Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate not only carries the child but also uses her eggs. This means she is the biological mother who carries the child with the intention of parentage placed to the intended parent(s) upon birth.
A traditional surrogate is often impregnated via IUI, using the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. In the end, the child is half biologically related to the surrogate mother – who they will likely never know – and their intended father. Some prefer this as it can be less money.
There are concerns about this, however. First, even if the traditional surrogate is a close friend or relative, she is the genetic mother and could be seen as having a greater advantage in court should she ever change her mind about keeping the child.
Because of many of the potential concerns (genetic issues, the dangers that come along with home insemination in some cases, etc.), the majority of health professionals, surrogacy lawyers, judges, and clinics may refuse to be involved. In addition, some states have banned traditional surrogacy due to the possible ramifications so if you are interested in this route, proceed with tremendous caution.
Gestational Surrogacy Agreement Terms
Just as there are different types of surrogacy arrangements, there are also two different agreement terms that identify how a surrogate is compensated. The impact a surrogate has on the lives of others goes far beyond money, however, it is a vital part of the agreement. When you move forward with choosing Fairfax as your agency, you are ensuring that our surrogates are generously compensated for their time, commitment, and emotional investment for such a compassionate cause.
In years prior the GSA terms were commonly referred to as “Altruistic and Commercial”. There was a movement to change these terms by many pro-family and advocacy organizations. The new and accepted terms are Compassionate Surrogacy – replacing Altruistic and Compensated – replacing the outdated term Commercial. One of the many reasons is that specific terms in use can be damaging to those fighting anti-family building legislation and anti-surrogacy organizations. The community at large is shifting or currently using these terms to identify the agreement (GSAs).
Here are how each is defined:
Compassionate Surrogacy
A woman carries a pregnancy for no compensation beyond her medical bills and direct costs associated with the pregnancy; Compassionate surrogacies can be gestational or traditional. Compassionate surrogacy seems to be more widely accepted as it is legal in many states and countries where compensated surrogacy is banned.
Compensated Surrogacy
A woman is paid a fee for carrying a pregnancy beyond covering her medical bills and expenses. Compensated surrogacies can be gestational or traditional.