Surrogacy 101: Understanding The Different Types And Their Pros And Cons

Surrogacy is a complex emotional, legal, and medical journey. It’s a path chosen by many who wish to become parents but face challenges in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term.   

This article discusses the different types of surrogacies, highlighting their pros and cons, and provides insights into global surrogacy as an emerging trend. Continue reading to learn more.  

Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is also the biological mother of the child conceived through artificial insemination, offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, as follows:  

 Pros    

• Cost-effectiveness: Traditional surrogacy is generally less expensive than gestational surrogacy because it does not require in vitro fertilization (IVF).  
• Less complex medical process: It involves a simpler medical procedure, with artificial insemination being less invasive and physically demanding than IVF.  
• Genetic connection with one parent: The child is genetically related to the surrogate and, in cases where the intended father’s sperm is used, also has a genetic link to one of the intended parents.  

Cons   

• Emotional and legal complexities: The genetic link between the surrogate and the child can lead to emotional complications and legal challenges, particularly regarding the surrogate’s attachment to the baby and establishing parental rights.  
• Ethical concerns: There are ethical debates surrounding traditional surrogacy. These include the commodification of women’s bodies and the potential for exploitation of the surrogate.  
• Limited acceptance and legal restrictions: Traditional surrogacy is heavily regulated or even prohibited in some jurisdictions due to ethical and legal issues, limiting its availability and acceptance in certain regions.  

Individuals or couples seeking a less expensive and medically simpler surrogacy option who are comfortable with the surrogate being genetically related to the child should opt for traditional surrogacy.  

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a fertility process where an embryo, created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, is implanted into a surrogate mother who carries and delivers the baby. Unlike traditional surrogacy, the gestational surrogate has no genetic link to the child.  

Pros    

•  No genetic link to surrogate: The surrogate has no biological connection to the child, which simplifies the emotional and legal aspects of the surrogacy arrangement, making the process smoother for both parties.  
• Greater flexibility in creating the family: Gestational surrogacy allows for a wide range of family-building options. These options include the opportunity for both intended parents to be genetically related to the child or for single parents and same-sex couples to have a biological connection to their child.  
• Legal clarity: In many jurisdictions, gestational surrogacy is viewed more favourably under the law, with established legal frameworks that can offer more apparent paths to establishing parental rights, reducing legal risks for intended parents.  

Cons   

• Higher costs: The process requires in vitro fertilization (IVF), which significantly increases the overall cost of surrogacy due to the medical procedures involved.  
• Emotionally and physically demanding: IVF can be a demanding process for the egg donor (if used) and the intended mother (if her eggs are used), involving hormonal treatments and medical procedures; the surrogate also undergoes embryo transfer procedures and pregnancy.  
• Complexity and uncertainty: The success of gestational surrogacy depends on the successful implantation of an embryo, which may not occur on the first attempt, leading to multiple IVF cycles.  

With these factors in mind, gestational surrogacy is best suited for individuals or couples who desire a biological connection with the child without the surrogate’s genetic involvement and who are prepared for the financial and emotional complexities of the IVF process.  

International surrogacy  

As surrogacy becomes more popular, international surrogacy has emerged as a critical trend. The term refers to the process of engaging in global surrogacy arrangements across international borders.   

Pros  

• Cost advantages: In many cases, international surrogacy can be less expensive than in one’s home country. The cost difference usually includes the surrogate’s compensation, medical expenses, and legal fees, making it a viable option for many.  
• Fewer legal hurdles: Some countries have more favorable surrogacy laws than others, offering a straightforward path to establishing parental rights. It can be particularly appealing for individuals and couples who face legal restrictions in their country.  
• Availability of surrogates: In certain countries, there is a larger pool of willing surrogates, which can make it easier for intended parents to find a match without long waits, often accompanied by professional agencies that manage the process efficiently.  

Cons  

• Legal complexity and risk: Navigating the legal landscape of international surrogacy can be complex and fraught with dangers, including the potential for law changes that could impact the surrogacy agreement or the recognition of parental rights in the intended parents’ home country.  
• Ethical and exploitation concerns: There are significant ethical considerations, including concerns about the potential exploitation of surrogates in less developed countries, where surrogates may not have the same level of protection or informed consent.  
• Logistical and emotional distance: Managing a surrogacy arrangement from afar adds logistical challenges, including travel restrictions, language barriers, and the inability to be present for important milestones. Physical distance can also contribute to emotional detachment from the pregnancy process, making it harder for intended parents to feel connected to the surrogate and the pregnancy journey.  

Considering the above, individuals or couples facing legal restrictions, high costs, or limited surrogate availability in their home country should consider international surrogacy as an alternative path to parenthood.  

Conclusion  

Surrogacy offers a beacon of hope for many aspiring parents, but it’s a path that requires careful consideration. Whether opting for traditional or gestational surrogacy or exploring options globally, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, consider the ethical implications, and navigate the legal landscape with expert guidance. As surrogacy continues to evolve, so will the discussions surrounding its practice, ensuring that every child’s journey into the world is met with love, respect, and dignity.