Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Role of the Surrogacy Agency

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Role of the Surrogacy Agency

Surrogacy has become a popular option for couples and individuals who are unable to conceive on their own. It involves a woman carrying a baby for someone else, either through traditional surrogacy or gestational surrogacy. While both methods have the same end goal, the process and role of a surrogacy agency can vary greatly between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy, and the important role that a surrogacy agency plays in the surrogacy journey.

What is Traditional Surrogacy?
Traditional surrogacy, also known as genetic surrogacy, is a process in which the surrogate mother uses her own egg to become pregnant through artificial insemination. This means that the surrogate is genetically related to the child she is carrying. The intended father’s sperm is used for the insemination, making him the biological father of the child.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, is a method in which the surrogate mother carries a baby that is not genetically related to her. In this process, the intended parents’ embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm, or a donor’s egg or sperm. The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, and she carries the pregnancy until birth.

The Role of a Surrogacy Agency
Both traditional and gestational surrogacy involve complex legal, medical, and emotional processes. This is where a surrogacy agency comes in. A surrogacy agency acts as a third party that facilitates the surrogacy journey for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Their role is crucial in ensuring a smooth and successful surrogacy experience for all parties involved.

Recruiting and Screening Surrogates
One of the main responsibilities of a surrogacy agency is to recruit and screen potential surrogate mothers. This involves a thorough screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations, to ensure that the surrogate is physically and emotionally capable of carrying a pregnancy for someone else. The agency will also conduct background checks and verify the surrogate’s previous pregnancy history.

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Role of the Surrogacy Agency

Matching Process
Once a surrogate has been screened and approved, the surrogacy agency will then match her with the intended parents. This is a crucial step as it involves finding the perfect match based on compatibility and mutual preferences. The agency will consider factors such as the intended parents’ requirements, the surrogate’s expectations, and their personalities and values.

Legal and Financial Guidance
Surrogacy involves complex legal procedures, and a surrogacy agency will have a team of experienced attorneys who can guide both the intended parents and the surrogate through the legal aspects of the process. They will ensure that all parties have a legally binding agreement that protects everyone’s rights and responsibilities. The agency will also provide financial guidance and assistance, including setting up an escrow account to manage the financial aspects of surrogacy, such as medical expenses and compensation for the surrogate.

Case Management and Support
Throughout the surrogacy journey, a surrogacy agency will act as a case manager and provide support to both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. They will be a point of contact for any questions or concerns and will facilitate communication between all parties. The agency will also provide emotional support and counseling to help manage the emotional aspects of surrogacy.

Ongoing Monitoring and Coordination
During the pregnancy, the surrogacy agency will continue to monitor and coordinate all aspects of the surrogacy journey. This includes coordinating medical appointments and ensuring that all parties are following the agreed-upon plan. The agency will also provide support in case of any complications or issues that may arise during the pregnancy.

Conclusion
In conclusion, traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy have fundamental differences, and the role of a surrogacy agency varies depending on the type of surrogacy chosen. However, in both cases, the surrogacy agency plays a crucial role in managing and facilitating the surrogacy journey for all parties involved. They provide guidance, support, and coordination throughout the process, ensuring a successful and fulfilling surrogacy experience for everyone.

Summary: Surrogacy is a popular option for couples and individuals who are unable to conceive on their own. There are two types of surrogacy – traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. A surrogacy agency plays a crucial role in facilitating the surrogacy journey for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Their responsibilities include recruiting and screening surrogates, matching them with intended parents, providing legal and financial guidance, offering emotional support, and ongoing monitoring and coordination.