Surrogacy Without Using Ovum/Egg Donation

The term traditional surrogacy describes the process in which a woman is artificially inseminated with the father's sperm. She relinquishes the baby at birth, giving up her parental rights in favor of the mother. Because she is genetically related to the child, mothers who are traditional surrogates are often friends or relatives of the parents. Whether or not the traditional surrogate is related to either parent, they are special women who are able to detach from the child after carrying it for nine months.

Advantages of traditional surrogacy

One advantage of traditional surrogacy from the parents' perspective is the relatively low cost. Artificial insemination is less expensive than in vitro fertilization. There is no donation fee. It is usually less medically complex. If the first effort at artificial insemination does not work, a second try can be made within weeks, rather than in months, as is usually the case during in vitro fertilization. From the surrogate's point of view, it is a speedy and painless process. The surrogate seldom needs to take fertility medication.

Disadvantages of traditional surrogacy

The primary disadvantages of traditional surrogacy are legal and emotional. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforceable in certain states. Judges are somewhat more likely to rule in favor of the traditional surrogate if conflicts arise. Because the surrogate is genetically related to the child, the intended mother will typically need to adopt the baby through a step-parent adoption process.

Some traditional surrogates may find it difficult to separate from the baby, changing their minds and causing lengthy and painful legal battles. This is why traditional surrogacy is less certain from the parents' perspective. However, recent surveys reveal that less than 1% of all births involving a surrogate result in disputes. The surrogates who work with the International Assisted Reproduction Center, are very reliable with excellent track records. Our attorney-director drafts legal documents and contracts designed to minimize the possibility of conflict. However, intended parents should consider the possibility, however slight, that something could go wrong.

For more information about traditional surrogacy, contact the IARC. Call 763.494.8800.